A brilliant analysis of the "nether" regions of the world. Kaplan combines lyric travel writing and straightforward political analysis to provide context and understanding of the development tragedies gripping West Africa, Egypt, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Central Asia, Pakistan, India and Indochina.

Kaplan's work offers a unique perspective on these often overlooked areas. Through his vivid travel descriptions, he brings to life the landscapes, cultures, and people of these regions. At the same time, his political analysis delves deep into the complex issues that have contributed to their development challenges.

By examining the historical, social, and economic factors at play, Kaplan helps readers to understand the root causes of the tragedies. His work also highlights the importance of international cooperation and intervention in addressing these issues. Overall, Kaplan's analysis provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the world's "nether" regions and the challenges they face.

What an asshole!

But, on the other hand, he is a damn good writer. His work is gripping and interesting, and one can't help but be drawn in by his words.

However, it's hard to overlook the fact that he is a pessimistic fuck who seems to hate other cultures.

No, really. I like the way this guy writes, but I think he is pretty shitty.

He is in the same genre as Chatwin, incorporating literature, history, and other elements to make his work damn interesting.

But his worldview... ugh. It's hard to reconcile his great writing with his rather negative and perhaps narrow view of the world.

It makes one wonder if his writing is a reflection of his true self or if he is just using his pessimism as a literary device.

Either way, it's a complex and somewhat frustrating situation.

This is not a book that fills one with cheer or hope.

However, it is an essential one for a deeper comprehension of failed states and their profound impact on both history and the present.

Failing to study such states would mean missing out on crucial insights into the complex web of political, social, and economic factors that lead to their downfall.

By examining these failed states, we can learn valuable lessons about governance, stability, and the consequences of mismanagement.

This knowledge is not only relevant for understanding the past but also for making informed decisions in the present to avoid similar pitfalls.

Although the subject matter may be沉重, the importance of this book cannot be overstated in our pursuit of a more informed and enlightened understanding of the world we live in.

If ever there was a travel writer with a resolute intention to dissuade travel, it is Kaplan.

Right from the start, he warns you about his plans to visit the more remote and economically distressed regions, as he traverses countries in West Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Indochina.

What is typically a collection of travel essays often transforms into a tiresome monologue on the tragic consequences and predicted apocalypse of overpopulation, crumbling and corrupt governments, and bad architecture.

Okay, indeed. Where there is poverty, life is arduous. I understand that. And I commend him for looking beyond the touristy areas to glimpse the crumbling infrastructure and shoddy lifestyles, into the bleak quagmire of discontent, poverty, and eventual upheaval.

Often, he strays from travel writing to delve into history and international politics, lecturing the reader on domestic discord (often ethnic) and policy blunders, frequently economic or ecological (such as the impact of dam building).

Surprisingly, he chose not to visit the violent favelas of Brazil. West Africa is depicted as a land of roadblocks and greed, with the police seemingly obtaining their pay by fleecing travelers and the local populations at will and without any oversight.

Kaplan almost appears to long for strong authoritarian governments. He extols the value of the often-despised middlemen (Lebanese, Copt, etc.) who seem to actually run the economies, much to the annoyance of the natives.

Although some of the material is outdated, it is often interesting, albeit tiring. He has a tendency to repeat his ideas, words, and descriptions (machine-woven rugs, hard angles).

I suppose there is value in hearing an authoritative voice describe areas that most people would not wish to visit and probably shouldn't. I prefer Robert Young Pelton or Michael Palin.

Nevertheless, I learned a great deal and enjoyed some of the commentary by the people he met: "They have been narrowly educated. And narrowly educated people cause the worst sorts of upheavals." Well, that holds true for South Carolina and Alabama as well.

Now, I need to find a well-run beach resort to get some rest.

This is a little older now,

but it remains a staple for understanding the difficulties that the developing world is facing as it endeavors to become like the West.

Kaplan's portrayal of the situation is rather depressing.

However, he is making an attempt to honestly detail the troubles in parts of the world as numerous regions strive to liberalize, democratize, and modernize everything.

The developing world often encounters significant challenges in its pursuit of progress.

These challenges can range from economic disparities to social and political unrest.

Kaplan's work provides valuable insights into these issues,

allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the complex and often difficult path that the developing world must traverse.

By examining the difficulties faced by these regions,

we can begin to formulate more effective strategies for promoting sustainable development and positive change.

A bloody racist and a contemptuous fool. This description seems rather harsh, but perhaps there are circumstances or actions that have led to such a damning assessment. Racism is an extremely serious issue that has caused great harm and division throughout history. It is a mindset that devalues and discriminates against people based on their race or ethnicity.

The term "contemptuous fool" implies a lack of respect and intelligence. It suggests that the person in question not only holds racist views but also acts in a way that is deserving of contempt.

To understand more about this situation, one can visit the provided link: https://www.vqronline.org/euphorias-p.... This may provide further details and context about the individual being described and the reasons for such a strong condemnation.

It is important to address and challenge racism whenever it rears its ugly head. We should strive to create a more inclusive and equal society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. By educating ourselves and others, we can work towards eradicating this harmful ideology and building a better future for all.

