Book Review
I read the book keenly as globalization generates tonne-miles for shipping, and therefore more opportunities for our livelihood. Less globalization could mean less transport of finished or semi-finished goods.
The book offers a brief history of globalization and then shows how the foundations upon which this philosophy of a connected world is being undermined by unfair play from several geopolitical actors. The book offers a dose of sobriety for 'Flat Earthers' intoxicated on 'The World is Flat'.
There is a good case made for diversification of supply chain risk- which is probably something people have already become aware of after the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza.
There is a clear message that geopolitics affects all of us, and companies need to incorporate geopolitical risk into their strategy. The author predicts that global supply chains will go from global to regional.
Some memorable quotes:
Not only was trade unable to prevent hostility between countries, but protagonists were also willing to forgo trade with one another
The private sector....assumed that everyone was equally interested in maintaining free trade. The private sector had been wrong.
Companies pay attention to young people's social media campaigns from a reputational perspective.
I read it over the weekend so that says a lot about the easy writing style that keeps the narration moving all the time.
The author also hosts an interesting podcast on geopolitics, the Geopolcast which furthers the understanding of the book.
Book link
