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mikeplewis's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book. A must read for anyone who cares about the world.
The author looks at:
1. Why America won't be the lone big dog in the world
2. China. Why it's rising, why it hasn't risen in the past, and what this rising means
3. India. Why they are growing, why they are the most similar to the US, and why India will be important in the future
4. America. Looking at the British Empire and why it failed. Looking at America, how it is similar and discussing it's path. What US must do to stay on top
Again, great great book
The author looks at:
1. Why America won't be the lone big dog in the world
2. China. Why it's rising, why it hasn't risen in the past, and what this rising means
3. India. Why they are growing, why they are the most similar to the US, and why India will be important in the future
4. America. Looking at the British Empire and why it failed. Looking at America, how it is similar and discussing it's path. What US must do to stay on top
Again, great great book
infinityblader23's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it.. really a book of the times and a must read for anyone interested in the world around us. That should be everyone because what is happening is affecting our lives.
balletbookworm's review against another edition
2.0
I was pretty disappointed. I was hoping for a really in-depth look at how the world is changing and is no longer dominated by the US....but this is a pretty bland, conservative retelling of stuff I can easily get off the Internet.
PS - He thinks Thatcher did a good job economcally in the UK; I think she treated a lot of people as less than human.
PS - He thinks Thatcher did a good job economcally in the UK; I think she treated a lot of people as less than human.
sebarose's review against another edition
4.0
I would love to read a revision updated to include data from the current economic situation and see if there are changes to the author's perspective. For example, he talks about a debt load of 4% of GDP as unhealthy. Would his statement change if it were written during a recession, when 10% debts encourage quicker recovery and protect against double dips? Has American standing improved in the world in its reaction to the world economic slump? This is a great book. I wish I'd read it in 2007 though.
suspendedinair's review against another edition
4.0
this book was a lucid and logical alternative to the many books that talk about how doomed america is. zakaria argues that the sky is NOT falling, rather the place from which we viewit is shifting. in a world where america is no longer the big boss, she will have to find a way of playing fairly with everyone else. zakaria makes excellent points about diplomacy, legitimacy and moving forward in a world where america's power will finally and rightfully be challenged. there's no need to fear a rising china or india (or brazil, or south africa, etc.) in fact we have every reason to embrace them all. (and chill out on the chest thumping.)
diannehult16's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting book giving a brief history of recent world power and insight into a world where America is not the only superpower.
leowilko's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.25
This book hasn't aged well and the interesting insights are too far appart between. It would benefit from being more to the point, especially in the final chapter with recommendations to the US. Too bad!
ste3ve_b1rd's review against another edition
4.0
Very well researched with a precise and reassuring, non-apocalyptic analysis of our current world situation--that being China, India, Russia and Brazil, among others, rising up to challenge the economic and even military prowess of the USA. The pros and cons of the various emerging nations and their development are presented in a balanced and rational fashion. Written in simple, uncomplicated prose and polished with a team of editors/writers/researchers ETC to make the text accessible to the non-academic reader. However, the language of economics when dealing with subjects such as GDP, current account deficit, budget deficit, trade deficit, was often difficult for me to absorb (specifically the mathematical aspect of economic "science" which I find to be confusing). This book helped me to flesh out my own geopolitical world view as I gained insight into issues I was familiar with (IE through my sometime reading of The Economist) where I lacked detailed knowledge. The ultimate question posed by this book was: "Will the USA accept its position as a declining superpower and adapt/negotiate with its fellow nations, or will it continue to be lost in the delusion of its own greatness?" "Post-American World" was a fast and informative read and I plan on reading Mr. Zakaria's other books after reading this title.
pelerin's review against another edition
5.0
I get the sneaking suspicion a lot of people won't understand the general thesis of this book. People might glean from the title that, in the near future, America won't exist. This is obviously nonsense.
The thesis of the book is that, in the post-American world, the rest of the nations throughout the globe will be ABLE to get along without us. Trade, development, military operations, and political operations, previously required American intervention, now these things can skirt our borders, or Washington. (The one amazing anecdote referenced in the book is about a border dispute in Africa, where the cease fire and diplomatic terms were moderated by... China.)
This book is absolutely fascinating, and draws from a deep understanding of numerous fields.
The thesis of the book is that, in the post-American world, the rest of the nations throughout the globe will be ABLE to get along without us. Trade, development, military operations, and political operations, previously required American intervention, now these things can skirt our borders, or Washington. (The one amazing anecdote referenced in the book is about a border dispute in Africa, where the cease fire and diplomatic terms were moderated by... China.)
This book is absolutely fascinating, and draws from a deep understanding of numerous fields.