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| The Post-American World | 
 enlarge | Author: Fareed Zakaria
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Category: Book
List Price: $25.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  (143 reviews)
Sales Rank: 73
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
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
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| Customer Reviews:
A New World? October 3, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
 The Post- American World September 30, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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.
Worthwhile reading September 30, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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.
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!
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