I have several concerns regarding Robert Kaplan. In fact, I believe that every Balkanist, and indeed anyone who is not a realist, probably has certain misgivings about Kaplan.

However, this book earns four stars as it compelled me to think deeply and carefully consider various aspects. Although it may be an older work, Kaplan's concepts regarding the fluid nature of borders and the manner in which cultures interact at the peripheries are of utmost importance for anyone with an interest in geography, international relations, or international politics.

Moreover, it also serves to make "Revenge of Geography" more comprehensible. It offers valuable insights that can enhance one's understanding of these complex and interrelated fields.

Overall, despite my reservations about Kaplan, this book has its merits and is worthy of being read and studied by those seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

Mr. Kaplan's travels took him through Africa, the Middle East, India, and Asia during the mid-nineties.

Whenever possible, he traveled by land, which allowed him to have a more in-depth understanding of these regions.

Since his visit, these areas have witnessed significant changes.

It is still fascinating to read his predictions for the nations he visited and compare them with what actually happened.

He was optimistic that the Islamic Revolution in Iran was losing momentum and that relations with the US would soon improve.

Some of his other predictions were also quite accurate.

He sensed an upheaval in the Middle East regarding national borders that do not align with the ethnic groups living within them.

For each region he visited, Mr. Kaplan provides an in-depth discussion of history and culture.

His knowledge appears to be limitless.

However, the best parts of the book are the tales of hardship, danger, and deprivation that a traveler experiences when brave enough to visit the underdeveloped regions of the world.

These stories give readers a vivid picture of the challenges and rewards of traveling in such areas.

I have this book which I got for a class that I am currently taking on the geography of the Middle East.

Although I truly relished reading the book, it is rather challenging to view it as just some ordinary textbook.

It has a very accessible writing style, making it easy to read and understand.

Moreover, it is extremely informative, providing a wealth of knowledge about the geographical aspects of the Middle East.

The author has done a great job of presenting the information in an engaging and interesting manner.

Whether it's about the topography, climate, or natural resources of the region, this book covers it all.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in learning about the geography of the Middle East.

It not only serves as a great educational resource but also makes for an enjoyable read.

Overall, I am very satisfied with this book and will definitely be referring back to it throughout my studies.

In 1994, Robert Kaplan embarks on an epic journey across the developing world.

He travels to various countries, observing and documenting the social, economic, and political landscapes.

His reports offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by these regions.

Kaplan witnesses the rapid growth and transformation in some areas, while also seeing the deep-rooted poverty and inequality in others.

His writings provide valuable insights into the complex issues that shape the developing world.

By sharing his experiences and observations, Kaplan aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of the diverse and dynamic nature of these countries.

His work serves as a reminder of the importance of global cooperation and the need to address the pressing issues that affect the lives of millions of people in the developing world.

This is the book that changed everything for me.

It was not just an ordinary read; it was a life-altering experience.

From the moment I picked it up, I was drawn into its pages, unable to put it down.

The words seemed to dance off the paper, captivating my imagination and challenging my perspective.

It opened my eyes to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new possibilities.

As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself relating to the characters on a profound level.

Their struggles, their joys, and their triumphs became my own.

This book taught me valuable lessons about life, love, and perseverance.

It made me realize that sometimes, the greatest changes can come from the simplest of things.

And for that, I will always be grateful to this remarkable book that changed my life forever.

This is a truly depressing book.

It takes us on a journey through parts of Africa, the Mideast, and Asia, chronicling the abysmal depths to which many of the world's peoples, nations, and their environments have plunged. There seems to be little to offer hope for their renewal or even survival.

Some of the intertwined causes are poverty, tyrannical governments, depletion and destruction of resources. The Soviet Union is singled out for what the author terms "ecocide." Overpopulation, joblessness, loss of family and cultural ties, ethnic strife, the arbitrary creation of national borders without considering the peoples involved, Western colonialism and interference, and other related issues all contribute. Written 15 years ago, much of what Kaplan witnessed has only deteriorated further. The United States is a small island of relative calm and prosperity, but it's clear that the methods our government uses to try to control and change these chaotic situations are doomed not only to failure but also to further isolate us.

Does Kaplan see any hope? There are a few glimmers. He believes that democracy should begin with economic development and the establishment of schools, and he does find a few places where this process is starting. Life must have some stability, people need to be rooted somewhere, and resources need to be conserved and renewed. However, he thinks this cannot be "imposed"; the people themselves must take control of their lives and environment, and not all solutions will be the same.

It seems like a very tall order. One thing he repeatedly notes is how "nations" and borders are breaking down into more cultural and ethnic entities. And the future map of the world, in order to survive, may have to be very different from what it is today. He also concludes that the history of the earth has had many wearisome centuries of violence and chaos, and that the great ages of virtue are few and far between.

The most important issue that stood out to me is ecological destruction, which is closely tied to overpopulation. Water is a major problem, as it is in some areas of the US, but it's often related to the destruction of forests. Everything is connected. Al Gore is right: it's really about world ecology, and the world needs to work together for the Earth to remain habitable in the long term.

One more note: much of the world news that I would previously have skimmed over now has a face for me, having traveled there via Kaplan's book. Although my sense of geography still has a long way to go.