All leaders of nations are constrained by geography. Their choices are limited by mountains, river, seas, and concrete. In this book by longtime journalist Tim Marshall, a leading authority on foreign affairs, the author examines “Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World.” His discussion of both geography (physical realities) and history makes this book as relevant for today’s current events as for historical events. In highly readable prose, the author explains the complex geopolitical strategies of 10 key parts of the globe, considering such additional factors as climate, demographics, cultural regions, and access to natural resources. In this SDG we’ll address such questions as: Why will American never be invaded? What does it mean that Russia must have a navy but also has frozen ports 6 months a year? How is China’s future curbed by its geography? Why will Europe never be united? The answers are geopolitical, but also require some basic understanding of history, which this book provides. The chapter on Russia provides useful background for understanding the current war in Ukraine. The chapter on the Arctic discusses the melting ice and oil drilling. All chapters provide useful material for discussion of current conflicts over land and resources.
Prisoners of Geography
