|
| 
 enlarge | Author: Fareed Zakaria
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Category: Book
List Price: $25.95
Buy New: $14.95
You Save: $11.00 (42%)
New (53) Used (15) Collectible (1) from $14.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  140 reviews
Sales Rank: 111
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 9.6 x 6.2 x 1.3
ISBN: 039306235X
Dewey Decimal Number: 303.49
EAN: 9780393062359
ASIN: 039306235X
Publication Date: May 5, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Customer Reviews:
 Seize the Day! September 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It doesn't take you long to recognize that Fareed Zakaria's The Post-American World is not only an enjoyable read but true historical insight into today's global growth as well. Coming across as equal parts journalist, economist, poet and political scientist, Zakaria has a wonderful way of conveying his contagious optimism for the future. The collection of facts that punctuate this book's first dozen pages begin to explain how "the rise of the rest" is more of an opportunity for America than the threat that we may have come to believe it is and establish his positive tone. However, he ponders that historians might note that while the United States succeeded in globalizing the world, "it forgot to globalize itself."
Zakaria helps you to understand what 'westernization' has meant to world growth and how the different paths of both China and India have resulted in totally different outcomes and diplomatic/political alternatives for us, each of them being equally fascinating in their own right. I don't know how I could have been so easily drawn into such a complex subject or educated so thoroughly by anyone else. He truly charms you with his words.
When I got to his chapter on 'American Power,' which began with a delightful description of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, I laughed out loud, even before he quoted Arnold Toynbee on how "history happens to others." Because the Boer War had given the Empire its first major turn for the worse, there were also parallels drawn between British and American military interventions in Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq. However, I couldn't help but notice that the costs of the Boer War to Britain were strikingly similar to the US costs of its war in Vietnam.
Understanding the British experience helps us to recognize where we are today and what the future holds for us. Our talent, our technology and are resources are unique and all we need it the vision and the leadership to compete and succeed. He explains how our secret weapon is the fact that we're "demographically vibrant" and how economic factors alone, on a global scale, can confuse the best traditional analysis. Zakaria notes that our economic dysfunctions today are not deep inefficiencies in our economy or the reflections of cultural decay, but rather the result of a system of "do-nothing politics" currently paralyzing us.
His conclusions highlight some new rules for a new age that are based on his unique perspectives and the solid foundations that he has graciously provided us with. He encourages us to think asymmetrically, to reestablish our legitimacy and to quit cowering in fear. Zakaria is a true voice of reason, a product of what we represent and a fine example what we can nurture and bring to the world. I would highly recommend that you spend a few evenings with him and his thoughts. I promise that you will be a richer person for it.
Bob Magnant is the author of The Last Transition..., a fact-based novel about politics, the Internet and US policy in the Middle East...
Trenchant Analysis of American Challenges and Opportunities September 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Fareed Zakaria offers a sharp and insightful perspective of American problems, challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. An over-arching theme is that America has little reason to panic and that it still remains a predominant global force. Having said that, the global scene is sufficiently dynamic that new powers - including China and India - are emerging.
Zakaria thus refutes any neo-Spenglerian notion of the "decline of the West" or those historians who compare America with the Roman Empire, tracing an inevitable demise. Failure and decline is not preordained, but neither is it impossible.
Zakaria closes with a list of specific recommendations that he feels the United States must embrace in order to function effectively in a "post-American world." He is neither a cheerleader for nor a condemner of the United States.
Cogently argued and thought-provoking!
So far so great! September 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm barely through the second chapter and am already bragging all my new knowledge to coworkers! I had been feeling buried in all the news of foreign economies, Iraq war details, etc...this book is already sorting it out.
Should be required reading for all US voters September 22, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
A very valuable read for all Americans. In this country, we generally understand less about the world than most other countries. Part of it is due to our sole "superpower" status. Most Americans speak only English. "Why should we learn about cultures - we're the top dog" goes the argument. Unfortunately this lack of understanding can hurt us economically which can ultimately lead to the decline of the our Empire (lets face it - there is a US Empire). Zakaria does readers a great service by teaching them about the forces and changes in the world. Through this understanding, we, through our government will be able to react to future world events (terrorism, economic disasters, etc...) in a more thoughtful and effective manner. If the citizens of the world's only superpower do not understand what is going on then fear will take over (as it has over the past 7 years thanks to the encouragement of the Bush administration). Fear will lead us to make poor decisions that will ultimately harm us more than the original insult. Whether we are liberal or conservative, therefore we owe it to ourselves to better understand the world around us.
Zakaria's 8 year old boy asked his Dad, " Why do you want to write a book about the future? If you're wrong, people won't buy the book anymore." A funny quote but it does not accurately describe Zakaria's book. He does not predict what will happen in the future. I don't believe anybody can predict the future. What he does do is make policy suggestions so that we can better control our destiny. In addition his insights and historical points are invaluable to readers. Highly recommended.
All US politicians should read this before making wild guesses about us vs. them. September 22, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This could be a very important book, if the current crop of pres idential candidates ever read it. The author is a senior writer at Newsweekand the editor of Newsweek International. For those of us who watch the international stage this book is a telling indictment of how much GW bush has squandered what little remained of US good will internationally. Theauthor presents some hopeful ideas however of how this could be turned around, so that the the US, unlike Britain and its empire, does not undermine its own leadership position worldwide. His chapters on China and India are very insightful. It strikes me as a balanced, optimistic and well researched book, full of worldly details. He does ask that there be a sea change in US culture , to resist hunkering down and unilaterally forcing all other countries to the US position. Above all to be curious about the World, to listen to others, not pander to temporary political winds, resist fear, get its confidence back. Fort an academic style of book this was an easy almost to the point of engrossing read. You cannot help but learn a lot about the World, to counter Fox and CNN views.
|
|
|
Copyright 2008 - RailroadBookstore.com | |
