Prisoners of Geography

Geography shapes not only our history, but where we’re headed…

ON THE RUSSIA/UKRAINE CRISIS – What is driving Russia’s foreign policy? Why do Putin’s actions mirror those made in the past? Prisoners of Geography analyses the geographic weaknesses and historical invasions of Russia’s territories, exploring how they have ultimately shaped the decisions of its leaders past and present.

All leaders are constrained by geography. Their choices are limited by mountains, rivers, seas and concrete. Yes, to follow world events you need to understand people, ideas and movements – but if you don’t know geography, you’ll never have the full picture.

If you’ve ever wondered why Putin is so obsessed with Crimea, why the USA was destined to become a global superpower, or why China’s power base continues to expand ever outwards, the answers are all here.

In ten chapters and ten maps, Prisoners of Geography looks at the past, present and future to offer an essential insight into one of the major factors that determines world history.

It’s time to put the ‘geo’ back into geopolitics.

‘Like having a light shone on your understanding… I can’t think of another book that explains the world situation so well. – Nicolas Lezard, Evening Standard

‘Sharp insights into the way geography shapes the choices of world leaders.’ – Gideon Rachman, Financial Times

Ten maps; ten chapters:

Russia * China * United States of America * Latin America * the Middle East * Africa * India and Pakistan * Europe * Japan and Korea * the Arctic