Book number 11 from 36 for 2023

The Revenge Of Geography: What the Map Tells Us About Coming Conflicts and the Battle Against Fate by Robert D. Kaplan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I had picked up this book expecting it to be a social commentary on people, customs, attitudes… their lives based on the geography of their countries. So in the beginning, the book’s focus on geopolitics was a bit of a let down.

A few chapters in however I was fully in it.
Understanding the current attitudes of countries to each other and larger players. The possible conflict points. Fascinating stuff! Specially reading it almost a decade after it was written. What all had happened in these years that was mentioned as possibilities in the book. (Have I said Fascinating stuff! before?)
The current Ukraine war, China’s developing role across Asia, Africa and South America. The delicate Middle East balance. Understanding India’s situation and mindset. Also USA and it’s involvement in world affairs. Interesting what Mr Kaplan has written about the importance of Mexico and Central America for the US.

Finely nuanced all through, with seemingly non-biased opinions on the role of different regions in World politics. Nice 🙂

Took longer than expected to read though and now I’m behind in my reading challenge 2023. The next book will be a short light read to catch-up 🙂



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