The Power of Geography
Quick Summary
I’ve been on a bit of history (and subsequently geopolitics) binge recently and this book has been the most captivating, insightful and concise breakdown i’ve read so far.
This book is for anyone with a curiosity about geopolitics and the intricate dance between geography and history!
Marshall unveils how ten pivotal regions could dictate the future of global politics. This book captivates with its exploration of diverse areas such as Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain, and the final frontier, space.
What’s more important is how relevant the content is to today’s (2024) reader, for example he touches on key advancements in technologies (AL, Digital Currencies, Space Travel) as well a new research and findings in raw materials used in battery and chip manufacturing as well as current religious (political) influence in Northern Africa. And I find myself reading about exactly these movements in today’s news showing the accuracy of his predictions and geo-political summaries.
Key takeaways:
Saudi Arabia - “If you keep walking, they have to follow you”
Will the reinvent themselves before the oil runs out, and what happens if it does
Who (USA) has their fingers in the pot, what is their bet?
The different types of Islam, how Islam is really a political structure and how across the middle east they are in total conflict.
Their role in trade routes and the amount of sun they get (Solar farms)
The Sahel - “Where two rivers meet, the waters are never calm”
The fight between Russia, China, USA for this region and the need for Europe and (mainly) France to maintain stability here to avoid rampant influx or refugees into Europe thereby destabilizing the sociopolitics of Europe.
The UK
How their location and access to the sea’s helped them colonise the world, and how they lost this power of time and their future positioning to try regain dominance in a new era of ‘subtle’ colonization
…and may more, read the book!
Extract
Honestly, before this book I know little to nothing about this region. The little I knew was from a book called “6 years with Al Qaeda”, the story of a man captured and held hostage for 6 years in Mali.
Reading in depth about the ‘shores’ of the Sahara desert and the fight for stability (or lack of) on this region and why it is so important to Europe, China, Russia and USA was facinating.
Closing
5 stars for me! For anyone with a curiosity about geopolitics and the intricate dance between geography and history, this is your book!
