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Politics of Place #4
The Power of Geography: Ten Maps that Reveal the Future of Our World
In this revelatory new book, Marshall explores ten regions that are set to shape global politics in a new age of great-power rivalry: Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain and Space. Find out why Europe’s next refugee crisis is closer than it thinks as trouble brews in the Sahel; why the Middle East must look beyond oil and sand to secure its future; why the eastern Mediterranean is one of the most volatile flashpoints of the twenty-first century; and why the Earth’s atmosphere is set to become the world’s next battleground.
380 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2021
About the author
Tim Marshall
18 books2,235 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Tim Marshall was Diplomatic Editor and foreign correspondent for Sky News. After thirty years' experience in news reporting and presenting, he left full time news journalism to concentrate on writing and analysis.
Originally from Leeds, Tim arrived at broadcasting from the road less traveled. Not a media studies or journalism graduate, in fact not a graduate at all, after a wholly unsuccessful career as a painter and decorator he worked his way through newsroom nightshifts, and unpaid stints as a researcher and runner before eventually securing himself a foothold on the first rung of the broadcasting career ladder.
After three years as IRN's Paris correspondent and extensive work for BBC radio and TV, Tim joined Sky News. Reporting from Europe, the USA and Asia, Tim became Middle East Correspondent based in Jerusalem.
Tim also reported in the field from Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia during the Balkan wars of the 1990s. He spent the majority of the 1999 Kosovo crisis in Belgrade, where he was one of the few western journalists who stayed on to report from one of the main targets of NATO bombing raids. Tim was in Kosovo to greet the NATO troops on the day they advanced into Pristina. In recent years he covered the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria.
He has written for many of the national newspapers including the Times, the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, and the Sunday Times.
Bio photo credit © Jolly Thompson.
Tim Marshall was Diplomatic Editor and foreign correspondent for Sky News. After thirty years' experience in news reporting and presenting, he left full time news journalism to concentrate on writing and analysis.
Originally from Leeds, Tim arrived at broadcasting from the road less traveled. Not a media studies or journalism graduate, in fact not a graduate at all, after a wholly unsuccessful career as a painter and decorator he worked his way through newsroom nightshifts, and unpaid stints as a researcher and runner before eventually securing himself a foothold on the first rung of the broadcasting career ladder.
After three years as IRN's Paris correspondent and extensive work for BBC radio and TV, Tim joined Sky News. Reporting from Europe, the USA and Asia, Tim became Middle East Correspondent based in Jerusalem.
Tim also reported in the field from Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia during the Balkan wars of the 1990s. He spent the majority of the 1999 Kosovo crisis in Belgrade, where he was one of the few western journalists who stayed on to report from one of the main targets of NATO bombing raids. Tim was in Kosovo to greet the NATO troops on the day they advanced into Pristina. In recent years he covered the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria.
He has written for many of the national newspapers including the Times, the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, and the Sunday Times.
Bio photo credit © Jolly Thompson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,498 reviews
March 14, 2022
I recently earned a fair amount of National Book Tokens so went to a superstore selling books to do a splurge on some new books, but after finding 7(!) works of fiction that looked interesting I really struggled to find a final 8th read, so I skedaddled to the non-fiction section and found this book in the top ten bestsellers. Geography! A book about geography is not something you see everyday, so I bought it... and I am now so happy that I did. Writer Tim Marshall in a documentary but engaging style looks at ten regional maps and then in historical, political, economic and most of all geographical detail explains.. did I say explains? I meant to say educates ...educates the reader on how fundamental geography is, as one of the prime reasons why in the past, present and future these regions have, do and will shape global politics. Geography!
The book has chapters on Australia, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, the Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey ... and space! The easy readability of a book that is packed to the brims with confirmed and notarised information is an educational joy, but that not being enough for Marshall it is so delightfully FACT filled, with its no holds barred, fair and just criticisms of the so called Imperial (European) Powers of the past, of the actual real impact of climate change, and a joy to behold, no watering down of the continual piracy, savagery and in modern times terrorist like interventions by larger nations like the US, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, France, Turkey and others in the internal politics and development of smaller /weaker nations... all with clear concise evidence backed writing! Some times the truth hurts... don't shoot the messenger, learn from the past, is the final message I got from this scintillating read!
2022 read
The book has chapters on Australia, Ethiopia, Greece, Iran, the Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey ... and space! The easy readability of a book that is packed to the brims with confirmed and notarised information is an educational joy, but that not being enough for Marshall it is so delightfully FACT filled, with its no holds barred, fair and just criticisms of the so called Imperial (European) Powers of the past, of the actual real impact of climate change, and a joy to behold, no watering down of the continual piracy, savagery and in modern times terrorist like interventions by larger nations like the US, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, France, Turkey and others in the internal politics and development of smaller /weaker nations... all with clear concise evidence backed writing! Some times the truth hurts... don't shoot the messenger, learn from the past, is the final message I got from this scintillating read!
2022 read
April 22, 2021
The Power of Geography is the much-anticipated sequel to Prisoners of Geography, a book that illustrated that a countries choices are constrained by both its landscape and climate. In this follow-up Tim Marshall examines another ten countries of geopolitical interest; this time in terms of the importance they hold for the future, Marshall emphasises how crucial geography is to an understanding of global politics - and how surprising it is that this fact often gets ignored. The book explores different states and regions that are increasingly relevant to our current times and our future: a country’s story begins from its location, and what lies within and near its borders. Which way do its rivers flow and are they conducive to navigation and internal and external trade? Do the mountains on its borders limit its ability to expand, or protect it from a potentially hostile larger neighbour? Does the climate, topography and soil allow the growth of a large population as in the USA or, as in the case of Greece and Australia, limit it? This is a solid foundation upon which to layer history and current events to not only understand why events are happening, but to predict a country’s likely future behaviour. Maps reveal as much about a government’s strategy as any high-powered summit or overly blown rhetorical speech. If you want to go somewhere, you can only start from where you are.
That may sound obvious, perhaps trite, but a government or a leader forgets it at their peril. They must understand exactly where they are and how much fuel they have in the tank – Napoleon was not the first or last to forget that lesson and he was taught a harsh one in the Russian winter of 1812. An example in the book is Saudi Arabia. The tribal character of the country was forged in the heat of its deserts, and its place in the world is founded on its key resource underneath the sand. But when the oil was found the population was about 2 million. Now it is 34 million. If the world weans itself off oil, what sustains 34 million people in a country with limited agricultural land? The decisions the House of Saud is now making to diversify its economy are based on geography. Since the end of the Second World War, putting geography front and centre in international relations has been regarded with suspicion due to its alleged ‘determinism’, and has been eclipsed by hard economics and technology. The high priests of foreign policy, more in academia than in government, came to see it as poor thinking akin to fatalism. That, however, is in itself poor thinking and flies in the face of common sense. Russia’s President Putin did not take a keen interest in the 2020 election in Belarus due to its potential consumer market for Russian goods or as an emerging high-tech nation.
Every Russian leader involves themselves in the immediate territories west of Moscow because it is mostly flat land through which Russia has been invaded, or through which Russian power projects westward. In the case of Belarus it is also linked with the Suwalki Gap, connecting to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. It’s also the pathway to the Smolensk Gate – territory into which military forces are channelled during conflicts, recent examples being the Germans into Russia in 1941, and then the Russians into Poland and on to Germany two years later. What happens in Belarus is of huge interest to Washington DC, Berlin, Paris, Warsaw, Russia and others, and that interest is overwhelmingly based on the continuity of geography. When we see the news of pro-democracy demonstrations in Minsk, we are looking at people’s aspirations about freedom and economic wellbeing, but we are also looking at geographic insecurities. Words can tell you the ‘what’; maps can help you understand the ‘why’. Rivers, mountains, deserts, islands and the seas are determining factors in history. Leaders, ideas and economics are crucial, but they are temporary, and geography is ever present. As the Dutch-American geopolitical writer Nicholas Spykman said: ‘Geography does not argue. It simply is’. This is an accessible, fascinating and information-rich read filled with up to the minute facts and statistics about our would, its geography and the story that can be foretold from the way things are currently. Highly recommended.
That may sound obvious, perhaps trite, but a government or a leader forgets it at their peril. They must understand exactly where they are and how much fuel they have in the tank – Napoleon was not the first or last to forget that lesson and he was taught a harsh one in the Russian winter of 1812. An example in the book is Saudi Arabia. The tribal character of the country was forged in the heat of its deserts, and its place in the world is founded on its key resource underneath the sand. But when the oil was found the population was about 2 million. Now it is 34 million. If the world weans itself off oil, what sustains 34 million people in a country with limited agricultural land? The decisions the House of Saud is now making to diversify its economy are based on geography. Since the end of the Second World War, putting geography front and centre in international relations has been regarded with suspicion due to its alleged ‘determinism’, and has been eclipsed by hard economics and technology. The high priests of foreign policy, more in academia than in government, came to see it as poor thinking akin to fatalism. That, however, is in itself poor thinking and flies in the face of common sense. Russia’s President Putin did not take a keen interest in the 2020 election in Belarus due to its potential consumer market for Russian goods or as an emerging high-tech nation.
