Gloom and doom are an always present part of the American psyche. For two hundred years we’ve convinced ourselves the best days are behind us. It’s easy to find books that feed this anxiety.
That’s why I enjoyed The Accidental Superpower: The Next Generation of American Preeminence and the Coming Global Disorder
Authors who point out the inherent advantages America has compared to the rest of the world always fascinate me. Not just our civil rights, not just our wealth, not just our (relatively) uncorrupt culture. But the geographic position we find ourselves in. We are one of the few countries with borders on the two major oceans, with relatively stable borders with our neighbors, and a massive internal river system allowing for the free flowing transport of goods and ideas.
Zeihan does a great job exploring the geographical strengths of our country and pointing out how rare it is to have all these advantages. He also delves into our demographics and looks at the advantages we have over nearly every other nation.
He’s not naive, nor does he avoid the tough topics. He knows America has challenges. But compared to the rest of the world, there is no place better. Our geography lends itself well to stability, prosperity, and defensibility. As he says early in the book, you want a country that has easy transport within the country (for trade), and difficult transport beyond (for military defense). American has both. That’s why, even if accidentally, we will remain a superpower.
Great book, very encouraging. If you’re a negative type, read this book. If you know a naysayer, give the book to him (and it’s almost certainly a him).
