The author embarks on a journey, guiding us through some of the least frequented places by tourists in Africa and Asia.

He starts from the failed states of West Africa like Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Then, he briefly explores the remote areas of Egypt. Subsequently, he visits some rather, um, interesting locations in the former Soviet republics in Central Asia.

After that, we examine the income disparities in Pakistan and India. Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Southeast Asia.

Kaplan's fundamental point is that as civilization advances, the gap between the haves and the have-nots widens. He elaborates at length, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, each culture, and by extension, each individual, has a unique story.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. However, the problem is that the book progresses at a glacial pace, causing me to take nearly a month to finish. It is best read in sections.

This way, one can better absorb the detailed descriptions and profound insights presented by the author.

Overall, despite its slow pace, the book offers a valuable perspective on the diverse and often overlooked regions of the world.

It makes us reflect on the complex issues of development, inequality, and the unique characteristics of different cultures.

Hopefully, more people will pick up this book and gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

**Original Article**: The importance of exercise cannot be overemphasized. It helps keep our bodies healthy and strong. Regular exercise can improve our cardiovascular function, boost our immune system, and enhance our mental well-being.

**Expanded Article**:

The significance of exercise truly cannot be overstated.

Exercise is not just a casual activity; it is a fundamental pillar of a healthy lifestyle. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall well-being of our bodies.

Regular physical activity has a profound impact on our cardiovascular system. It helps to strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of various heart diseases.

Moreover, exercise is a powerful tool for enhancing our immune system. By engaging in regular workouts, our bodies become more resilient to infections and diseases.

In addition to its physical benefits, exercise also has a positive effect on our mental health. It helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promotes a sense of relaxation and well-being.

In conclusion, we should all make exercise a regular part of our lives to enjoy its numerous benefits and lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

This is an extremely interesting travel book that offers a wealth of historical insights.

However, it does have its drawbacks. At times, it can seem a bit shallow, perhaps not delving as deeply into certain topics as one might hope.

Moreover, there is a clear agenda of US national interest and geopolitics running through the text. This may be a turn-off for some readers who prefer a more objective account.

Despite these flaws, overall it is still a great read. The author's engaging writing style and the interesting stories and facts presented make it a worthwhile addition to any travel or history enthusiast's library.

It provides a unique perspective on different cultures and places, and offers food for thought about the role of the US in the world today.

Whether you are planning a trip or simply interested in learning more about the world, this book is definitely worth checking out.

To me, this is yet another of those fantastically informative books.

Frankly speaking, traveling with Kaplan on his journey makes me deeply grateful to be sitting in the safety and comfort of my own backyard. There is absolutely no way that the man fabricated the adventure, and this is precisely what makes it all the more terrifying and menacing.

Putting that aside, it was an incredibly informative endeavor. By the time the author had finished, he had shared an abundance of the frontiers of humanity. This edifies those people who will never have the opportunity to travel and see it firsthand, revealing that it is a wild, wild world out there, with hundreds of people living in a lawless and primitive environment.

I believe that one of the very best ways to rate a book is by considering how long it remains with you and for how many years you think about it. This one has aged extremely well for me. I'm still grappling with it, and it's been approximately four years already.

Dennis A Nehamen, author of The Zach Miller Thrillers

Robert Kaplan truly travels far and wide!

He appears to have a special talent for arriving in volatile countries just before all hell breaks loose.

This is an incredibly fascinating book that offers a peek into some of the most unknown and desolate places on the planet.

His central argument is that the nation state is beginning to break apart as people align themselves along lines of nationality or religion.

He holds an optimistic view regarding the future of certain countries, yet is rather pessimistic about others.

Overall, this was an extremely informative book that provides valuable insights into the complex and ever-changing global landscape.

It makes the reader think deeply about the forces that are shaping our world today and what the future might hold.

Whether you are interested in politics, international relations, or simply learning about different cultures, this book is definitely worth a read.

My first acquaintance with the concept of the "broken state" came through this book.

It presents a sobering portrayal of a significant portion of the world that is mired in what appears to be an inescapable quagmire of chaos, lawlessness, and misery.

The book delves deep into the complex web of issues that contribute to the breakdown of these states, including political instability, economic decline, social unrest, and weak governance.

By examining real-world examples and case studies, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by these regions and the implications for the global community.

Reading this book has opened my eyes to the harsh realities of the world we live in and the urgent need for solutions to address the problem of broken states.

It has also made me realize the importance of international cooperation and assistance in helping these countries rebuild and recover.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of global politics and the challenges of building and maintaining stable and prosperous societies.

George Bush should have read this book before dragging us into an unwinnable war!

This statement holds a certain degree of significance. The war that Bush led the country into had far-reaching consequences. If he had taken the time to read and understand the contents of this particular book, perhaps he would have gained a different perspective. Maybe he would have realized the complexity and potential pitfalls of engaging in such a conflict.

It is important to note that hindsight is always 20/20. However, this does not mean that we cannot learn from past mistakes. By reflecting on the actions of our leaders, we can strive to make better decisions in the future.