Every Russian leader involves themselves in the immediate territories west of Moscow because it is mostly flat land through which Russia has been invaded, or through which Russian power projects westward. In the case of Belarus it is also linked with the Suwalki Gap, connecting to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. It’s also the pathway to the Smolensk Gate – territory into which military forces are channelled during conflicts, recent examples being the Germans into Russia in 1941, and then the Russians into Poland and on to Germany two years later. What happens in Belarus is of huge interest to Washington DC, Berlin, Paris, Warsaw, Russia and others, and that interest is overwhelmingly based on the continuity of geography. When we see the news of pro-democracy demonstrations in Minsk, we are looking at people’s aspirations about freedom and economic wellbeing, but we are also looking at geographic insecurities. Words can tell you the ‘what’; maps can help you understand the ‘why’. Rivers, mountains, deserts, islands and the seas are determining factors in history. Leaders, ideas and economics are crucial, but they are temporary, and geography is ever present. As the Dutch-American geopolitical writer Nicholas Spykman said: ‘Geography does not argue. It simply is’. This is an accessible, fascinating and information-rich read filled with up to the minute facts and statistics about our would, its geography and the story that can be foretold from the way things are currently. Highly recommended.
September 30, 2021
After all these prize lists, it's a delight to tackle some non-fiction - and Marshall's accessible overview of global politics is just fun to read. While Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics looked at broader regional dynamics, this installment tackles eight countries (Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UK, Greece, Turkey, Ethiopia, Spain), the Sahel and - outer space.
I have to admit though that geography, while it is certainly mentioned, now feels like a mere hook to give the author an underlying concept to venture into the history and future trajectory of the places he elaborates on. Readers also certainly have to keep in mind that this is popular science - Marshall is not here to ponder intricacies with PoliSci students, but to open the minds of an general audience to problems on the international stage, and he does so from a decidedly Western perspective. The predictions regarding the future are pretty vague as well.
But still, I enjoyed this book: As it covers such a vast area (literally), there are some countries I was well informed about, while other chapters contained lots of new insights although they are crafted to offer a cursory overview. I particularly appreciate that Marshall aims to illustrate the interconnectedness of world politics, an obvious fact that does not go away even if some people (both politicians and voters) try to deny it.
I have to admit though that geography, while it is certainly mentioned, now feels like a mere hook to give the author an underlying concept to venture into the history and future trajectory of the places he elaborates on. Readers also certainly have to keep in mind that this is popular science - Marshall is not here to ponder intricacies with PoliSci students, but to open the minds of an general audience to problems on the international stage, and he does so from a decidedly Western perspective. The predictions regarding the future are pretty vague as well.
But still, I enjoyed this book: As it covers such a vast area (literally), there are some countries I was well informed about, while other chapters contained lots of new insights although they are crafted to offer a cursory overview. I particularly appreciate that Marshall aims to illustrate the interconnectedness of world politics, an obvious fact that does not go away even if some people (both politicians and voters) try to deny it.
February 25, 2022
This one isn't really about geography - there is lip service to geographical features e.g. Iran is a fortress as its surrounded by mountains, Australia is an island etc but I think the reference is there just to sell more books, given the success of its predecessor.
Instead, this is a collection of geopolitical essays which run through some regional history and then talk about the current state of affairs in that area. Its the sort of thing you'd read in a Sunday supplement and acts well as a primer for further reading about what's going on in a particular area. Its interesting and informative and the author throws in some light touches, but ultimately I think the text would be better served in a newspaper or magazine.
Instead, this is a collection of geopolitical essays which run through some regional history and then talk about the current state of affairs in that area. Its the sort of thing you'd read in a Sunday supplement and acts well as a primer for further reading about what's going on in a particular area. Its interesting and informative and the author throws in some light touches, but ultimately I think the text would be better served in a newspaper or magazine.
August 8, 2021
Waste of time, and poorly written.
This book is 100% false advertising. "The Power of Geography". Very little geography. "Ten maps that reveal the future of our world." The maps don't do this whatsoever.
In the first book, "Prisoners of Geography", Tim Marshall delivered what he promised. It focused on the physical geography of regions or nations and connected it to that nation's political and military strategies. I enjoyed reading it, and learned a fair bit about geopolitics.
This book, I learned pretty much nothing at all.
Each chapter has this structure:
1. A very basic map of the country.
2. A couple of pages describing the geography.
3. A fat old middle section that goes through a very basic overview of the history of that country. Usually a third of this part is dedicated to the politics of the second half of the 20th century.
4. A few closing pages of speculation about where the country might be headed in the coming years.
This gets old very quickly. The best way to read this book is to read the first and final 3 pages of each chapter.
Marshall is not very good at writing about history and it is painful to trudge through those middle sections. He clearly attempts to be "impartial" but because he gives attention to certain areas and skips over others, he falls on his arse.
He also tries to spice things up with some anecdotes from when he was out reporting in various regions. But the way he tells them makes me think he is the most boring man in the world, who happened to be at some interesting places at interesting times. One story he says that a policeman didn't thump him because he had freckles. Wow.
Also, too many instances of pro-British whitewashing of history. The colonial French were vile bastards. But Britain was just a little bit naughty and all is forgiven because we abolished slavery first. Any non-Western atrocities are given plenty of attention, however.
I am left wondering what the point of this book actually is? Who is the target audience? A reader of the first book, you would assume, has a decent grasp of global history and politics. Or is interested in it enough to competently Google specific periods or regions for more background info. So why make this second book a sub-standard history book that flails all over the place.
The cynic in me wants to say that Marshall wanted to cash in on the success of his first outing. He had some leftover chapters that didn't make the cut because the content wasn't enough. So he padded it out with a lot of history to bash out another book.
The optimist in me would say that Marshall didn't have good advice from his editors or he committed way too early to a format that he just couldn't see is broken.
Ultimately, I have to give it 1 star because I can't name one thing I took away from this book. I actually feel like I've lost some knowledge rather than gained any.
This book is 100% false advertising. "The Power of Geography". Very little geography. "Ten maps that reveal the future of our world." The maps don't do this whatsoever.
In the first book, "Prisoners of Geography", Tim Marshall delivered what he promised. It focused on the physical geography of regions or nations and connected it to that nation's political and military strategies. I enjoyed reading it, and learned a fair bit about geopolitics.
This book, I learned pretty much nothing at all.
Each chapter has this structure:
1. A very basic map of the country.
2. A couple of pages describing the geography.
3. A fat old middle section that goes through a very basic overview of the history of that country. Usually a third of this part is dedicated to the politics of the second half of the 20th century.
4. A few closing pages of speculation about where the country might be headed in the coming years.
This gets old very quickly. The best way to read this book is to read the first and final 3 pages of each chapter.
Marshall is not very good at writing about history and it is painful to trudge through those middle sections. He clearly attempts to be "impartial" but because he gives attention to certain areas and skips over others, he falls on his arse.
He also tries to spice things up with some anecdotes from when he was out reporting in various regions. But the way he tells them makes me think he is the most boring man in the world, who happened to be at some interesting places at interesting times. One story he says that a policeman didn't thump him because he had freckles. Wow.
Also, too many instances of pro-British whitewashing of history. The colonial French were vile bastards. But Britain was just a little bit naughty and all is forgiven because we abolished slavery first. Any non-Western atrocities are given plenty of attention, however.
I am left wondering what the point of this book actually is? Who is the target audience? A reader of the first book, you would assume, has a decent grasp of global history and politics. Or is interested in it enough to competently Google specific periods or regions for more background info. So why make this second book a sub-standard history book that flails all over the place.
The cynic in me wants to say that Marshall wanted to cash in on the success of his first outing. He had some leftover chapters that didn't make the cut because the content wasn't enough. So he padded it out with a lot of history to bash out another book.
The optimist in me would say that Marshall didn't have good advice from his editors or he committed way too early to a format that he just couldn't see is broken.
Ultimately, I have to give it 1 star because I can't name one thing I took away from this book. I actually feel like I've lost some knowledge rather than gained any.
April 11, 2023
"The Power of Geography" by Tim Marshall is an insightful and engaging look at the role of geography in shaping the world's political and economic landscape. Marshall, a former diplomatic editor and foreign correspondent, uses his wealth of knowledge and experience to weave together a compelling narrative that draws connections between geography and various historical and contemporary events.
Marshall's writing is clear and concise, and he does an excellent job of breaking down complex ideas and making them accessible to readers with little or no background in geography. He also brings a unique perspective to his analysis, drawing on his experiences traveling to various parts of the world and reporting on world events.
Compared to Marshall's previous book, "Prisoners of Geography," "The Power of Geography" is a bit less focused. While the former book zoomed in on the geopolitical implications of physical features like mountains, rivers, and coastlines, the latter takes a broader view of geography, considering everything from climate patterns to migration patterns. While this does make for a more comprehensive look at the subject, it can also feel a bit scattered at times. It also tends to oversimplify some of the complex issues it covers.
To be honest, I was underwhelmed by this book. I was hoping for more organized chapters and a stronger geographical aspect. The book's title might trick you a bit since it's not all about maps and what the future holds. It's more like a general history of different regions with an analysis of how things are and might be in the future.
