In "Prime Movers of Globalization," Vaclav Smil masterfully unravels the technological underpinnings that have sculpted the modern globalized economy, steering clear from the conventional narratives that either flatten the world's complexities or mythicize historical figures as unlikely champions of global commerce. With meticulous detail and engaging prose, Smil brings to the forefront the unsung heroes of globalization: the high-compression non-sparking internal combustion engines invented by Rudolf Diesel in the 1890s and the gas turbines designed by Frank Whittle and Hans-Joachim Pabst von Ohain in the 1930s. These prime movers, responsible for the propulsion of cargo ships and jet engines, emerge as the true architects of our interconnected world, overshadowing any corporate strategy or trade agreement in their impact on the global economy. Smil's narrative is not just a history lesson; it is an insight into the profound influence of gradual technological advancements that have reshaped global affairs. By comparing these engines to past prime movers like the sail and the steam engine, Smil offers a perspective on efficiency and scale that challenges our understanding of progress. The book is an enlightening exploration of how the diesel engine and the gas turbine, through their development, commercialization, and diffusion, have facilitated an epochal shift in global dynamics. "Prime Movers of Globalization" is an essential read for anyone seeking to comprehend the real forces behind the curtain of our globally connected lives.