Janet Abu-Lughod's "Before European Hegemony" ruthlessly dismantles the myth that Europe rose to global prominence due to inherent superiority or brilliance. Instead, it reveals a pre-existing world economy crafted by diverse, thriving civilizations from which Europe, late to the game, benefited through exploitation and rupture. By tracing this narrative, Abu-Lughod forces us to confront uncomfortable truths: Europe did not create history; it emerged through the erosion of powerful systems created by others. History wasn’t predestined; it was violently reshaped.