Play Book Tag discussion

This book is a very readable explanation of the part geography has to play in the way various countries have progressed through history until the present day (late 2016, early 2017). For example, it discusses the reasons why Russia wants Crimea so badly and why China are/were attempting to build a canal through Nicaragua. It doesn't shy away from blaming colonialism and the west for some of the political problems of today's world, explaining in many cases borders being drawn and territories assigned with no regard for geographical and cultural obstacles. But it is a broad-brush explanation and doesn't go into detail in particular areas but covers the main continents/major powers in the world.

I found this absolutely fascinating. It only lost one star because I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator, whilst generally easy to listen to, did have a touch of the lecturer about him and did try various accents when reading quotations attributable to sundry world leaders!

Geography and how it influences world politics has always been an interest of mine. I read this book late spring last year and also gave it 4 stars. Glad to hear you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Here is an article on Why Russia wants Crimea, in case anyone's interest was peaked-

Sincerely-
Your PBT History Geek

https://www.history.com/author/alice-...

Joanne wrote: "Here is an article on Why Russia wants Crimea, in case anyone's interest was peaked-

Thanks, Joanne, that's really interesting. From the point of view of this book, being about geography of course, it cites the reason as being to do with access to open water without being forced to travel through seas controlled by potentially hostile countries. It also suggests that Russia, and China too, have deliberately placed pockets of their citizens in various other countries in order to be able to use the argument of protecting their own people when tensions arise.

In many ways, although very interesting, this book was a little depressing in that it supposes that human nature will not change and that all countries are always vying with each other for territory and/or security. It's a shame that seems to be necessary!

I read this with my F2F book club last year. Fascinating.