The first book by Robert Kaplan that I read was truly remarkable.

It was extremely well-written and delved into parts of the world that one might never hear about. In fact, most people are likely not very knowledgeable about these regions.

What made this book stand out was that it was not a dull non-fiction piece. Instead, it read more like an engaging travelogue, taking the reader on a journey through unknown lands and cultures.

After reading this initial book, I went on to read "Balkan Ghosts" by Kaplan, and it was equally great. It continued to offer fascinating insights and descriptions of a different part of the world, further captivating my interest in Kaplan's work.

Overall, Robert Kaplan's books have proven to be a great source of knowledge and entertainment, providing a unique perspective on the world.

Kaplan's travel journals were extremely popular reads among Peace Corps Volunteers when I was serving in Ukraine.

The places he visited, the history he explored, his in-depth understanding of cultures and long-term trends - all these elements combined to offer a profound comprehension of places on earth that are typically far beyond the reach of an average American.

Peace Corps made you realize how much of a tourist you were on all your previous trips around the world, and this realization made you yearn for books like Kaplan's to assist you in delving beneath the surface.

Once you do so, the thought experiments you can conduct about what it would be like to live in these places, to survive there, and to effect change there are all truly profound.

A Journey to the Frontiers of Anarchy is a mind-expanding trip in the truest sense. You don't just think about geography, but also about politics, ethics, aesthetics, culture, society, family, and so on. In short, it makes you think about what it means to be human.

Take this trip. It will not only help you know the world better but also help you know yourself.

This was an extremely interesting book that encompassed elements of both travel/adventure and social analysis. It vividly brought to mind some of the excellent writing of Ryszard Kapuściński, especially "Imperium", where the author traversed the diverse countries and territories of the former Soviet Union. What becomes evident here is how cultures that are geographically adjacent can be politically polar opposites. Walls, borders, and gates exist not merely to minimize the movement of people but rather to ensure that someone reaps a profit whenever someone or some goods pass through. The Central Asia segment is truly fascinating, particularly the exploration of East Turkistan and the Uyghur people. It might be one of the first times I've read in-depth about their struggle. However, it is the section on Africa that offers some very interesting insights into the failures of nation-states and the hardships that ordinary people face in simply surviving. This is not only due to the problems brought by colonialism and the accompanying oppression but also because of the obstacles placed in front of people by the leaders of many countries, who treat each country as if it were their personal property, using it to amass wealth beyond imagination.

Although it is often understood in the book that the author aims to observe, analyze, and even make value judgments, he focuses on the poor, the struggling, the underpaid workers, the refugees - those whose stories are seldom heard but who are the backbone of every society. He has numerous opinions about the things he witnesses during his journey, and some of them have not withstood the test of time. The book can be regarded as dated, yet I still believe it is a worthwhile read. I would absolutely love to see a book of any retravel he might undertake along these same routes now. However, I'm certain that most of the places are more dangerous than before, and most of the situations have deteriorated.

Robert Kaplan had an ambitious goal when he embarked on researching and writing this book. He aimed to discover a new paradigm to understand the early decades of the 21st century.

Kaplan noticed that some experts emphasized the impacts of overpopulation and environmental degradation as dominant forces, especially in the developing world. Others, like former UN secretary-general Perez de Cuellar, spoke of a "new anarchy." In 1993, 42 countries were involved in major conflicts, and 37 others suffered from lesser forms of political violence, with 65 of these 79 nations in the developing world.

Kaplan traveled through sub-Saharan West Africa from Guinea to Togo and also visited Egypt, Turkey, Iran, former Soviet Central Asia, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. In Africa, he found a predictably bleak situation. Despite 13 percent of the human race living there, Africa contributes only 1.2 percent of the world's GDP. Crime, especially violent crime, is soaring, leading to the suspension of direct flights from the US to Lagos, Nigeria. Malaria is intensifying the spread of AIDS, and vice versa.

Kaplan believes the real problem in sub-Saharan Africa is too-rapid urbanization. Festering "bush-slums" border many African cities, attracting migrants from the countryside. The native forest culture is being destroyed by various factors. Although not the only factor in bloody conflicts, it is a dominant one.