The audiobook suffers from the author's narration. Marshall reads the book himself, and I found that his delivery lacked clarity and was not particularly pleasant to listen to. The audiobook was also filled with mouth noises that detracted from the listening experience.
This book will still appeal to anyone with an interest in geopolitics or world affairs. Marshall's accessible writing style and unique perspective make this a book that is both informative and entertaining.
June 21, 2021
I struggle to explain exactly what I didn't like about this book but it was kind of ... boring? I really liked Marshall's other book, Prisoners of Geography, but this one felt more like listening to your uncle retelling a Wikipedia article at a family gathering.
April 5, 2021
Prisoners Of Geography was a deserved smash, a clever angle to use geography to actually tell historical stories about current affairs, why the world is the way it is partially due to the way countries grew from their physical limitations. And so there is no shame in a sequel, and it is partially the fault of doing such a good job the first time around that what is left does feel like the off-cuts and crumbs from that book. The focus has shifted slightly, to look to the future. and how geography might affect future conflicts. But considering the land masses looked at in Prisoners were so massive, there is a little bit of going over the same ground.
The opening chapter on Australia is far and away the best thing here. Australia's position as a "Western nation" in the Pacific, its closest neighbours being a set of stepping stones to China, means its defence considerations are quite unlike that of other Western nations. Its huge mass and low population density (and inhospitability of much of the country to human life), makes it at difficult country to defend, and an example of how to use your minimal resources well. Potentially because conversations about Australia's defence from China are not commonplace meant this was genuinely eye opening. It may be more that because I understand more about the geography (and politics) of Greece and Turkey and Iran that those chapters felt less vital - and since much of the future Marshall is considering is that of war - also relatively contingent. Saudi Arabia on the other hand works better as a historical take down of an extremely problematic state. Indeed the section on Saudi / Iran and African States (particularly the Sahel), are less driven by physical geography than political, where lines were drawn on maps colonially in the 19th Century, and how Britain in particular withdrew from the Middle East.
Like Prisoners, I learnt a lot here (and I am someone who already knows a passing amount about Ethiopian history and the Sahel) that Marshall tends to bring this back to conflict is perhaps part of his journalistic training but also binds him a bit to certain kinds of narrative. It definately feels like the Great Britain / Brexit chapter was forced in against his will and to be fair what he can add in thirty pages is minimal). His biggest bit of futurology here (and mapless in itself) is the idea of Space conflicts - and it is a decent primer though the subject in itself is knotty and is surprisingly geographical (once you consider the longitude of launch sites). I was disappointed there wasn't so much on the impact of climate change, which has the potential to significantly change the world's geography (not least what happens with sea routes if the Arctic breaks up), and whilst mass migration is mentioned the geography and politics of that is scant (though the Turkey / Greece aspect of that was well done). I enjoyed The Power Of Geography, but it did feel a little like a less cohesive sequel, and more a collection of individual briefings on various parts of the world, and a pessimistic one about human nature.
[Netgalley ARC]
The opening chapter on Australia is far and away the best thing here. Australia's position as a "Western nation" in the Pacific, its closest neighbours being a set of stepping stones to China, means its defence considerations are quite unlike that of other Western nations. Its huge mass and low population density (and inhospitability of much of the country to human life), makes it at difficult country to defend, and an example of how to use your minimal resources well. Potentially because conversations about Australia's defence from China are not commonplace meant this was genuinely eye opening. It may be more that because I understand more about the geography (and politics) of Greece and Turkey and Iran that those chapters felt less vital - and since much of the future Marshall is considering is that of war - also relatively contingent. Saudi Arabia on the other hand works better as a historical take down of an extremely problematic state. Indeed the section on Saudi / Iran and African States (particularly the Sahel), are less driven by physical geography than political, where lines were drawn on maps colonially in the 19th Century, and how Britain in particular withdrew from the Middle East.
Like Prisoners, I learnt a lot here (and I am someone who already knows a passing amount about Ethiopian history and the Sahel) that Marshall tends to bring this back to conflict is perhaps part of his journalistic training but also binds him a bit to certain kinds of narrative. It definately feels like the Great Britain / Brexit chapter was forced in against his will and to be fair what he can add in thirty pages is minimal). His biggest bit of futurology here (and mapless in itself) is the idea of Space conflicts - and it is a decent primer though the subject in itself is knotty and is surprisingly geographical (once you consider the longitude of launch sites). I was disappointed there wasn't so much on the impact of climate change, which has the potential to significantly change the world's geography (not least what happens with sea routes if the Arctic breaks up), and whilst mass migration is mentioned the geography and politics of that is scant (though the Turkey / Greece aspect of that was well done). I enjoyed The Power Of Geography, but it did feel a little like a less cohesive sequel, and more a collection of individual briefings on various parts of the world, and a pessimistic one about human nature.
[Netgalley ARC]
October 13, 2022
کتاب قدرت جغرافیا ادامهای است بر کتاب جبر جغرافیا، که حتی در ایران هم گویا کتاب پرفروشی بوده، چون حداقل سه ناشر آن را چاپ کرده بودند. تا الان، ندیدهام که ناشر دیگری به جز نشرِ همان کتاب قدرت جغرافیا را منتشر کرده باشد.
کتابهای ژئوپلیتیک عامهپسند کم به چشمم میخورد. مطمئن نیستم که بازار نشر کمبودی از این جهت داشته باشد، هرچند کمبود مترجم و ناشر کاربلد در این زمینه حتماً هست. کتابهای ژئوپلیتیکی موجود کار ناشران دانشگاهی است. خیلی از استادان دانشگاه و دانشگاهیهایی که به ترجمه ورود میکنند از هنربودن ترجمه بیاطلاعند و آن را کاری مکانیکی در حد گوگلترنسلیت میبینند. آثار این دانشگاهیها را در کتابفروشیها هم نمیتوان پیدا کرد، چون اساساً هدف از چاپ این نوع کتابها مخاطب عام نیست و نیازهای دیگری را ارضا میکنند.
اما خانم پرناز طالبی کتاب قدرت جغرافیا را به روانی ترجمه کرده و ناشر هم در جلب رضایت منِ مخاطب سلیقهی کافی به خرج داده است. جذابترین بخش ظاهری کتاب قطع کتاب است که بهنظرم به آن قطع پالتویی میگویند. کوچکتر از رقعی است و راحت در یک دست میتوان آن را گرفت. و بدترین بخشش قیمت وحشتناک کتاب که منحصر به این کتابِ چاپ ۱۴۰۱ نیست و در دو سه سال اخیر، بازار هر روز رکوردهای جدیدی میزند.
باسلیقگی نشرِ همان در جای دیگری هم نمود پیدا میکند و آن ضمیمهکردن مقالهای از نویسنده دربارهی حملهی روسیه به اوکراین است که تر-و-تازگی این کتاب را بیشتر از قبل حفظ میکند. من دربارهی کتاب راههای جدید ابریشم، نوشتهی پیتر فرانکوپن، نوشته بودم که آن کتاب بسیار بهروز است و برای همین تاریخ مصرف دارد. خوبی کار تیم مارشال، نویسندهی کتاب قدرت جغرافیا، این است که نوشتهاش -درست مثل ادعایی که دربارهی ژئوپلیتیک میکند- همیشگی است (البته با مقادیری اغراق). جغرافیا همیشه هست و کشورها و سیاستمدارها نمیتوانند وجود آن را نادیده بگیرند، حتی اگر تکنولوژیهای ارتباطی از همیشه پیشرفتهتر شده باشند و ما هم در عصر مراودات جهانی زندگی کنیم.
کتاب ده فصل بهاضافهی یک ضمیمه و یک فصل آغازین دارد. با خواندن فصل ایران احساس میکنیم که بسیاری از اطلاعات ارائهشده در حد اطلاعات عمومی است، بااینحال کمتر از زاویهی ژئوپلیتیک به آن نگاه کردهایم و همین باعث میشود این فصل هم طراوت خود را حفظ کند.
اگر در کتاب اول، یعنی جبر جغرافیا، آنچه بیش از همه در یاد من ماند تاثیر جغرافیا بر رابطهی روسیه و اروپا بود، فکر میکنم در این کتاب نقشهی یونان و دریای اژه باشد که در ذهنم ماندگار میشود. نقشهی کوهستانی یونان توضیح میدهد که چرا از بقیهی اروپا جدا افتاده و چطور در دوران باستان مأمن دولتشهرها بوده است و نقشهی جزائر آن دلیل تنش همیشگی با ترکیه را روشن میکند. دو فصل جذاب دیگر هم -و البته که همهی فصلهای آن برای من جذاب است- استرالیا و اسپانیا است.
تنها تاسف میتواند این باشد که ای کاش این کتاب را پیش از بیستسالگی میخواندم و نه در آستانهی چهلسالگی. این کتابی است که میتواند تخیل جوانهایی را که در آستانهی یافتن مسیر زندگی خود هستند تحریک کند و انگیزه و سرنخهای کافی برای غور در دریای دانش را برایشان فراهم کند.
