Answer to Question #227696 in History for SPARTA

Question

Use your own example or case study to discuss the limitations of world history. Consider the historical narratives chosen, sources used or ignored, and regions and perspectives emphasised or overlooked.

Answer 1

Inappropriate use of analogies limits the use of history to contemporary events in the society thus leading to misinterpretation. Improper analogies can lead to confusion when applied in the field of intelligence or the decision-making process. There is a risk of misunderstanding if an interpreter utilizes perceived analogies to suit their arguments. For example, Korean invasion of 1950, the president Truman in memoirs indicated that communism was happening in Korea like Japanese, Hitler and Mussolini had applied 10 to 20 years earlier (Khong, 2020). Like the cause of second world war, this was going to trigger third world war if this was not challenged. History is also limited as a result of variability in the interpreter’s perceptions and biases.

Reference

Khong, Y. F. (2020). Analogies at war. Princeton University Press. https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9780691212913/html