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Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 94 votes)
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94 reviews
July 14,2025
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What an amazing book! Wow! I truly loved it. Robert Kaplan has an extraordinary gift for words. Not only that, he also has a remarkable ability to identify the worst aspects of a country and conduct in-depth investigations and reports. He explores and reports from such an interesting perspective. His immersion in the subject matter is so rich and engaging.

Regarding the readability, the best way I can describe it is as follows. I started reading the book at page 70 at 8 pm, initially planning to read about 30 pages and then switch to another book. However, 4 hours later, I found myself on page 329. I realized that I was tired and if I continued reading at night, I wouldn't be able to fully absorb the rest of the book.

This book is a great travelogue, a wonderful cultural review, and overall, it provides an unflinching look at how people in third world countries are so different. It is a book that I can envision myself re-reading in a few years. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in understanding different cultures and the challenges faced by people in various parts of the world.
July 14,2025
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July 14,2025
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While I was rummaging through my books, I came across something interesting.

There was a post-it attached to one of the pages. It read: "Hi Brian, thought you might enjoy this. It's terralicious. - Joe B."

I was immediately intrigued by the message. The word "terralicious" caught my attention. I wondered what it could mean.

Maybe it was a made-up word by Joe B. to describe something really great or wonderful.

I couldn't help but smile at the thought of Joe B. leaving this little note for me.

It made me feel special and cared for.

I decided to keep the post-it as a reminder of this small but meaningful gesture.

Every time I see it, it will bring a smile to my face and warm my heart.

It's amazing how a simple post-it can have such a big impact.

July 14,2025
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A good combination of personal observation and political background is presented in this analysis.

However, it seems that the same message is being repeated continuously. The existence of corrupt governments, the growing urban poor population, and the scarcity of resources are all factors that contribute to political instability in third world countries.

It is important to note that these issues are complex and interconnected. Corruption within the government can lead to mismanagement of resources, which in turn exacerbates the problem of the urban poor.

Additionally, the lack of resources can create competition and unrest among different groups, further fueling political instability.

To address these issues, it is necessary to implement comprehensive strategies that target corruption, promote economic development, and ensure the equitable distribution of resources.

This requires the cooperation and commitment of both the government and the international community.
July 14,2025
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The Ends of the Earth follows the pattern of Kaplan's previous books Balkan Ghosts and Eastward to Tartary, which combines travelogue to often-ignored places by economist optimists with political and anthropological observations.

However, this book is not as focused as those, due to the wider spread of his travels and observations on what he has called and continues to call “The Coming Anarchy”. As a result, the book can be somewhat overwhelming. It is best read through once and then kept as a reference for various areas discussed.

The first section of the book deals with West Africa. Kaplan concludes that this area is likely to break away from the current north-south oriented heterogeneous political states and become an area of east-west homogeneously ethnic nations in conflict over resources. He bases this on the breakdown of some countries in 1996 and the problems in others. His argument is persuasive and applicable to much of sub-Saharan Africa.

The next section focuses on Egypt and its surroundings. It applies Wittfogel's Oriental Despot Theory to the totalitarians that have emerged, especially Nasser and Mubarak. Kaplan's take on environmental problems leading to new forms of oppression is interesting and chilling.

The following section has Kaplan revisit Anatolia and the Caucasus. He believes Ataturk's attempts to absorb all ethnicities into Turkey may not work out as planned, especially as Kurds and Armenians may demand more autonomy. He also sees Turkey reestablishing itself as a dominant power in the area.

Tied to the previous section is the one on Persia. Kaplan discusses Persia's significance in geopolitics and how the current Iranian Islamic Republic may be a temporary situation. He believes the future of West and Central Asia will see fluctuating Turkish and Persian influence.

The section on Central Asia ties together the area's current formation of former Soviet republics, Sinkiang, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Kaplan argues that this formation is artificial and will likely reform into something more accurate, like Turkestan, with smaller nations. He also discusses the end of Russian influence and the possible withdrawal of Chinese influence.

The last section deals with India and Southeast Asia. The section on India presents hard facts about the social situation there, dispelling overly optimistic economic analysis. Kaplan then compares Southeast Asia to the Balkans, with various nations emerging and competing for dominance. He also discusses the problems with HIV in the region.

Overall, the book is a superb take on the emerging “culture of discontent” but can be overwhelming. It should be read by teachers of various subjects as Kaplan's ideas on states and nations are crucial for understanding history and the possible future world. His ideas on potential problems and their impact on the US are also important for all teachers of history and social studies.

Kaplan does not believe the US or the UN can solve the world's problems alone but feels they can help local people find solutions before problems become global.
July 14,2025
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Even though this was written twenty years ago,

it still is very relevant.

The passage of time has not diminished its significance.

