Global history examines the interconnectedness of human societies and their interactions across the world over time. Even when a global historian focuses their historical research on a specific location, they are interested in examining how global forces shaped human lives in those areas. For example, a global historian of Malaysia may study how British imperialism affected the position of the Malay sultanates.
Comparatively, local history refers to the study of the history of a particular place or community, often focusing on the people, events, and institutions that have shaped that community. For example, a local historian of Malaya may study the development of a local Malayan cinema.