SOCIETIES, NETWORKS, AND TRANSITIONS connects the different regions of the world between chapters, and explores broader global themes in part-ending essays. This innovative structure combines the accessibility of a regional approach with the rigor of comparative scholarship to show users world history in a truly global framework. The "tree, tree, tree, forest" organization assures that users stay engaged and sure of when and where they are in their study of world history. The book also features a strong focus on culture and religion.