The Return of Marco Polo's World: War, Strategy, and American Interests in the Twenty-First Century

Atlantic contributing editor and member of the U.S. Navy's Executive Panel, Kaplan (The Coming Anarchy) explains through 16 essays the world's changing balance of power as a result of cultural shifts, migration, and the redistribution and availability of resources. The essays are largely focused on American interests and involvement on the world political stage, possible U.S. military involvement, and recommendations for preserving power. Kaplan makes some insightful observations, and his command and understanding of world historical precedent makes many of these writings truly fascinating. His recommendations are generally hawkish (or "realist"), highlighting the need for a strong and conspicuous Navy, as well as professing the inevitability of war. However, regardless of one's political leanings or thoughts regarding the necessity of war, Kaplan's recommendations are firmly backed by historical citations and a keen understanding of the current political landscape. All in all, this is much more a book about military strategy and positioning than politics, although the author does touch on (then president-elect) Donald Trump's posturing as a "foreign policy realist" before demonstrating why he is in fact nothing of the sort.