As the author states, “The theme of this book has been ceaseless action and reaction, progress and backlash” (309). Whether in fiction or nonfiction, rarely does an author so explicitly state the central theme of a work. Zakaria offers this encapsulation at the conclusion of Age of Revolutions. It is a sweeping statement, and the author leverages many powerful examples from history to prove his point. By beginning with the Dutch Revolution in the 16th century and tracing a pattern of action and reaction, the book shows the degree to which each advancement is inevitably met with resistance. The Dutch Republic was Europe’s first example of decentralized government and multiple independent urban centers. However, the prosperity of the Netherlands was cut short by Louis XIV’s invasion, whose actions demonstrate the inevitable backlash to progress. Likewise, monarchists throughout Europe resisted the notion of a prosperous republic within their midst.

The French Revolution began as a well-intended effort to give the populace a voice in government, but extremists within the revolutionary government triggered a Reign of Terror in which everyone became a potential political enemy. As with the Dutch, the surrounding monarchies again were threatened by a republic in their midst and sought to crush France and progress was once more followed by a backlash.