Niall Ferguson's work, "The Abyss: World War I and the End of the First Age of Globalization," explores the profound changes wrought by World War I. He examines how this global conflict not only reshaped borders and nations but also led to significant political and social upheavals. The war marked a turning point in history, signaling the decline of old powers and the emergence of new ideologies, dramatically altering the course of the 20th century.

In this context, the character of John Ivan the Terrible is referenced, symbolizing the brutality and chaos of the period. Ferguson emphasizes the destructive nature of the war and its lasting impact on global relations, indicating that the consequences of this conflict extended well beyond the battlefield, influencing economic conditions and international dynamics for decades to come.