Rapidly growing cities filled with peasants from the countryside were also a dominant feature in other nations. In China, the growth was mainly in coastal areas, leading to mass migration. In Pakistan, the high population growth rate and lack of contraceptive use have caused a tremendous migration to shantytowns.

In Egypt, urban poverty and newly urbanized peasants, facing the loss of traditions and breakdown of basic services, have turned to Islam. The growing marriage of Islam and urbanized peasantry is also seen in Turkey and some areas of western China.

Kaplan was frustrated by his travels and felt he knew less the more he traveled. He grew disgusted with the idea of political "science" and concluded that nation-states in some regions were weakening. Borders were becoming less important, and the poorly and newly urbanized rural poor flocking to the cities were the greatest challenge.

This book was truly amazing.

Kaplan is an outstanding travel writer. His descriptions are so vivid that they make you feel as if you are right there with him in the remote locations he visits.

What makes this book even more special is the scarcity of travel writings that cover the areas he explores. It offers a unique perspective and takes you to places you may have never known existed.

Whether you are an armchair globetrotter who loves to explore the world through books or a real globetrotter looking for inspiration, this book is a great read. It will transport you to far-off lands and leave you with a sense of wonder and adventure.

So, if you are looking for a captivating travelogue that will broaden your horizons and satisfy your wanderlust, look no further than this book by Kaplan.

Almost prophetic in hind sight.

Looking back, it seems almost as if it was foretold. The events that unfolded had an eerie resemblance to what could have been predicted. It's as if there was a hidden force at work, guiding the course of things in a way that now, in hindsight, appears almost prophetic.

We often fail to see the signs and omens when they are right in front of us. But when we look back with a clearer perspective, we can't help but be amazed at how accurately certain things seemed to be foreseen.

It makes us wonder if there is a greater plan or if our minds are simply playing tricks on us. Maybe it's a combination of both. Either way, the idea of something being almost prophetic in hind sight is a fascinating concept that continues to intrigue and puzzle us.

An interesting perspective.

I read this for a class in Middle East Geography. It truly provided a more personal flavor to the people and environment.

It is a bit superficial in certain aspects, but aside from that, I really enjoyed it.

The detailed descriptions of the local customs and the unique landscapes made me feel as if I was actually there.

Although some parts could have been explored in more depth, it still managed to capture my attention and give me a better understanding of the region.

I would recommend this to others who are interested in learning about the Middle East, as it offers a different and engaging way to view the area.

Overall, it was a worthwhile read that added a new dimension to my studies.

Fantastic!

And sobering. This is an extremely informative journey through the realms of history, geography, politics, and culture.

Even though it was penned as long as 30 years ago, I have gleaned a great deal from it.

It truly compels you to contemplate just how vast the world is and the enduring and profound impacts that geography and culture can exert on a people.

The exploration of different historical events and their geographical contexts provides a unique perspective.

Understanding the political landscapes that have evolved over time in various regions adds depth to the overall picture.

Cultural aspects, too, play a crucial role in shaping the identity and way of life of a community.

This book serves as a reminder that the world is a complex and diverse place, and we have much to learn from its rich tapestry of history, geography, politics, and culture.

It encourages us to look beyond our own immediate surroundings and gain a broader understanding of the world and its people.

It is truly interesting to read about travels to places that one will likely never have the opportunity to visit. Kaplan's journey was eerily prophetic. His experiences along the way led to a significant change in his thesis. It not only makes us think deeply about the current problems we are facing but also specifically about overpopulation and its profound impact on the environment.

As we read about his adventures, we are transported to distant lands and gain insights that we might otherwise never have. The descriptions of the places, the people he met, and the challenges he encountered all contribute to a rich and thought-provoking narrative. It forces us to confront the reality of our own world and consider the consequences of our actions.

Kaplan's journey serves as a reminder that we need to pay closer attention to the issues of overpopulation and environmental degradation. We must find ways to balance our growth and development with the preservation of the planet. This book is not just a travelogue but a call to action, urging us to take responsibility for the future of our world.

A truly fascinating account awaits the reader.

It is a narrative that is not only rich in geopolitical insight but also incredibly colorful and engaging.

The story unfolds with a vividness that makes it easy to get lost in its pages.

