leowilko's review
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.
elusivity's review against another edition
Strikes me as being overly simplistic. Written with smooth charm as his Newsweek articles, but lacking in depth. Did not seem worth my time to finish.
rltinha's review against another edition
3.0
Parcialíssimo. Neo-coiso até aos quarks.
Pelo lado positivo, e comum à boa literatura de aeroporto, «fácinho» de ler.
Pelo lado positivo, e comum à boa literatura de aeroporto, «fácinho» de ler.
worldlibraries's review against another edition
4.0
Fareed Zakarias is well-known now to American television audiences, but it is important to remember what a breakthrough broadcasting success he was when he started his international affairs show. For most of us Americans he was the most prominent Muslim-American we had ever seen on television. Indeed, friends have suggested he could be our first Muslim-American Secretary of State. I appreciated that his was the first Sunday talk show to consistently, week-after-week, bring an international panel of guests on his show to discuss how issues looked from abroad. Utilizing intellect and charm, he led Americans in considering and valuing viewpoints from non-Americans at a time when America was scared, hunkered down, and lashing out in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat," helped me understand the economic impact of globalization, Zakarias' "The Post-American World and the Rise of the Rest" soothed me as an American and made me comfortable with the political impact of globalization (despite its alarming title). As nations become "more like America" and compete with us using the same level of democracy and capitalistic meritocracy that made America such a success, it could be easy for Americans to fear the future and the world more. Zakarias suggests that if we stay true to values and don't fight the reality of the rise of the rest, America has enough advantages with our superb ability to assimilate immigrants, our spectacular institutions of higher education, and our storied ability to turn research into actual products to compete just fine against nations with larger populations. Our role will be to lead by example, coordinate nations in a multi-polar world as George H.W. Bush did so well in the first Gulf War, and thrive.
If Thomas Friedman's "The World is Flat," helped me understand the economic impact of globalization, Zakarias' "The Post-American World and the Rise of the Rest" soothed me as an American and made me comfortable with the political impact of globalization (despite its alarming title). As nations become "more like America" and compete with us using the same level of democracy and capitalistic meritocracy that made America such a success, it could be easy for Americans to fear the future and the world more. Zakarias suggests that if we stay true to values and don't fight the reality of the rise of the rest, America has enough advantages with our superb ability to assimilate immigrants, our spectacular institutions of higher education, and our storied ability to turn research into actual products to compete just fine against nations with larger populations. Our role will be to lead by example, coordinate nations in a multi-polar world as George H.W. Bush did so well in the first Gulf War, and thrive.
rajani_tries_to_read's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very informative and easy to read. I found the concepts and ideas discussed in this book quite intriguing. Sometimes, it seemed that Zakaria is oversimplifying things. However, for a general idea of the dynamics of world politics and economy, it felt okay. This book is not an in-depth analysis. It does not give you all the variables. It is trying to give the general people a broad idea and understanding of world economy involving the super power America, and the two growing economic giants India and China. Overall, I felt that it succeeded in doing that without boring the readers. I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it.
I do, however, have one grievance with the author. He mentions that Buddha was born in India and Indian culture and religion is influenced by his philosophy. Buddha gained his enlightenment while mediating in current day Bihar. Bodh Gaya to be specific. I am sure Buddhism has influenced the culture in India. But, even I know that Buddha was born around 600 BC in a place called Lumbini which lies in present day Nepal, and I am not a world renowned journalist. This is a small inconsistency but it did make me wonder about the accuracy of other facts mentioned in this book.
I do, however, have one grievance with the author. He mentions that Buddha was born in India and Indian culture and religion is influenced by his philosophy. Buddha gained his enlightenment while mediating in current day Bihar. Bodh Gaya to be specific. I am sure Buddhism has influenced the culture in India. But, even I know that Buddha was born around 600 BC in a place called Lumbini which lies in present day Nepal, and I am not a world renowned journalist. This is a small inconsistency but it did make me wonder about the accuracy of other facts mentioned in this book.
kylerw's review against another edition
3.0
A very interesting read. I think readers should be cautious of thinking that this book is meant to be prophecy. All that I mean by that is that the book is simply a prediction of the what the world will look like as times change. I think this book should be more widely read - especially amongst Americans. This book offers a unique perspetive on the world around us and what our place as Americans will be in that world.
natemanfrenjensen's review against another edition
3.0
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I intend to read some more of Mr. Zakaria's books.