Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World (1) (Politics of Place)
UPDATED TO REFLECT CURRENT EVENTS! In this fascinating New York Times bestseller—fully revised to reflect the events of our current world—award-winning journalist Tim Marshall uses ten maps of crucial regions to explain how physical landscapes influence geopolitical strategies of world leaders, showing “how geography shapes not just history but destiny” (Newsweek).
Maps have always captivated us, offering insights not only into our destinations but also into the broader world. Yet, when it comes to understanding geopolitics, many overlook the fundamental role of geography. All leaders of nations are constrained by geography—their choices limited by mountains, rivers, deserts, and seas. Now in “one of the best books about geopolitics” (The Evening Standard)—journalist Tim Marshall reveals the profound influence of geography on global politics, offering a compelling lens through which to understand the seismic shifts reshaping international relations.
Through ten up-to-date maps, Marshall explores the landscapes and climates that constrain and empower nations across key parts of the globe, from Russia’s vast tundras to China’s mountainous borders, Africa’s deserts to the Arctic’s shifting ice. Taking a deep dive into the key flashpoints defining our world today—including the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict—Marshall unpacks the shifting dynamics of the New Middle East, China’s bold moves to expand its global influence, including its growing interest in Taiwan, and how America’s pivot to the Pacific is reshaping alliances. And Europe’s tilt towards extreme politics, increased defense spending, and the future role of NATO, paint a dramatic picture of a continent in flux.
An essential read for anyone interested in the interplay between geography and global politics, this fully revised edition of Prisoners of Geography offers a vivid look at the forces driving our increasingly complex world.
Maps have always captivated us, offering insights not only into our destinations but also into the broader world. Yet, when it comes to understanding geopolitics, many overlook the fundamental role of geography. All leaders of nations are constrained by geography—their choices limited by mountains, rivers, deserts, and seas. Now in “one of the best books about geopolitics” (The Evening Standard)—journalist Tim Marshall reveals the profound influence of geography on global politics, offering a compelling lens through which to understand the seismic shifts reshaping international relations.
Through ten up-to-date maps, Marshall explores the landscapes and climates that constrain and empower nations across key parts of the globe, from Russia’s vast tundras to China’s mountainous borders, Africa’s deserts to the Arctic’s shifting ice. Taking a deep dive into the key flashpoints defining our world today—including the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict—Marshall unpacks the shifting dynamics of the New Middle East, China’s bold moves to expand its global influence, including its growing interest in Taiwan, and how America’s pivot to the Pacific is reshaping alliances. And Europe’s tilt towards extreme politics, increased defense spending, and the future role of NATO, paint a dramatic picture of a continent in flux.
An essential read for anyone interested in the interplay between geography and global politics, this fully revised edition of Prisoners of Geography offers a vivid look at the forces driving our increasingly complex world.
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Community Reviews
All nations are constrained and empowered by their geography. Mountains, rivers, oceans, weather etc all have a hand at setting borders. They also contribute to the strength and weaknesses of the nation. To understand world events the media focuses on people but geography is also important. The book examines, the countries of Russia, China, USA, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Arctic. The book is very informative, helping me to understand conflicts, economics, military strategy, history etc.
I found the book an engaging page turner.
_Geography is the single most important factor that determines the dominance of nations in the world_ British journalist and author, Tim Marshall in his book *Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need To Know About Global Politics*, describes how natural resources, terrain and natural borders has shaped the destiny of several nations and ascertained geo-political strategies for the world powers. Be it America's annexation of Hawaii and Alaska extending the U.S. territory into the Pacific or Japan's support to Indian independence struggle or Russia's relationship with Cuba.
The entire world is divided into ten maps - Russia, China, the USA, South America, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Japan , Korea, and the Arctic and Greenland.
● 20% of Russia is occupied by 70% of its people. Cursed with harsh weather, Russia search for a warmer and conducive port has led to the current Russia-Ukraine war.
● _God has a special provision for fools, drunkards, and the United States of America_ USA is blessed with oceans on two sides and a cordial neighbor in Canada. Further, it has rich natural resources to boast off. So all it really has to take care of is its border with Mexico.
● China's control over Hong Kong to secure its trade route and its rule over Tibet to secure its Western boundaries are examples of how strategies are shaped. To ensure unhindered development on its way to becoming a superpower, the deal the government offers is: we make you better off, you follow our orders.
● Africa's vast size, diverse landscapes, and lack of navigable rivers as well as colonizers, esp Europeans who divided the country into their liking, have influenced its history and political dynamics.
● Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest have shaped the cultural, economic, and political dynamics of the South American region. Amazon rainforest, while rich in resources, has posed challenges for development due to its dense vegetation and isolation. Argentina in South America was once in the top 10 countries in the world blessed with its natural resources, but its policies have led to its significant decline.
● Europe’s geography has given the Europeans a significant head start. Instead of fighting for survival, the Europeans could focus on developing technology and art. Europe has barely any deserts or volcanoes. It has a useful coastline, too.
● The middle of what, and east of where? Based on a European view of the world; it is this view that has shaped the region. Middle East is a fertile region also rich in oil and gas. Shia and Sunnis are the two sects with very different ideologies and have to lead to different divisions within this region.
● Korean Peninsula’s is divided along ideological lines, with North and South Korea situated in close proximity. Though they shared a common ancestry of "angels." The presence of powerful neighbors, namely China and Russia, has had a strong influence. Japan’s isolation as an island nation and its lack of resources has driven its pursuit of industrialization and colonization.
● With the advent of climate change, another region that is gaining importance is Arctic. The melting of Arctic ice will expose several hydrocarbons, and once again, the strife the conquer and dominate will begin.
A stimulating session by Nitin laced with several anecdotes by participants around control over seas, "deep" and vast inlands, power struggles, and more.
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