Zbigniew Brezezinski was the National Security Advisor during the Carter Administration and is now a widely quoted and admired political strategist. His recent book, Strategic Vision: America and the Crisis of Global Power, looks into the future as it addresses the present.

The early part of the book lays out all the well known challenges that America faces today. The economy, schools, infrastructure, the deficit, the tax code, government spending, and the rise of new global powers are all addressed. Weaved throughout are criticisms, both direct and subtle, at the Bush Administration and their failure (or blindness) in addressing most of these challenges.

The conclusion of this first part of the book is obvious: if America is to remain a preeminent global power, we must regain the moral high ground that we have always had in the world as we simultaneously create a fair and just society. It’s something that I happen to agree with, but it is also something that coming from Brezezinski sounds like a mouthpiece for the Democratic Party.

The second part of the book focuses on the steps necessary to create geopolitical strengths for America. It’s interesting to read this book after having just read The Next Decade by George Friedman. The two are often on the same page, but there are significant differences as well. Both suspect that China will slow their economic expansion, both suspect that Germany and Russia will strengthen a relationship, and both declare that America needs to focus on Asia more. But Friedman points to Japan as a potential threat, whereas Brezezinski focuses on Japan as a staunch ally. Friedman calls for a strong relationship with Australia, Brezezinski barely mentions the country. Brezezinski foresees the leverage of India to offset China’s political ambitions, Friedman barely addresses that maneuver.

Anyway, it’s an interesting book that expresses keen insight from a master of foreign relations. I didn’t find much here that I disagree with, but neither did I find his “vision” all that extraordinary.

This book is thoughtful, broad, and very readable. A good one to pick up if you are interested in the future of America on a global perspective.