476 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1,1996
This is definitely a book that I deeply wish I could have read 10 years ago when I was in college. The content that Kaplan writes about the state of the countries in the 90's is still highly relevant today when compared to other countries. As I was reading this book, I felt extremely lucky to have the advantage of hindsight. It allowed me to clearly see how some countries have made remarkable progress over the years, while unfortunately, others have continued to face numerous struggles and challenges. This is truly a great geopolitics book. It not only provides valuable insights into the political, economic, and social situations of different countries but also激发s my longing to embark on a similar trip one day. I hope to亲眼目睹the real situations and changes of these countries and gain a more profound understanding of the world we live in.
Kaplan embarks us on an epic odyssey that spans across the globe. He not only vividly describes the wonders of the exotic lands he traverses but also delves deep into the cultural, political, economic, and social aspects of each place he sets foot on. Even though it was penned in the early 1990s, "The Ends of Earth" remains highly relevant in today's international landscape. The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia mirrors the one in 1994 as he predicted. He foresaw the Arab Springs in Egypt, having witnessed the rising social tensions across the Middle East. Moreover, he accurately anticipates today's China's increasing oppression against the Uyghur Community in Xinjiang. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who desires to travel and explore the world, especially now that it has become less straightforward to embark on a journey.