کتابهای ژئوپلیتیک عامهپسند کم به چشمم میخورد. مطمئن نیستم که بازار نشر کمبودی از این جهت داشته باشد، هرچند کمبود مترجم و ناشر کاربلد در این زمینه حتماً هست. کتابهای ژئوپلیتیکی موجود کار ناشران دانشگاهی است. خیلی از استادان دانشگاه و دانشگاهیهایی که به ترجمه ورود میکنند از هنربودن ترجمه بیاطلاعند و آن را کاری مکانیکی در حد گوگلترنسلیت میبینند. آثار این دانشگاهیها را در کتابفروشیها هم نمیتوان پیدا کرد، چون اساساً هدف از چاپ این نوع کتابها مخاطب عام نیست و نیازهای دیگری را ارضا میکنند.
اما خانم پرناز طالبی کتاب قدرت جغرافیا را به روانی ترجمه کرده و ناشر هم در جلب رضایت منِ مخاطب سلیقهی کافی به خرج داده است. جذابترین بخش ظاهری کتاب قطع کتاب است که بهنظرم به آن قطع پالتویی میگویند. کوچکتر از رقعی است و راحت در یک دست میتوان آن را گرفت. و بدترین بخشش قیمت وحشتناک کتاب که منحصر به این کتابِ چاپ ۱۴۰۱ نیست و در دو سه سال اخیر، بازار هر روز رکوردهای جدیدی میزند.
باسلیقگی نشرِ همان در جای دیگری هم نمود پیدا میکند و آن ضمیمهکردن مقالهای از نویسنده دربارهی حملهی روسیه به اوکراین است که تر-و-تازگی این کتاب را بیشتر از قبل حفظ میکند. من دربارهی کتاب راههای جدید ابریشم، نوشتهی پیتر فرانکوپن، نوشته بودم که آن کتاب بسیار بهروز است و برای همین تاریخ مصرف دارد. خوبی کار تیم مارشال، نویسندهی کتاب قدرت جغرافیا، این است که نوشتهاش -درست مثل ادعایی که دربارهی ژئوپلیتیک میکند- همیشگی است (البته با مقادیری اغراق). جغرافیا همیشه هست و کشورها و سیاستمدارها نمیتوانند وجود آن را نادیده بگیرند، حتی اگر تکنولوژیهای ارتباطی از همیشه پیشرفتهتر شده باشند و ما هم در عصر مراودات جهانی زندگی کنیم.
کتاب ده فصل بهاضافهی یک ضمیمه و یک فصل آغازین دارد. با خواندن فصل ایران احساس میکنیم که بسیاری از اطلاعات ارائهشده در حد اطلاعات عمومی است، بااینحال کمتر از زاویهی ژئوپلیتیک به آن نگاه کردهایم و همین باعث میشود این فصل هم طراوت خود را حفظ کند.
اگر در کتاب اول، یعنی جبر جغرافیا، آنچه بیش از همه در یاد من ماند تاثیر جغرافیا بر رابطهی روسیه و اروپا بود، فکر میکنم در این کتاب نقشهی یونان و دریای اژه باشد که در ذهنم ماندگار میشود. نقشهی کوهستانی یونان توضیح میدهد که چرا از بقیهی اروپا جدا افتاده و چطور در دوران باستان مأمن دولتشهرها بوده است و نقشهی جزائر آن دلیل تنش همیشگی با ترکیه را روشن میکند. دو فصل جذاب دیگر هم -و البته که همهی فصلهای آن برای من جذاب است- استرالیا و اسپانیا است.
تنها تاسف میتواند این باشد که ای کاش این کتاب را پیش از بیستسالگی میخواندم و نه در آستانهی چهلسالگی. این کتابی است که میتواند تخیل جوانهایی را که در آستانهی یافتن مسیر زندگی خود هستند تحریک کند و انگیزه و سرنخهای کافی برای غور در دریای دانش را برایشان فراهم کند.
May 13, 2021
Prisoners of Geography was one of the most insightful books that I have read in a long time and I found the follow-ups about Flags and Borders to be interesting, although not as radical. This book however, feels very laboured and I did not get on with it.
The first books covered whole continents and massive areas, here Marshall has tried to focus in on specific countries that weren't dealt with as thoroughly in the first book and through that it has become less relevant and also less focused on geography and more on the national boundaries. It reads as a general brief introduction to the history and politics of each of the target countries and then occasionally disappears off into futurology and fantasy. Already predictions in the book (eg Australia potentially developing closer ties to China) look like hostages to fortune.
The first books covered whole continents and massive areas, here Marshall has tried to focus in on specific countries that weren't dealt with as thoroughly in the first book and through that it has become less relevant and also less focused on geography and more on the national boundaries. It reads as a general brief introduction to the history and politics of each of the target countries and then occasionally disappears off into futurology and fantasy. Already predictions in the book (eg Australia potentially developing closer ties to China) look like hostages to fortune.
May 17, 2024
Tim Marshall was formerly Diplomatic Editor and foreign correspondent for Sky News, his 2015 book Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics explains the geographic lottery: who wins, who loses, and why. This more recent book explores ten regions that are potentially going to be central to how global politics will play out going forward. The regions are: Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel (bordering the Sahara Desert), Ethiopia, and Spain. Interesting, the final area is Space. Russia and China aren’t explicitly covered, but their tentacles are everywhere, here.
The author walks us through the history of each region – interesting enough in itself – and examines what opportunities are available and what threats are posed to each. There’s the full range of ancient disputes, religious divisions, friction over boundaries, and other elements at play. Russia and China are presented as active predators, the colonisers of the modern age. Marshall discusses the advantages of cooperation for these regions, the draw of establishing new partnerships. But he also identifies the potential risks, for instance: drives for independence in a number of regions, the desire by potential partners to grab scarce natural resources, or to acquire strategic footholds.
It’s a fascinating book that’s an education in and of itself, but particularly when read as a follow up to his earlier publication. Highly recommended.
The author walks us through the history of each region – interesting enough in itself – and examines what opportunities are available and what threats are posed to each. There’s the full range of ancient disputes, religious divisions, friction over boundaries, and other elements at play. Russia and China are presented as active predators, the colonisers of the modern age. Marshall discusses the advantages of cooperation for these regions, the draw of establishing new partnerships. But he also identifies the potential risks, for instance: drives for independence in a number of regions, the desire by potential partners to grab scarce natural resources, or to acquire strategic footholds.
It’s a fascinating book that’s an education in and of itself, but particularly when read as a follow up to his earlier publication. Highly recommended.
May 10, 2024
This book covers the history and outlook for 10 countries/geographies/contours (since it includes the Sahel & Space) - Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain and Space. I found the descriptions crisps covering only those aspects a reader would be interested in.
The coverage for each country/geography includes the historical context; current situation, challenges, rivalries and a sketchy future outlook. For instance, Australia, started off as a place where England moved prisoners. This naturally led to the original inhabitants being sidelined. A considerable portion of the country is the outback, which is unliveable. The current tensions with China which started during the pandemic. The other countries’ descriptions follow a similar pattern – Iran, rivalries with Saudi Arabia and hostility to Israel & the US. Saudi Arabia, the history of the Saud family, and the current effort to diversify the economy.
While I found all of it to be interesting, there is not much you would not already know if you have been following current affairs and know a bit of the history of the region. Yes, most of us would not go out and look for information about a set of countries, and having it in this readable format is a plus.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Elliott & Thompson and the author for a free electronic review copy.
The coverage for each country/geography includes the historical context; current situation, challenges, rivalries and a sketchy future outlook. For instance, Australia, started off as a place where England moved prisoners. This naturally led to the original inhabitants being sidelined. A considerable portion of the country is the outback, which is unliveable. The current tensions with China which started during the pandemic. The other countries’ descriptions follow a similar pattern – Iran, rivalries with Saudi Arabia and hostility to Israel & the US. Saudi Arabia, the history of the Saud family, and the current effort to diversify the economy.
While I found all of it to be interesting, there is not much you would not already know if you have been following current affairs and know a bit of the history of the region. Yes, most of us would not go out and look for information about a set of countries, and having it in this readable format is a plus.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Elliott & Thompson and the author for a free electronic review copy.
September 29, 2022
Tim Marshall egy olyan teniszezőre emlékeztet engem, aki csak egyféleképpen tudja megütni a labdát, de azt senki nem tudja visszaadni. A kötet tíz esszéje ugyanis mind ugyanarra a kaptafára készült, amely kaptafa semmiben sem különbözik „A földrajz fogságában” található írásokban felhasználttól. A szerző először is kiválaszt egy államot, esetleg régiót, felvázolja annak földrajzi sajátosságait a hegy- és vízrajztól a tengeri kijáratokig, aztán erre az alapra építve uszkve 5-6 oldalban végigmegy a terület történelmén*. Ennek végeztével aztán eljut a jelenkorba, amit tárgyszerűen és informatívan interpretál, hogy aztán az egészet berekessze a várható veszélyek illetve lehetőségek bemutatásával. Mindig ugyanaz az ív, mindig ugyanaz az olvasmányos objektivitás, a széles látókör érzékeny kombinációja a lényegre töréssel. Akár Etiópia, akár Nagy-Britannia, akár a világűr van terítéken, Marshall magabiztos, labdája mindig az alapvonalon belül csattan.