The book in question might have provided valuable insights into the nature of war, the importance of diplomacy, and the need for careful planning. These are all crucial aspects that should be considered before embarking on any military adventure.

In conclusion, while we cannot change the past, we can use it as a learning opportunity. George Bush's decision to enter an unwinnable war serves as a reminder of the importance of being well-informed and considering all options before taking action.

One interesting comment that a reviewer made about the content in this regard is that nations and countries are morphing into ethnic and other types of organizations.

This transformation is a complex and significant phenomenon. It implies that the traditional concept of a nation-state, which is based on a common territory, language, and culture, is evolving.

Ethnic organizations, for example, may have a stronger sense of identity and loyalty among their members, based on shared ethnic characteristics. This can lead to the emergence of new forms of political and social organization, as well as challenges to the existing order.

Other types of organizations, such as religious or cultural groups, may also play an increasingly important role in shaping the identity and policies of a nation or country.

Understanding this process of morphing is crucial for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in the future of our global society. It requires a careful analysis of the social, political, and economic forces at play, as well as an appreciation of the diverse perspectives and interests involved.

Robert Kaplan can be an excellent guide in understanding the world beyond the headlines.

His insights and analysis offer a deeper perspective that goes beyond the surface-level news.

By following his work, we can gain a better understanding of the complex geopolitical, social, and economic forces that shape our world.

Kaplan's extensive knowledge and experience allow him to provide valuable context and interpretations that help us make sense of the events and trends that we encounter in the news.

Whether it's understanding the rise of China, the challenges in the Middle East, or the impact of globalization, Kaplan's work can serve as a valuable resource.

So, if you're looking to gain a more in-depth understanding of the world, I highly recommend using Robert Kaplan as your guide.

His work will not only expand your knowledge but also help you develop a more informed and nuanced perspective on the issues that matter.

Really,

This is only three stars when compared to everything else Kaplan has ever written (that I've read). A less biased review might give it four stars. The passage of time has made this book seem ever so slightly less relevant, while his other works still hold up quite well even after a decade or more.

Moreover, it was uneven at times. The parts about Africa were excellent. The section on Egypt was just okay. Central Asia was brilliant. Iran was again just so-so. And Southeast Asia was brilliant once more.

Perhaps the changing geopolitical landscape has affected the perception of this book. However, it still contains valuable insights and interesting perspectives. It's a pity that some parts didn't age as well as others. Overall, it's a decent read, but not Kaplan's best work.

Excellent book that I would highly recommend to any traveler. The author, Mr Kaplan, is truly remarkable. He is incredibly well-read and well-spoken, which makes his writing a pleasure to read. Kaplan has traveled extensively and has written quite a few travelogues. This particular one focuses on his trip to West Africa and Central Asia. He visits countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone, Togo, Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Thailand, and Cambodia.

The author not only writes about his personal experiences and the people he meets but also provides an interesting historical perspective. This adds depth and richness to the narrative. Here are a few quotes that I really enjoyed.

Regarding the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, Kaplan writes, "Prior to assuming power, the Khmer Rouge lived in these temples. They hunted gibbons for food with their AK-47s, contracted malaria among other illnesses, and survived. It was similar to what they were doing again in the mid-1990s, though further back in the forest. Sleeping at night amid these fantastic stones, which to educated and uneducated minds alike summon up vague notions of lost glory, and then going on to conquer Phnom Penh and the other Cambodian cities, must have infused the Khmer Rouge with a feeling of destiny, which helps explain their certainty that history could be forced, that the victims of their cruelty were mere details in a generally happy story. It could not be accidental that the three principal towers of Angkor Wat make up the Khmer Rouge emblem." (p.426)

About an acquaintance in Uzbekistan, he states, "Maria's voice was always tired, postcynical. She reminded me of the Egyptian official I had met in Cairo who had told me that human rights was a joke and that Islamic terrorists were just a bunch of 'painters and plumbers.' These people had given up on the world. But this did not mean that what they had to say, taken in context, did not reveal more about their societies than the bland optimism I heard from others." (p. 252)

When discussing Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, Kaplan writes, "Kyrgyz nomads had been part of Genghis Khan's Golden Horde, which subjugated medieval Russia. They must have left a genetic trace. In The Magic Mountain, Thamoas Mann describes a captivating Russian woman with 'Kirghiz' eyes -- the eyes of a 'prairie-wolf.' To split the Kyrgyz nation, Stalin created two republics. He made a region of the Tien Shan mountains 'Kyrgyzstan,' and the great steppes to the north -- the home of the original Kyrgyz who fought with Genghis Khan -- he called 'Kazakhstan.' The differences in language and customs between today's Kyrgyz and Kazakhs are, therefore, minimal. Nestled high in the Tien Shan glaciers with some three thousand lakes and a population of only 4.4 million, Kyrgyzstan, self-sufficient in both food and water, escaped many of the ravages of communism. Another stroke of luck was the elevation of Askar Akaev in 1990 -- a mathematician with little belief in communist ideology -- to the post of republic leader. Akaev opened Kyrgyzstan to the outside world (my visa cost only twenty-five dollars and didn't require an invitation). He also allowed the IMF to practically write the new country's economic program. When I exchanged a fifty-dollar bill at my hotel in Bishkek, instead of a shoe box full of money, I got just a thick wad of bills in return. A more stable currency, I realized, can help create a strong state identity. Any economist could have told me that, but I was learning through experience. Uzbekistan, without a stable currency, had little identity as a state." (p.281)

To quote a Chinese curse, we live in interesting times.

