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The Next Decade: What The World Will Look Like (2010)

by George Friedman(Favorite Author)

3.77 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0385532946 (ISBN13: 9780385532945)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Doubleday Books

review 1: I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which surprises me considering I wouldn't go near a book on geopolitics a few years ago. I got a lot out of this book, and it is interesting to hear Friedman's perspective on how nations will relate to each other in the coming decade. While I wouldn't quite call his outlook pessimistic, he certainly doesn't paint the most rosy future for the world, and particularly the U.S. He also seems to obsess over the threat of war, and most of his policy suggestions are focused around strategic posturing for potential future wars. I'm not under the impression that we are done fighting wars, but to base all geopolitical decisions on the potential for war in every region seems like fear-mongering to me. The other striking take-away from this book... more is that Friedman never really suggests relationships that are mutually beneficial or altruistic. Every policy decision is made for the sole benefit of one's own country, no matter how exploitative or offensive it may be. I also didn't really agree with his assessment of the energy situation in our country, suggesting that we move back to coal and enhance natural gas production in lieu of oil. He dismisses the idea of renewable energies almost entirely, and believes that technology in this area will remain stagnant through the next decade. I wholeheartedly disagree with this assessment, but his analysis of the coming increased demand on energy consumption throughout the world (mainly developing nations) is a clear indicator of the urgency of the energy crisis. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and it made me seriously think about geopolitics in-depth for the first time.
review 2: Less bonkers than his "The Next 100 Years", but still abounding with cringe-worthy statements. A choice example: Friedman recommends continuing sending aid to Africa not because it will do anything to help the Africans but because it will burnish the image of the U.S. internationally; he then follows that up with, "It is possible that [aid] will do some harm, as many aid programs have had unintended and negative consequences, but the gesture would redound to America's benefit, and at relatively low cost... One of Machiavelli's points is that good comes out of the ruthless pursuit of power, not out of trying to do good. But if doing some good merely convinces Europe to send more troops to the next U.S. intervention, it will be a worthwhile investment."!!The first 40 pages, with its breezy homages to Lincoln, Roosevelt, Reagan, and Clausewitz, should be jettisoned entirely. less

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