Eric Male. Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Wallerstein economically summarizes his arguments of World System history. Along the way, he rebuffs critiques from his intellectual opponents with confidence and clarity. However, it is my opinion that he doesn't give full account, theoretically as well as empirically, of his critics. This is, we must admit, understandable for someone who tries to fight off the attacks when engaging in polemical disputes. However, it is highly recommended for readers to consult the original works by world system theory's critics, for instance, Aristide Zolberg and Theda Skocpol. The culrual turn in Humanities and social science has posted substantial challenge to a world system history that doesn't take cultural practice(including national imagination) and agency seriously.