In our lifetime, the world's population has doubled or tripled, and many regions are already severely overcrowded. There is simply no space left for it to double again, so something has to change. The West enjoys a certain degree of stability and prosperity, but much of the less fortunate "third world" lives on the verge, with its population still rising and its quality of life still declining. Where is this leading us? How do people live in those countries right now?

The way to find out is to go and observe, and Kaplan has done precisely that. "The Ends of the Earth" is a fast-paced travelogue that takes us from chaotic Sierra Leone and West Africa to Egypt, then to Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran, Uzbekistan, and its sister republics in Central Asia, to the tip of China, then over the Karakoram highway to Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Laos, ending in Cambodia. Wherever Kaplan went, he listened to the heartbeat of society, with particular attention to the diversity of cultures and traditions. His preferred mode of travel seems to have been rickety local buses, and he has developed a talent for choosing friends and guides: a young Azeri photographer, an Uzbek student, an Iranian businessman with a permanent 3-day beard growth mourning the death of a martyr 1300 years ago, a 70-year-old Indian naturalist, volunteer doctors in Cambodia, African truck drivers, and many more.

Kaplan is no ordinary adventurer. His academic preparation is solid - the bibliography covers more than 30 pages, and the footnotes are extensive - and his journeys had a serious purpose. He wanted to discover what was happening in those societies and what their future might hold.

As one might expect, he witnessed widespread poverty, but then most people in the countries he visited had always been poor. Most inhabitants of Europe and North America were also poor before the industrial revolution brought employment to their cities and raised the standard of living, helping to curb population growth. But there is not much hope of that happening soon in most of the countries visited by Kaplan. The huge cities of the Third World, such as Cairo, Istanbul, and Karachi, are surrounded by sprawling shantytowns and have too little industry to support them. These are cities of 10 million people, each growing疯狂 as more and more people flee the countryside to live in urban shanties.

Why do they do this? Because, as Kaplan discovers, life on the land can be worse than life in those shantytowns. For too many people, moving to the city is an improvement. Yet this trend cannot possibly continue much further. Already, governments are unable to cope with it, and there is already violence between ethnic and cultural groups in those cities. What is to be done? In Cambodia, rebels forced city people back to the land in a reign of terror and genocide that devastated the country's society. Kaplan finds that the memories of that nightmare persist, and so do the rebels, holding out in forests and distant regions. He convincingly argues that the only way to achieve social health is to improve life on the land and make the villages attractive again.

With a few exceptions (such as Thailand), governments are of little help in this process. It is the people living on the land, Kaplan believes, who must take control of their own environment. In India, he visits the Rishi valley, where the inhabitants have, on their own initiative, raised literacy, lowered the birth rate, and preserved the environment. But as he listens to the people of the valley, he realizes that they owe their success to the well-established culture of India. The Rishi prescription is not likely to work in Africa's tribal cultures. West Africa, in particular, is in a desperate situation, drifting towards complete chaos, like Liberia. Its straight boundaries are artificial, a legacy of colonial maps: they ignore tribal boundaries and are in turn ignored by the tribes.

The map of the future, Kaplan suggests, will be drawn along ethnic lines. In the Muslim world, diverse nations of Turkic descent are coming together - Azeris in the Caucasus and northern Iran, Uzbeks and Uighurs in Central Asia, a web stretching from Europe to China. He discovers that Turkish Islam differs from Arab Islam, being milder, more tolerant, marked by the Sufi tradition and the legacy of Rumi the mystic. Iran's Shiite Islam is also different: outwardly aggressive, still smarting from its defeat in the struggle among the heirs of Mohammed, but inwardly flexible and compromising. The death edict on Salman Rushdie still stands, and Ba'hais are still persecuted, but Kaplan feels they are the last remnants of a dwindling revolution, whose leaders have already reversed their stance on birth control in the face of reality. Iran, he claims, is no longer ruled by extreme militants but by "bazaaris," cunning merchants who cheat and lie to get their way but who also adapt to face reality. He believes that the day will come when Iran and the US will draw closer together.

This is a book rich in encounters, history, cultural insights, and profound reflections. It reminds one of the "grand tour" of classical Italy and Spain undertaken by wealthy Europeans 200 years ago to expand their horizons and education. Kaplan's tour makes more sense for today, although I would hesitate to recommend such a difficult and perhaps dangerous journey to anyone. Read this book instead: it will give you a good sense of the true flavor of those countries and plenty to think about.