Különben meg: szeretem a történelmet. Viszont a gyerekek utálják. Mert nekik unalmas: évszámok, rég meghalt királyok neve és uralkodási ideje, súlyos adathalmaz (mert az visszakérdezhető), ami agyonnyomja a mélyebb revelációkat – a pillanatot, amikor az ember megérti az összefüggést két időben és/vagy térben távol álló esemény között.
Bár olyan tanárok készítenék a tanterveket, mint Marshall.
* Mivel magam is vért szoktam izzadni, amikor 400-500 oldalas könyvek cselekményét kell egy-két bekezdésben összefoglalnom, fel tudom mérni, milyen bravúr Marshall részéről, hogy több ezer éves történelmeket képes pár oldalra zsugorítani. Ezért külön jár a buksisimi.
Különben meg: szeretem a történelmet. Viszont a gyerekek utálják. Mert nekik unalmas: évszámok, rég meghalt királyok neve és uralkodási ideje, súlyos adathalmaz (mert az visszakérdezhető), ami agyonnyomja a mélyebb revelációkat – a pillanatot, amikor az ember megérti az összefüggést két időben és/vagy térben távol álló esemény között.
Bár olyan tanárok készítenék a tanterveket, mint Marshall.
* Mivel magam is vért szoktam izzadni, amikor 400-500 oldalas könyvek cselekményét kell egy-két bekezdésben összefoglalnom, fel tudom mérni, milyen bravúr Marshall részéről, hogy több ezer éves történelmeket képes pár oldalra zsugorítani. Ezért külön jár a buksisimi.
October 23, 2021
Yeah. No. I am very disappointed with this one. It should come with a warning that it is not an impartial view of the world but an account if the author's understanding of the world - which is perfectly fine and valid but never during the 300 pages of this book is that made clear.
May 3, 2022
Tim Marshall ist anerkannter Experte für Außenpolitik und arbeitete als Politik-Redakteur für die BBC und Sky News. In seinen Büchern erörtert er die großen internationalen Konflikte unserer Zeit auf geopolitischer Ebene. Sein neuestes, von Lutz-W. Wolff übersetztes Buch "Die Macht der Geographie im 21. Jahrhundert" wurde mir vor allem zum Verständnis des Kriegs in der Ukraine und den damit verbundenen Hintergründen und Zusammenhängen empfohlen.
Tim Marshall geht in seinem Sachbuch anhand von 10 Karten auf die Politik von heute und die Krisen der Zukunft ein. Seinen Fokus legt er dabei auf Australien, den Iran, Saudi-Arabien, das Vereinigte Königreich, Griechenland, die Türkei, die Sahelzone, Äthiopien, Spanien und den Weltraum. Jedem Kapitel wird eine Karte vorangestellt, zudem geht der Autor vor seinen geopolitischen Analysen zunächst auf die geschichtlichen Hintergründe der Länder und Gebiete ein. Diese Struktur hat sehr dabei geholfen, beim Lesen nicht den Faden zu verlieren und sich immer wieder in die neuen Themen einzufinden. Tim Marshall kommt mit einer Flut an Informationen daher, eine Analyse trifft auf die nächste.
Obwohl ich viele Aspekte des Buchs wirklich interessant fand und das Gefühl hatte, einiges Neues zu lernen, konnte mich "Die Macht der Geographie im 21. Jahrhundert" leider nicht wirklich überzeugen. Mir war die Lektüre zu trocken, die "Spannung", mit der der Autor die geopolitische Lage der Welt laut des Buchumschlags rüberbringen soll, kam bei mir nicht an und ich musste mich durch viele eher schleppende Passagen kämpfen. Was mich auch sehr gestört hat, war, dass in der Übersetzung nicht gegendert wurde bzw. gendersensible Sprache verwendet wurde.
Für mich war diese Empfehlung also leider nichts - ich denke aber, dass Menschen, die sich mehr für Geopolitik interessieren als ich und hier auch vor einer etwas faden Lektüre nicht zurückschrecken, dem Buch durchaus etwas abgewinnen könnten. Um die Meldungen in der Tagesschau oder auch andere Nachrichtenformaten besser nachvollziehen zu können, lohnt sich "Die Macht der Geographie im 21. Jahrhundert" aber jedenfalls!
Tim Marshall geht in seinem Sachbuch anhand von 10 Karten auf die Politik von heute und die Krisen der Zukunft ein. Seinen Fokus legt er dabei auf Australien, den Iran, Saudi-Arabien, das Vereinigte Königreich, Griechenland, die Türkei, die Sahelzone, Äthiopien, Spanien und den Weltraum. Jedem Kapitel wird eine Karte vorangestellt, zudem geht der Autor vor seinen geopolitischen Analysen zunächst auf die geschichtlichen Hintergründe der Länder und Gebiete ein. Diese Struktur hat sehr dabei geholfen, beim Lesen nicht den Faden zu verlieren und sich immer wieder in die neuen Themen einzufinden. Tim Marshall kommt mit einer Flut an Informationen daher, eine Analyse trifft auf die nächste.
Obwohl ich viele Aspekte des Buchs wirklich interessant fand und das Gefühl hatte, einiges Neues zu lernen, konnte mich "Die Macht der Geographie im 21. Jahrhundert" leider nicht wirklich überzeugen. Mir war die Lektüre zu trocken, die "Spannung", mit der der Autor die geopolitische Lage der Welt laut des Buchumschlags rüberbringen soll, kam bei mir nicht an und ich musste mich durch viele eher schleppende Passagen kämpfen. Was mich auch sehr gestört hat, war, dass in der Übersetzung nicht gegendert wurde bzw. gendersensible Sprache verwendet wurde.
Für mich war diese Empfehlung also leider nichts - ich denke aber, dass Menschen, die sich mehr für Geopolitik interessieren als ich und hier auch vor einer etwas faden Lektüre nicht zurückschrecken, dem Buch durchaus etwas abgewinnen könnten. Um die Meldungen in der Tagesschau oder auch andere Nachrichtenformaten besser nachvollziehen zu können, lohnt sich "Die Macht der Geographie im 21. Jahrhundert" aber jedenfalls!
August 25, 2023
In his previous work, "Prisoners of Geography", Tim Marshall analyzed the geopolitical situations of the US, China, Russia, and a few other major players in the current world political structure, similar to a sportswriter analyzing the teams in British football's Premier League. In "Power of Geography" he analyzes the second division clubs, such as Spain, Turkey, and the recently relegated UK. In about 25 pages, he describes the natural features of each of his subjects and how these have influenced the history of each country and its current international relationships. He raises questions like, "Can Australia continue to balance its economic relationship with China and its defense relationship with the US?", and "What kind of deal can Egypt make with Ethiopia to keep the Nile flowing northward?"
I am really fascinated by this kind of stuff and the author's fast-paced journalistic type of writing keeps the narrative from getting bogged down in too many details. The best part is that I can read the BBC's International News and have some idea why what they're reporting is important.
I am really fascinated by this kind of stuff and the author's fast-paced journalistic type of writing keeps the narrative from getting bogged down in too many details. The best part is that I can read the BBC's International News and have some idea why what they're reporting is important.
June 14, 2021
Even coming from a subjective reviewer who loves Geography, Tim Marshall is a bit confused here. Even though the book is focused on future each chapter spends so majority of time talking about each countries past and seems slightly biased towards Western countries.
April 22, 2022
Маршал директно продължава обзора си от “Prisoners of Geography” с актуализация към 2020 г., и фокус към държави с по-слаб акцент от предната книга, или с нови такива. Стилът е все така журналистически достъпен, на места с размах, на места с хумор, макар на моменти вдъхновението му май да ��е поизчерпва.
Най-интересни ми бяха Саудитска Арабия и Иран. Пясъци, планини, свети места, петрол и студена (засега) война между двата основни клона на исляма. И куп интересни сценарии за бъдещото им влияние в световен мащаб. Ако МБС (Мохамед бин Салман) наследи де юре престола в Риад, политиката му на иконочически реформи чрез рекет и държавно одобрени убийства, лавиране с наследниците на Ал-Уахаб (да, родителите на ухабизма, живи са и днес и носят тази фамилия), прокси война в Йемен и петролни игри ще е от световен интерес. А наследниците на аятоласите не изглежда да отпускат хватката на властта, сладка им е, и угодна на техния Аллах.
Етиопия е също много интересен представител на африканския географски пейзаж, дори само заради факта, че е единствената никога неколонизирана африканска държава с най-силна за този (и не само) континент държавна традиция. Дали фактът, че там са открити най-ранните човешки останки, е само щастлива случайност, всъщност няма значение - значение има фактът, че това е “водната кула” на Африка и мястото с почти вълшебно изглеждащите скални храмове на Лалибела. Областта Сахел пък, граничеща с Етиопия, информира за провалена държавност и човешки трагедии.
Космосът ме вълнува като последната (засега) граница, както се казваше в сериала Star-trek Enterprise.
