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.
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.