CMU-Q’s Ben Reilly publishes “Disasters in World History”
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q)’s Benjamin Reilly has authored his fifth volume of scholarly work, Disasters in World History, published by Routledge. A teaching professor of history, Reilly’s new book delves into the complex relationship between environmental phenomena and human societies. CMU-Q is a Qatar Foundation partner university.
“Disasters are the collision point between natural forces and the specific vulnerabilities of a society at a particular point in time,” said Reilly. “These collision points have shaped the course of history, influencing the rise and fall of empires, fueling conflict, and leaving an indelible mark on cultures around the world.”
Disasters in World History examines historical events using the emerging theory of a behavioral immune system. This theory posits that people have developed a psychological system to help detect and avoid potential sources of infection. In essence, humans are hard-wired to avoid possible indicators of disease, including visitors who may be carrying disease into a community. The behavioral immune system theory sheds light on the xenophobia and violence that can erupt in the aftermath of disasters.
Earlier this semester, Northwestern University in Qatar’s Anto Mohsin and his students visited CMU-Q for a lecture by Benjamin Reilly. The students are studying Reilly’s new book in their course.
Disasters in World History is the first installment in a two-book series. The forthcoming companion volume, Diseases in World History, will explore the historical impact of pandemics and other large-scale health crises.
“I am fascinated by how history is influenced by biology, the environment, and the psychological response to existential threats on a society,” said Reilly. Past books have explored the relationship between malaria and the history of Rome, and malaria and the Arabian peninsula.
Reilly’s new book coincides with the 20th anniversary of Carnegie Mellon’s campus in Qatar. Reilly is an original CMU-Q faculty member, teaching history at CMU-Q since August 2004. He has also been a key organizer of the Qatar Faculty Forum that brings together scholars and researchers in Education City to share their work.