За родния си остров Маршал нещо е смотал информация на две - на три - нищо по-забележително извън новините в 7 и всички сериали за Тюдорите. Направо срамота. Гърция пък е скучна, Турция едва-едва бива. Испания е завладяваща. Изобщо, колкото по на изток отива, толкова по-интересно обобщава. Аудиторията е тази на любителите. За професионално занимаващите се едва ли ще има нещо особено, н�� те пък не са чак толкова много.
П.П. И не, картите не разкриват нищо за бъдещето. Просто напомнят кое къде е, и защо това е важно - в текста.
⭐️3,5 звезди⭐️
Най-интересни ми бяха Саудитска Арабия и Иран. Пясъци, планини, свети места, петрол и студена (засега) война между двата основни клона на исляма. И куп интересни сценарии за бъдещото им влияние в световен мащаб. Ако МБС (Мохамед бин Салман) наследи де юре престола в Риад, политиката му на иконочически реформи чрез рекет и държавно одобрени убийства, лавиране с наследниците на Ал-Уахаб (да, родителите на ухабизма, живи са и днес и носят тази фамилия), прокси война в Йемен и петролни игри ще е от световен интерес. А наследниците на аятоласите не изглежда да отпускат хватката на властта, сладка им е, и угодна на техния Аллах.
Етиопия е също много интересен представител на африканския географски пейзаж, дори само заради факта, че е единствената никога неколонизирана африканска държава с най-силна за този (и не само) континент държавна традиция. Дали фактът, че там са открити най-ранните човешки останки, е само щастлива случайност, всъщност няма значение - значение има фактът, че това е “водната кула” на Африка и мястото с почти вълшебно изглеждащите скални храмове на Лалибела. Областта Сахел пък, граничеща с Етиопия, информира за провалена държавност и човешки трагедии.
Космосът ме вълнува като последната (засега) граница, както се казваше в сериала Star-trek Enterprise.
За родния си остров Маршал нещо е смотал информация на две - на три - нищо по-забележително извън новините в 7 и всички сериали за Тюдорите. Направо срамота. Гърция пък е скучна, Турция едва-едва бива. Испания е завладяваща. Изобщо, колкото по на изток отива, толкова по-интересно обобщава. Аудиторията е тази на любителите. За професионално занимаващите се едва ли ще има нещо особено, н�� те пък не са чак толкова много.
П.П. И не, картите не разкриват нищо за бъдещето. Просто напомнят кое къде е, и защо това е важно - в текста.
⭐️3,5 звезди⭐️
June 3, 2021
Tim Marshall has become the most reputable and authoritative writer on modern geopolitics and current affairs. To say I have greatly enjoyed every book of his thus far is an understatement: I loved them. But there is something about The Power of Geography which fell a little short for me, this time.
I think perhaps my expectations were so high and I was so excited for it - not to mentioned it is billed as the "sequel" to Prisoners of Geography, which I adored.
For there is nothing bad about The Power of Geography at all. The book spotlights ten hotspots for future conflict around the globe and for each of these, Marshall delves into each country's intricate history (and they're nearly always linked to European colonialism). He uses his deep knowledge of each country's past to establish and contextualise the possible future conflict he softly predicts. This came across as condensed histories, dense in places and fleeting and so lacking Marshall's usual easy tone.
Where Prisoners was almost solely the influence of physical geography, The Power of Geography is almost exclusively human geography (see also: history) and I am personally more of a fan of the former.
I still learned much, however, and greatly enjoyed the book. The chapters on Spain, Ethiopia and Turkey were particularly insightful and intriguing, whilst the closing chapter on Space is sure to contain many accuracies for the future.
I think perhaps my expectations were so high and I was so excited for it - not to mentioned it is billed as the "sequel" to Prisoners of Geography, which I adored.
For there is nothing bad about The Power of Geography at all. The book spotlights ten hotspots for future conflict around the globe and for each of these, Marshall delves into each country's intricate history (and they're nearly always linked to European colonialism). He uses his deep knowledge of each country's past to establish and contextualise the possible future conflict he softly predicts. This came across as condensed histories, dense in places and fleeting and so lacking Marshall's usual easy tone.
Where Prisoners was almost solely the influence of physical geography, The Power of Geography is almost exclusively human geography (see also: history) and I am personally more of a fan of the former.
I still learned much, however, and greatly enjoyed the book. The chapters on Spain, Ethiopia and Turkey were particularly insightful and intriguing, whilst the closing chapter on Space is sure to contain many accuracies for the future.
September 29, 2022
Книгата доста ми хареса. Като човек с не толкова добри геополитически познания ми беше интересна, научих доста. Написана е достъпно, с кратка история на държавата, която е разглеждана. Светът, който познаваме и обитаваме, непрекъснато се променя и е хубаво от време на време да свериш часовника с мащабните промените и преустройва, които вървят.
Не мога да кажа дали авторът е бил изцяло обективен и изчерпателен като фактология, но мисля че като за любители-читатели нивото на информация е повече от добро.
Не мога да кажа дали авторът е бил изцяло обективен и изчерпателен като фактология, но мисля че като за любители-читатели нивото на информация е повече от добро.
October 8, 2022
In this sequel of Prisoners of Geography, Marshall explores secondary/tertiary powers not covered in the original, their history, geographical advantages/limitations and current and future role in their particular region/world. Here are my thoughts:
1. Australia: A large remote island continent that Britain shipped off its convicts for disposal and to settle the land. It has a long history of poorly treating its indigenous peoples. It has transitioned from being British into a multicultural society. It is limited by the small area of arable land on the east and west coasts and the vast majority of its land being unliveable outback. Based on its geography it is caught between the superpowers in its Five Eyes anglo alliance with the United States and its biggest export market in China.
2. Iran: A theological state whose borders are protected by mountain terrain. A long history of empire who now utilizes its oil wealth to aid proxies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Gaza to spread its regional influence. Main rival for regional influence in Middle East is Saudi Arabia
3. Saudi Arabia: The kingdom of the house of Saud rules this oil rich nation that has been allied with the western powers and spread Wahhabism around the Muslim world. As oil is replaced with renewables it will be less important for the West to protect the kingdom. Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its oil dominant economy. Saudi Arabia's main rival for regional influence in Middle East is Iran.
4. United Kingdom: The nations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom, an island country in Western Europe who used its naval power to build the world's biggest empire which collapsed after World War 2. About half the size of France, its main European concern was to keep a balance of power and avoid one European country from becoming too powerful and threatening its empire. A country caught between being close to USA based on language and history and Europe based on proximity. Facing a growing independence movement from Scotland following Brexit which could impact its military and naval bases.
5. Greece: A nation limited by its small amount of arable land near the coast and its mountain terrain. It has many islands in the Aegean Sea which demands a strong navy and military to protect. Ongoing disputes with its neighbour Turkey who claims islands and drilling rights in its territorial waters.
6. Turkey: Former ruler of the Ottoman Empire which controlled the Middle East and North Africa, it now rules a country primarily in minor Asia with a large percentage of its people living in the European capital Istanbul. It has a large Kurdish minority in Turkey and surrounding countries and uses its military might to stymie efforts for an independent Kurdistan in Iraq, Syria and at home. Has allied with Libya to compete with the influence of Egypt and support its claims over territorial waters controlled by Greece. Ongoing disputes with Greece over islands and territorial waters.
7. The Sahel: Inhospitable Sahara region of Africa and its impact on human settlements.
8. Ethiopia: Landlocked country who lost its coastal territory after Eritrian wars led to independence. Has ongoing ethnic disputes among its people and is pushing for an Ethiopian nationalistic identity. Is attempting to take its country out of poverty through a huge hydroelectric dam on the Nile River, putting it at odds with Egypt whose population is wholly reliant on the river.
9. Spain: Ongoing independence movement from Catalan and other areas that threaten to divide the country.
10. Space: Optimistic view the world can cooperate in the future in space rather than turning it into a military zone
An easy enjoyable read, with some chapters more interesting than others (I literally fell asleep learning about the Sahara).
1. Australia: A large remote island continent that Britain shipped off its convicts for disposal and to settle the land. It has a long history of poorly treating its indigenous peoples. It has transitioned from being British into a multicultural society. It is limited by the small area of arable land on the east and west coasts and the vast majority of its land being unliveable outback. Based on its geography it is caught between the superpowers in its Five Eyes anglo alliance with the United States and its biggest export market in China.
2. Iran: A theological state whose borders are protected by mountain terrain. A long history of empire who now utilizes its oil wealth to aid proxies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Gaza to spread its regional influence. Main rival for regional influence in Middle East is Saudi Arabia
3. Saudi Arabia: The kingdom of the house of Saud rules this oil rich nation that has been allied with the western powers and spread Wahhabism around the Muslim world. As oil is replaced with renewables it will be less important for the West to protect the kingdom. Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its oil dominant economy. Saudi Arabia's main rival for regional influence in Middle East is Iran.
4. United Kingdom: The nations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom, an island country in Western Europe who used its naval power to build the world's biggest empire which collapsed after World War 2. About half the size of France, its main European concern was to keep a balance of power and avoid one European country from becoming too powerful and threatening its empire. A country caught between being close to USA based on language and history and Europe based on proximity. Facing a growing independence movement from Scotland following Brexit which could impact its military and naval bases.
