The Post-American World

Fareed Zakaria has really given a great deal of thought to globalization and its larger meaning, and it is obvious for almost all to see. His thoughts on how the U.S., India, China, and Russia should interact are spot on. His use of statistics is pretty much a welcomed blessing because it helps remove many of the doubts that critics can present upon hearing his core idea. It flies starkly in the face of the notion that U.S. power is diminishing due to globalization. This nation according to Zakaria is as strong/relevant as it ever been, meaning that we ultimately decide what our nation's fate will be. A must read for those of us that are not buying the Lou Dobbs, O' Reilly xenophobic non-sense!!

A fascinating, quick read which argues that America must ready itself for no longer being the dominant player in world affairs - not because of American decline, but due to the inevitable rise of the rest fo the world. He argues persuasively that not only will this happen, but it is already well on its way to being a reality. To me, it seems an obvious argument, but many do not seem to think so. Zakaria brings in the facts to buttress his observations and instincts, and puts it all together in a coherent, well reasoned presentation.

The one drawback is also a strength. He does not delve as deeply into many matters as I would like, but this is so the whole argument can proceed forward mroe quickly and gracefully. The book is aimed more at the casual (but intelligent) reader, rather than the world scholar.

This is an interesting book that raises a lot of questions about a future world order, wherein the US is presumed to lose its status as an economic super power. The rise of China, India and other countries forces the US, in the author's view, to share its power. Politics in the post american era has to rely on diplomacy and cooperation instead of sheer military force. The US set the example of how to obtain economic super power status, which was followed by emerging nations. Both China and India choose a market oriented model of economic development at the end of the Cold War, which was won on economic terms. Zakaria argues that everybody is playing America's game and is playing to win. So, America does not need military power to spread the gospel. Zakaria argues that neither China nor India aspires to dominance, but only want to increase their wealth. A world that relies on market relationships might not need a military super power to maintain order. Democracy will follow in the wake of economic development. A post American world could be a world without a hegemon. Autocratic regimes bolstered by rich resources and terrorist groups might spoil the party. But, it is questionable whether military intervention can redress this. A post american world seems to depend on the willingness of states and groups to play by the rules.

This book should open the eyes of anyone who thinks that America is the greatest. We are told this by reporters and politicians every day, but when you read this book, by a very intelligent writer, you learn that there are other countries out there that are about to take first place away from us. I thought for years after traveling to many countries that we were losing our dominent place. After reading this book, I think more people will conclude that we can't brag about how great we are anymore. Fareed Zakaria is brilliant.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It's eye opening to the big picture of events that have brought us to where we a re today. It helps you see that world history of the last 100 or so years is not always as we've been told.