A thought provoking take on globalisation although some of his assertions may need to be considered with a pinch of salt.
This was a surprisingly enjoyable book, not so much in how it is so meticulously researched, but in the assessments Peter Zeihan derives from them. And he takes no prisoners. His views can be challenging in how they can be unconventional. His fusion of geopolitics, economics and demography work well in how he challenges typical views.
This fusion of analysis is undoubtedly complex but Peter Zeihan kept it high level, breaking it down and accessible. He focuses a lot on countries with the financial burden of ageing populations, and the plateauing of the era of globalisation.
His explanation of USA’s dominance through natural resources and geography – its rivers, oceans, and internal waterways— enables it to be resilient – unlike China. And then there was his devastating analysis of Canada as a pointless country.
Despite its breadth there a gaps that can lead to accusations of cherry picking for his thesis. And his critique of China undermines the lengths the country has gone to protect itself through importing resources, in so doing underestimating its resilience.
His left field critique of Mexico and its criminal drug problem being positive for USA, ignores the wider social, political and economic challenges it causes the country. As with any thesis that attempts to offer predictions, events take over. So it is brave of Peter Zeihan to bring out a ten years on version and review his own predictions.
Ultimately this is a thought provoking book offering a fresh perspective on globalisation. Some of his assertions may need to be considered carefully.