5. Greece: A nation limited by its small amount of arable land near the coast and its mountain terrain. It has many islands in the Aegean Sea which demands a strong navy and military to protect. Ongoing disputes with its neighbour Turkey who claims islands and drilling rights in its territorial waters.
6. Turkey: Former ruler of the Ottoman Empire which controlled the Middle East and North Africa, it now rules a country primarily in minor Asia with a large percentage of its people living in the European capital Istanbul. It has a large Kurdish minority in Turkey and surrounding countries and uses its military might to stymie efforts for an independent Kurdistan in Iraq, Syria and at home. Has allied with Libya to compete with the influence of Egypt and support its claims over territorial waters controlled by Greece. Ongoing disputes with Greece over islands and territorial waters.
7. The Sahel: Inhospitable Sahara region of Africa and its impact on human settlements.
8. Ethiopia: Landlocked country who lost its coastal territory after Eritrian wars led to independence. Has ongoing ethnic disputes among its people and is pushing for an Ethiopian nationalistic identity. Is attempting to take its country out of poverty through a huge hydroelectric dam on the Nile River, putting it at odds with Egypt whose population is wholly reliant on the river.
9. Spain: Ongoing independence movement from Catalan and other areas that threaten to divide the country.
10. Space: Optimistic view the world can cooperate in the future in space rather than turning it into a military zone
An easy enjoyable read, with some chapters more interesting than others (I literally fell asleep learning about the Sahara).
January 13, 2022
My high school was supposed to be one of the best. And I remember all that junk information they dumped on us to memorize. Maps full of rivers, mountains, and country names. All of that was raw information. Zero cooking. I had to wait more than ten years to fill all of that with context. Thanks to this book.
This should be mandatory reading for young people learning about the world. Is not about which country is called what and the capital named after whom. It's about the the consequence of the resources. The fact that Ethiopia has the Nile's source and Egypt depend heavily on it, so how this molds their relationship. Also, colonialism may be outdated but its consequences are everywhere if you look close enough.
I cannot even count the number of times I've passed like a complete illiterate by saying stuff like Iranians are Arabic. And this is no small thing. One day a girl asked me if all Colombians were Mexicans. I was so confused by what she even meant with the question. Of course, I'm sure I've been on the ignorant side of the question more times that I've realized.
So if you want to understand a little bit when someone speaks about the situation in Mali (or even know where is it) this book is 10/10 recommended. The last chapter on the Space is a weird but very real. Soon we will see some fierce competition for deep space rights.
This should be mandatory reading for young people learning about the world. Is not about which country is called what and the capital named after whom. It's about the the consequence of the resources. The fact that Ethiopia has the Nile's source and Egypt depend heavily on it, so how this molds their relationship. Also, colonialism may be outdated but its consequences are everywhere if you look close enough.
I cannot even count the number of times I've passed like a complete illiterate by saying stuff like Iranians are Arabic. And this is no small thing. One day a girl asked me if all Colombians were Mexicans. I was so confused by what she even meant with the question. Of course, I'm sure I've been on the ignorant side of the question more times that I've realized.
So if you want to understand a little bit when someone speaks about the situation in Mali (or even know where is it) this book is 10/10 recommended. The last chapter on the Space is a weird but very real. Soon we will see some fierce competition for deep space rights.
April 3, 2023
Очаквах между избраните за анализ държави да има някаква по-дълбока и невидима за простото око връзка, но, аз поне, не успях да открия такава. Накратко, в книгата ще откриете кратка историческа и географска справка за няколко съвременни държави (+ Космоса!), както и коментар (в някои случаи силно повлиян от лични преживявания на Маршъл) за актуалните им геополитически дилеми. Преводът вгорчи допълнително четенето. За събития, които са се случили преди 1-2 години, преводачът е решил да ползва минали глаголни времена, сякаш става дума за Античността или Средновековието.
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February 2, 2024Puh, dieses Buch. Schwierig.
Einige Inhalte, gerade auch die geopolitischen Aspekte, haben mich riiichtig interessiert, meinen Horizont erweitert und ein neues Verständnis für das globale Mit- bzw. Gegeneinander geschaffen.
Dann haben mich die Kapitel aber halt gleichzeitig auch immer wieder verloren mit diesen ellenlangen Rückblenden bis in allerdunkelste Mittelalter. Mir ist durchaus klar, dass viele internationale Krisen tief in der Vergangenheit wurzeln, aber die Aufzählung gefühlt aller spanischen Könige hätte ich bspw nicht gebraucht.
Hut ab vor den wirklichen krassen Recherchen und vor dem Wissen, das sich Marshall durch seine Arbeit als Journalist angeeignet hat.
Leider war die Lektüre für mich stellenweise sehr trocken, langweilig und hat zum Querlesen verleitet.
Einige Inhalte, gerade auch die geopolitischen Aspekte, haben mich riiichtig interessiert, meinen Horizont erweitert und ein neues Verständnis für das globale Mit- bzw. Gegeneinander geschaffen.
Dann haben mich die Kapitel aber halt gleichzeitig auch immer wieder verloren mit diesen ellenlangen Rückblenden bis in allerdunkelste Mittelalter. Mir ist durchaus klar, dass viele internationale Krisen tief in der Vergangenheit wurzeln, aber die Aufzählung gefühlt aller spanischen Könige hätte ich bspw nicht gebraucht.
Hut ab vor den wirklichen krassen Recherchen und vor dem Wissen, das sich Marshall durch seine Arbeit als Journalist angeeignet hat.
Leider war die Lektüre für mich stellenweise sehr trocken, langweilig und hat zum Querlesen verleitet.
June 4, 2022
Having read Marshall's earlier book Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World and hearing that he had an 'updated' sequel, I figured I'd see what had changed.
Well, for the most part, Marshall looks at new areas:
Australia - whose population is restricted to the coasts and is under threat of more devastating drought and possible wildfires as climate changes along with carefully watching the actions of China to the north.
Iran - a theocracy which is stumbling along but managing to survive with the Revolutionary Guard's assistance against the dissidents along with watching the nearby countries and the Islam extremists organizations.
Saudi Arabia - religion vs. economics vs. a large extended royal family who is trying to replace oil with technology even as it's also watching extremist organizations.
United Kingdom - building an empire and then breaking it apart. Brexit could lead to further division especially with Scotland wanting independence - Northern Ireland and Wales leaning that way too.
Greece - tension with Turkey over the Aegean Sea and who actually "owns" which islands as well as economic collapse, few resources and dealing with masses of fleeing immigrants.
Turkey - tension with Greece about the 'Blue Wave' territory as well as preferring non-interference while working at rebuilding it's destiny as a global power. "Democracy" (power/control) for the Islamist authorities while removal/elimination of dissents.
The Sahel - the southern edge of the Sahara (sub-Sahara) of Sudan, Chad, Niger, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal is profoundly poor with widely dispersed population, ethnic/tribal and religious conflicts. Dealing with post-colonial borders as well as former powers 'trying' to help more in keeping Russia and China out than actually any altruism.
Ethiopia - land-locked with lots of rivers/water although still suffers from military coups that overthrew the monarchy. Ethnic tensions especially with the massive dam being built. Hand on the tap of the Nile River which concerns all countries especially Sudan and Egypt.
Spain - tension with regions wanting independence - Basque region as well as Catalonia - although placing authority in regional governmental hands has eased some stress. Many parts of Europe want to support self-determination but in turn, are afraid that allowing it will encourage autonomy movements within. The UK was given as an example - encourages self-determination for Gibraltar and the Falklands but doesn't want it for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Space - the Artemis Accords (not signed by China and Russia). Control of Earth space where satellites live/work/spy on other countries and debris of decades is even more of a threat. Discussing agreements regarding settlements on the moon and who gets mining rights and how far would boundaries be.
The last section actually has the takeaway that 'cooperation is the key to the future' and it is true on the moon, in space and definitely on the Earth.
2022-122
Well, for the most part, Marshall looks at new areas:
Australia - whose population is restricted to the coasts and is under threat of more devastating drought and possible wildfires as climate changes along with carefully watching the actions of China to the north.
Iran - a theocracy which is stumbling along but managing to survive with the Revolutionary Guard's assistance against the dissidents along with watching the nearby countries and the Islam extremists organizations.
Saudi Arabia - religion vs. economics vs. a large extended royal family who is trying to replace oil with technology even as it's also watching extremist organizations.
United Kingdom - building an empire and then breaking it apart. Brexit could lead to further division especially with Scotland wanting independence - Northern Ireland and Wales leaning that way too.
Greece - tension with Turkey over the Aegean Sea and who actually "owns" which islands as well as economic collapse, few resources and dealing with masses of fleeing immigrants.
Turkey - tension with Greece about the 'Blue Wave' territory as well as preferring non-interference while working at rebuilding it's destiny as a global power. "Democracy" (power/control) for the Islamist authorities while removal/elimination of dissents.
The Sahel - the southern edge of the Sahara (sub-Sahara) of Sudan, Chad, Niger, Mali, Mauritania and Senegal is profoundly poor with widely dispersed population, ethnic/tribal and religious conflicts. Dealing with post-colonial borders as well as former powers 'trying' to help more in keeping Russia and China out than actually any altruism.
