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In this sequel of Prisoners of Geography, Marshall explores secondary/tertiary powers not covered in the original, their history, geographical advantages/limitations and current and future role in their particular region/world. Here are my thoughts: Summery: Great book with some wonderful pointers to my personal geographic and historical blind sides. a bit disappointing title that isn't achieved in the book. That said, a lot of people might like it for the exact reason I reduced a star, i.e. they don't want stronger conclusions. Geopolitics wonks will find Marshall’s prognostications to be reasonable, believable, and capably rendered.
Tim Marshall’s third book, The Power of Geography,is just as relevant for Economists as books about Adam Smith are. Marshall proves the importance that geography has on international trade and the development of countries around the world. Nations have fought wars and built empires to source resources such as raw materials and even slaves. Since the dawn of trade, geography has been the primary constraint in determining which trade routes grew and which economies developed. Countries with access to seas, rivers, mountain ranges, and even soil types all determine a country’s trade routes and defence concerns. Marshall takes nine countries (and Space) and explains how their geographical makeup determines their geopolitical stories. a b c Heathcote, Charlotte (22 April 2021). "Mirror Book Club: The Power Of Geography a fascinating look at the world's future". Daily Mirror . Retrieved 23 December 2021.He has written for many of the national newspapers including the Times, the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, and the Sunday Times. The book opens with a chapter on Australia. As an Australian I found it quite interesting reading a perspective on my country and people... “Now Australia looks around at its neighbourhood and wonders what role it should play, and whom it should play it with”... “Australia’s size and location are both it’s strength and its weakness...” It is important to note that this isn’t how actual geographers – the ones who produce maps and peer-reviewed research – write. Like geopolitical theorists, geographers believe in the power of place, but they have long insisted that places are historically shaped. Law, culture and economics produce landscapes as much as tectonic plates do. And those landscapes change with time. This one isn't really about geography - there is lip service to geographical features e.g. Iran is a fortress as its surrounded by mountains, Australia is an island etc but I think the reference is there just to sell more books, given the success of its predecessor.
However, Marshall’s journalistic approach to research and explaining events allows it to read like an ‘important world history and future world politics’ handbook. Compared to Marshall's previous book, "Prisoners of Geography," "The Power of Geography" is a bit less focused. While the former book zoomed in on the geopolitical implications of physical features like mountains, rivers, and coastlines, the latter takes a broader view of geography, considering everything from climate patterns to migration patterns. While this does make for a more comprehensive look at the subject, it can also feel a bit scattered at times. It also tends to oversimplify some of the complex issues it covers. Marshall also looks at Greece and how they became seafarers forced by their immovable terrain. Marshal then looks at Turkey and her position as the controller of eastern, western, northern and southern trade.The noted conservative economist delivers arguments both fiscal and political against social justice initiatives such as welfare and a federal minimum wage.
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