It contains a wealth of background history that would be extremely difficult to come across otherwise.

Mr. Kaplan clearly put a great deal of research into this book.

His efforts have resulted in a work that is not only informative but also engaging.

The details and insights he provides offer a unique perspective on the subject matter.

Readers can gain a deeper understanding of the events and circumstances that led to the present.

This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the topic.

It is a testament to the importance of thorough research and the power of well-written literature.

Despite being two decades old, it continues to hold its own and remains a relevant and interesting read.

July 14,2025
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This travel book contains an excessive amount of politics, which might seem out of place at first. However, a significant portion of it remains interesting.

The inclusion of political elements could potentially turn some readers away, as they might be seeking a more straightforward and escapist travel narrative. Nevertheless, for those who are open to exploring different aspects, these political insights can add depth and context to the travel experience.

It is important to note that while the politics may be prominent, the book still manages to capture the essence of the destinations visited. The author's descriptions of the landscapes, cultures, and people are engaging and vivid, making it possible for readers to envision themselves in those places.

Overall, despite the heavy dose of politics, this travel book has its merits and can offer an interesting and unique perspective on travel.
July 14,2025
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If you have a burning desire to gain a primer on the future, then this book is an absolute must-read.

It offers a fascinating and in-depth exploration of the trends, technologies, and ideas that are likely to shape our world in the years to come.

From artificial intelligence and robotics to climate change and social innovation, this book covers a wide range of topics that are both relevant and thought-provoking.

With clear and engaging writing, it presents complex concepts in a way that is accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply someone who is curious about the future, this book will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.

So don't hesitate - pick up a copy today and start your journey into the future.

July 14,2025
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A great and intelligent book!

This book is truly remarkable. It is filled with profound wisdom and engaging content that captivates the reader from start to finish. The author's knowledge and understanding shine through on every page, making it a joy to read.

Not only is the book intellectually stimulating, but it also has the power to inspire and transform. It presents new ideas and perspectives that can开阔 our minds and help us see the world in a different light.

Whether you are looking for entertainment, education, or personal growth, this book has something to offer. It is a must-read for anyone who values great literature and wants to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world.

In conclusion, this is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. It is a testament to the power of great writing and the importance of books in our lives.
July 14,2025
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Ok, so Kaplan's conclusions in this regard are somewhat less offensive and only semi-boneheaded compared to his usual fare. His writing is truly excellent, which is a redeeming quality. Moreover, he is reporting on places that receive far too little attention. It is refreshing to see someone shine a light on these overlooked areas. While his conclusions may not be entirely without flaws, they do offer a new perspective. By highlighting these lesser-known places, Kaplan is bringing attention to their unique characteristics and challenges. This can potentially lead to more in-depth research and understanding. Overall, despite the slight drawbacks in his conclusions, Kaplan's work is valuable for its focus on the underrepresented and the quality of his writing.

July 14,2025
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First off, this book is a bit dated as it was published in 1994.

This fact might account for some of the author's "end of the world" remarks about Africa and the inaccuracies in his commentary on Cambodia.

Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable read, similar to other Kaplan books, as it provides a good overview of a region.

At least for me, it has piqued my interest in new places.

Some of his predictions about Egypt are particularly prescient considering recent events.

I wonder if he will also be proven correct regarding Iran.

It's interesting to see how his views from the past hold up in the present.

Overall, despite its age, the book still offers valuable insights and can be a great starting point for those interested in exploring different regions of the world.

July 14,2025
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A bit dated as far as historical analysis goes, this book still offers a rare perspective on much of the developing world today. Kaplan doesn't simply skim over a country or culture; instead, he delves deep. From what I can observe, he truly does his due diligence to present a comprehensive picture of the current situation and future opportunities.


I would have preferred if his account wasn't peppered with invented narratives that he attributes to numerous random strangers he encounters but never converses with throughout the book. I understand his attempt to describe the types of individuals he sees and their future prospects. However, his somewhat romanticized approach, making it seem as if he is intuiting their thoughts and lives, appears slightly arrogant.


I thoroughly appreciated his analysis of the Central Asian countries. This region is rarely discussed or even recognized by most people. His in-depth account of his experiences there is truly eye-opening. It is fascinating to learn about the cultural heritage that prevails in these regions and the legacy that Soviet rule left behind in many of these places, just a few years after its end.


He was quite clairvoyant in his recognition of the challenges that climate change will pose to many of these countries and the developing world. These challenges have not diminished since Kaplan wrote this book; instead, they have only worsened.


All in all, this book really captivates me. It is thoroughly researched, and by simply perusing the bibliography, I discovered many books that I will explore in the future. However, I also found myself pausing and referring to maps to geographically understand the locations and his travel routes. It made me long for travel once again.

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