From the political intrigues to the cultural nuances, every aspect is presented in a way that is both informative and entertaining.

The author's ability to combine deep knowledge with a captivating writing style is truly remarkable.

Whether you are a history buff or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this account is sure to leave you with a newfound understanding and appreciation of the complex world of geopolitics.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the hidden forces that shape our global landscape.

So, pick up this book and embark on a journey that will take you to the heart of some of the most important events and issues of our time.

You won't be disappointed.

In 1993-94, Kaplan embarked on a journey that took him to mostly third world countries across half the globe. His aim was to offer his personal insights into what might unfold in the 21st century.

He traveled through West Africa, including the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, as well as Egypt, Anatolia, the Caucasus, Iran, Central Asia (all the "stan" countries that emerged after the fall of the Soviet Union), India, and Indochina. As described in my British TV shows, "He was sleeping rough." He traversed most of these areas by buses and trains and noted that "the condition of a country's public toilets - or lack thereof - reveals something about its progress towards civil society."

Regarding West Africa, he said, "West Africa is left with high-density concentrations of people who have been deprived of certain stabilizing cultural models, lacking strong governmental institutions or communities to compensate for the loss. Much of the violence stems from an atmosphere of unprecedented birthrates, alcohol, mass-produced weaponry, and other aspects of modern times (including the migration of peasants from villages to shantytowns in urban areas)." He encountered these same conditions repeatedly during his travels.

This made for a heavy and sometimes depressing read, and in some ways, it also induced guilt when thinking about how much we have and waste while so much of the world is truly destitute. However, overpopulation is the most significant factor limiting economic growth. I believe even Kaplan recognized that he was depressing his readers and found one place in India called "Rishi Valley" where positive things had occurred. This was because the local people dedicated themselves to making it happen. The way they educate their children, the availability of free birth control, and every person planting trees throughout the valley and bougainvillea around the schools, as "people who appreciate beauty are less likely to be violent." "Ecological renewal is essential to cultural renewal."

Kaplan also spent some time in Cambodia, and my lack of global history became evident when I realized that Pol Pot and the mass slaughter took place in 1975-79. Somehow, I had thought it was much longer ago. Then I remembered that my kids visited there last year. My daughter, who has traveled the world in many ways, seldom discusses it in detail, but I had the opportunity to ask her and really listen to what she said about their visit to Cambodia and Indochina. In all but one place, they had flush toilets! She did note that the people were not as happy or lively as the Vietnamese, and Kaplan said, "Trauma was a ghost-haunting every day Cambodian life. A significant portion of the population suffered from some level of war and torture-related psychological illness. But unlike AIDS or illiteracy or deforestation, it couldn't be quantified, so it was often overlooked."

I found a description of our current President in Persia, where there are bazaars (a Persian word for market or souk in Arabic). The people are called bazaaris, who live in this "murky world of deals and mutual favors where written laws are yet to be invented, where what our culture considers lying and theirs is merely haggling, and because they are religious, they believe they are always right, but religion never interferes with their financial interests." "Bazaaris are an important economic subclass to emerge from the ashes of the Cold War." I guess here we call them businessmen.

I learned a great deal about the darker areas of the globe that I had never much considered before. I also wonder how they are faring now, over 20 years later (I think Kaplan has a new book in 2018 about Marco Polo, which should bring us up to date on Central Asia at least). He basically concludes by saying, "People will either solve their problems at the local level, as in Rishi Valley, or they won't."

I have come to know that there is a place in this world where Arabic, Chinese, and Russian are all spoken! It is truly an amazing discovery. Kaplan, in his work, has masterfully intertwined travel with history and politics.

Some might view this combination as a bit sketchy, but I beg to differ. I find Kaplan's approach to be a great starting point for anyone eager to learn about the world.

His vivid descriptions and in-depth analysis offer a unique perspective that allows readers to explore different cultures and regions.

By delving into the historical and political contexts of various places, Kaplan helps us understand the complex tapestry of our global community.

Whether it's the ancient civilizations of the Middle East, the vibrant cities of China, or the vast landscapes of Russia, Kaplan's writing brings these places to life.

Overall, I believe that Kaplan's work is a valuable resource for those seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world.