Ethiopia - land-locked with lots of rivers/water although still suffers from military coups that overthrew the monarchy. Ethnic tensions especially with the massive dam being built. Hand on the tap of the Nile River which concerns all countries especially Sudan and Egypt.
Spain - tension with regions wanting independence - Basque region as well as Catalonia - although placing authority in regional governmental hands has eased some stress. Many parts of Europe want to support self-determination but in turn, are afraid that allowing it will encourage autonomy movements within. The UK was given as an example - encourages self-determination for Gibraltar and the Falklands but doesn't want it for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Space - the Artemis Accords (not signed by China and Russia). Control of Earth space where satellites live/work/spy on other countries and debris of decades is even more of a threat. Discussing agreements regarding settlements on the moon and who gets mining rights and how far would boundaries be.
The last section actually has the takeaway that 'cooperation is the key to the future' and it is true on the moon, in space and definitely on the Earth.
2022-122
August 2, 2021
"The history of the world is the triumph of the heartless over the mindless." - Sir Humphrey Appleby, Yes, Prime Minister
The highly acclaimed BBC series is perhaps the greatest creation in the history of television. Often considered to be a comedy, all the five seasons deserve to be viewed again and again - until you reach a point where you can't hear the sound of the background laughter. And that's when you realise its true greatness - you feel an uncanny chill running down your spine; your molten beliefs suddenly turning frigid and then crumbling, killing something inside you. Oh, the numbing apathy and indifference that creeps inside your heart and makes it stone cold! The joke, as it turns out, had always been on you. Sheer magnificence!
Tim Marshall's previous book 'Prisoners of Geography' is like a splash of water on your half asleep mind. 'The Power of Geography' goes one step further. It checks that you are still awake and if you aren't, this time it slaps you hard.
The planet's geography is apathetic, indifferent, absolutely heartless and therefore - it rules. Those who proclaim to be its imperators and czars are able to hold those epithets only by being indistinguishable in its camouflage - the fusion thereby making 'geopolitics'.
About the mindless - they are simply to be kept indulged with an incessant stream of sentimental filibusters. And as Sherlock says,
"Sentiment is a chemical defect found on the losing side."
You know on which side you lie and if you read Tim Marshall, you might also come to know the reason.
The highly acclaimed BBC series is perhaps the greatest creation in the history of television. Often considered to be a comedy, all the five seasons deserve to be viewed again and again - until you reach a point where you can't hear the sound of the background laughter. And that's when you realise its true greatness - you feel an uncanny chill running down your spine; your molten beliefs suddenly turning frigid and then crumbling, killing something inside you. Oh, the numbing apathy and indifference that creeps inside your heart and makes it stone cold! The joke, as it turns out, had always been on you. Sheer magnificence!
Tim Marshall's previous book 'Prisoners of Geography' is like a splash of water on your half asleep mind. 'The Power of Geography' goes one step further. It checks that you are still awake and if you aren't, this time it slaps you hard.
The planet's geography is apathetic, indifferent, absolutely heartless and therefore - it rules. Those who proclaim to be its imperators and czars are able to hold those epithets only by being indistinguishable in its camouflage - the fusion thereby making 'geopolitics'.
About the mindless - they are simply to be kept indulged with an incessant stream of sentimental filibusters. And as Sherlock says,
"Sentiment is a chemical defect found on the losing side."
You know on which side you lie and if you read Tim Marshall, you might also come to know the reason.
May 25, 2022
The name of the book is a bit misleading. There is very little talk about maps and the future of the world. It's more of a general history of 10 countries/regions, an analysis of their current situation and a few words about their potential future.
The 10 countries/regions discussed in the book are:
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- Greece
- Turkey
- The Sahel (Central Africa)
- Ethiopia
- Spain
- Space
The sections about well known Western countries such as Australia and United Kingdom feel very redundant, especially their history which takes up way too much space (don't really need a lengthy historical summary of the UK). The most interesting parts are the ones about Ethiopia, Iran and the Sahel.
Also, I am really not sure why Greece was chosen as one of the ten countries/regions. It is indeed in a fairly strategic region however with a population of 10 million it is hardly an important global player other than in the Mediterranean region. Would have thought that countries such as Brasil, Germany or even Poland would have fit better. Perhaps even treating Greece and Turkey together would have been a good idea due to so much interaction and politics between the two.
Overall it is a decent read but there is not much new information for the Western countries covered. The book would have benefited if it focused less on history and more on the potential future of the regions discussed.
The 10 countries/regions discussed in the book are:
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- Greece
- Turkey
- The Sahel (Central Africa)
- Ethiopia
- Spain
- Space
The sections about well known Western countries such as Australia and United Kingdom feel very redundant, especially their history which takes up way too much space (don't really need a lengthy historical summary of the UK). The most interesting parts are the ones about Ethiopia, Iran and the Sahel.
Also, I am really not sure why Greece was chosen as one of the ten countries/regions. It is indeed in a fairly strategic region however with a population of 10 million it is hardly an important global player other than in the Mediterranean region. Would have thought that countries such as Brasil, Germany or even Poland would have fit better. Perhaps even treating Greece and Turkey together would have been a good idea due to so much interaction and politics between the two.
Overall it is a decent read but there is not much new information for the Western countries covered. The book would have benefited if it focused less on history and more on the potential future of the regions discussed.
January 30, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book. It is a blast for interested in geopolitics. Would love to see a sequel with more countries/regions covered.
April 10, 2023
Anhand von 10 Ländern, bzw. Gebieten, wird exemplarisch versucht, den Einfluss der Geographie auf deren Politik und Geschichte zu erklären. Das liest sich im Großen und Ganzen ganz gut, dümmer wird man auch nicht unbedingt, nur fehlt dann aber auch der ganz große Erkenntnisgewinn.
Die Kapitel sind alle ähnlich strukturiert: einer kurzen Einführung folgt ein längerer Teil über die Historie des Landes, abschließend werden die Herausforderungen benannt und ein Blick in die Zukunft gewagt. Gerade den Abriß über die Geschichte der Länder könnte man sich zu großen Teilen auch bei Wikipedia oder eine Menge anderer Quellen zu Gemüte führen. Teilweise fehlt mir da auch der Bezug zur Geographie, der ja das vermeintliche Herausstellungsmerkmal des Buches sein sollte. Andererseits sind manche der Bezüge auch relativ profan. Dass z.B. ein Inselstaat ganz andere Herausforderungen als ein Binnenstaat zu meistern hat, sollte jedem halbwegs interessierten Leser:in klar sein.
Insgesamt trotzdem eine Empfehlung. Von einigen Länder, bzw. Landstrichen, habe ich bisher noch nicht viel gewusst. Äthiopien als eines der wenigen Länder Afrikas ohne Kolonialisierunggeschichte, ist zum Beispiel sehr spannend. In der Richtung werde ich mich wohl noch etwas weiter informieren. Danke auch an die Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, die immer wieder interessante Bücher für einen schmalen Taler auflegt und damit einer breiteren Leserschaft zugänglich macht.
Die Kapitel sind alle ähnlich strukturiert: einer kurzen Einführung folgt ein längerer Teil über die Historie des Landes, abschließend werden die Herausforderungen benannt und ein Blick in die Zukunft gewagt. Gerade den Abriß über die Geschichte der Länder könnte man sich zu großen Teilen auch bei Wikipedia oder eine Menge anderer Quellen zu Gemüte führen. Teilweise fehlt mir da auch der Bezug zur Geographie, der ja das vermeintliche Herausstellungsmerkmal des Buches sein sollte. Andererseits sind manche der Bezüge auch relativ profan. Dass z.B. ein Inselstaat ganz andere Herausforderungen als ein Binnenstaat zu meistern hat, sollte jedem halbwegs interessierten Leser:in klar sein.
Insgesamt trotzdem eine Empfehlung. Von einigen Länder, bzw. Landstrichen, habe ich bisher noch nicht viel gewusst. Äthiopien als eines der wenigen Länder Afrikas ohne Kolonialisierunggeschichte, ist zum Beispiel sehr spannend. In der Richtung werde ich mich wohl noch etwas weiter informieren. Danke auch an die Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, die immer wieder interessante Bücher für einen schmalen Taler auflegt und damit einer breiteren Leserschaft zugänglich macht.
December 15, 2021
Unlike his first book, Marshall’s “The Power of Geography” to me, was more dense. It speaks less about spatial influences on geopolitics and more about the geopolitical history of various countries.
However, Marshall’s journalistic approach to research and explaining events allows it to read like an ‘important world history and future world politics’ handbook.
But the way in which Marshall can simply weave together centuries of human development and use geography to outline the forces that shape our World’s nations is just so yum.
This book tickled my geography bone and satiated my geography-nerd cravings.
However, Marshall’s journalistic approach to research and explaining events allows it to read like an ‘important world history and future world politics’ handbook.
But the way in which Marshall can simply weave together centuries of human development and use geography to outline the forces that shape our World’s nations is just so yum.
This book tickled my geography bone and satiated my geography-nerd cravings.
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