Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World (1) (Politics of Place) Paperback – October 11, 2016

This is a must read book. US Veterans whom have read it and either "trained" for and or "fought" in regions discussed claim it to be a "highly" militarily factual representation of the "challenges" faced in various Global "theaters" of operation not only geographically but also "politically" with very few errors.... in authors "assessments"!!!! Furthermore, "technologically" and "demographically" it points out numerous "interesting" points, such as on page number 242 were the author asserts "America is an Arctic nation without an Arctic strategy in a region that is heating up." Furthermore, the author points out on page 251 of hard copy, that in 2014 Russia conducted "military exercises" in the Arctic Region with 155,00 troops and the exercise opponents were in fact named "Missouri" and "an unnamed Asian power [Japan] which had already clashed with Russia" in the past (Sino-Russian Conflict; WWIII etc..)! (Do not recall these simple facts making it into main-stream American Media reporting-interestingly enough!) Furthermore, IAW author in the case of the former Tsarist Russian Empire-Soviet Union, its leaders purposely left "pockets" of pro-Soviet/Russian populations in place as the Empire expanded and/or contracted to utilize various "political" reasons....if it so chose!!!! Interesting point!As far as Latin America or South America, the author really hits home the fact most of the "continents" population resides along the coasts and the numerous difficulties in establishing development in the vast interior, and issues arising from this such as "deforestation" of the rain forest, as well as numerous difficulties these nations face in bringing "goods" from the interior to port, etc....! On this note, in the "conclusion" on page 260- the author states "To take an extreme and unlikely scenario: imagine a majority Hispanic Florida has seceded from the United States and allied itself with Cuba or Mexico. This would alter only the dynamics of whom controlled the Gulf, not the importance of the location!" Clearly, a very poignant point about the total and absolute "importance" of geography and too some extent "demographics" and its role in shaping national strategic policies.....not only in the US but around the Globe!The author, also has a very interesting take on "Africa" and the countless issues facing nations there and those other nations involved there for various reasons. The author makes a point of "hammering" home the massive Chinese involvement in nations in Africa and why other nations must also follow suit to some degree, not only in Africa but around the Globe as well.Finally, the author touches on points of "global" warming and the impacts it may play Globally as well as "outer-space" and numerous global national issues there as well.In a nut shell this is must read- well informed, factual work- from most all perspectives (Military, Political, Technological Etc..) for those interested in Global Politics and Current Affairs!

The book Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World (Politics of Place Book 1) by journalist Tim Marshall explores the impact that geography has on international relations. Marshall uses ten maps of key regions of the world to explain how the physical aspects of a country, such as its location, its climate, its natural resources, and its borders, can influence its foreign policy.The book begins with a discussion of the importance of geography in politics. Marshall argues that the leaders of countries are not completely free to make their own decisions, since their options are limited by geographical conditions. For example, Russia needs to have a navy in order to project its power to the world, but its ports are frozen for six months of the year, limiting its ability to operate at sea.Marshall then examines ten key regions of the world, using maps to illustrate his points. In the chapter on Russia, for example, Marshall explains how Russia's location between Europe and Asia, its extreme climate, and its long borders have made it vulnerable to foreign invasions. In the chapter on China, Marshall explains how geography has helped China become an economic powerhouse, but has also limited its ability to project its military power.The book concludes with a discussion of the future of geography in politics. Marshall argues that geography will continue to be an important factor in international relations, but that the impact of geography may be tempered by technological development. For example, the development of aircraft and ballistic missiles has allowed countries to extend their military power further, reducing the importance of land borders.Prisoners of Geography is a fascinating and well written book that offers a new perspective on international politics. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand how geography affects the world around us.Here are some of the book's highlights:The book uses maps effectively to illustrate its points.The book is accessible to the general reader, but it is also informative for readers who are more knowledgeable about geography.The book is relevant to current events as it discusses the implications of geography for the politics of the major world powers.The book is a good starting point to learn more about the importance of geography in international politics.If you are interested in learning more about international politics, I recommend reading Prisoners of Geography. It is a book that will help you better understand the world around you.

Who knew!!!!! Mr. Marshall makes one think. Maps ARE lines! What he writes about is SO logical!! I cannot say when I have been awed by a book! BRAVO!!!

He explains geopolitics and the deplomacy of the world quite well now I can understand the reason why countries do what they do. It's not properly explained on the news.

This helps put the “geo” in geopolitics. Great insight on why and how nations act as they do…. Happy that I took the time to read this

Very interesting and well presented. Way too much interjection of unproven theory of global warming. The fear mongers of the1970's predicted Florida would be under water by 2020. Now that sure didn't happen, did it.

Informative. Factual. Easy flow. Good read.

I echo many of the other reviewers, this is a very good book, and provides a very good framework for understanding much of what is happening/ has happened in the world. The problem is that the narrative is not supported by the maps to see what Marshall is writing about. This is a failure in form and function, the few maps provided are very poor. This could be a very powerful publication if supported with decent maps. Buy the book, and buy a good world atlas with historic maps. A digital, interactive, set of maps would make this book pop.This would be a great framework to lead into so many history classes, or a lead into a curriculum in our school systems. The book touches on so much of the daily subjects seen on the world stage. 5 stars for the concept of the book, 2 to 3 stars for publishers presentation. Buy the book, but supplement it with map resources.