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The lesson we should be learning from the last cold war is that sooner or later we're going to lose control of brinksmanship, and it's going to get us all killed. It simply isn't credible that we can maintain big stockpiles of nuclear weapons forever and they will never be used. Once that's understood then geopolitical competition analysis starts to lose it's meaning.

It's the simplest thing. Our entire culture is walking around with a loaded gun in it's mouth. A gun we've become bored with and typically ignore. Sooner or later we're going to trip over a curb, or bump in to a door, and the gun is going to go off. And then the question of "who is winning" will no longer matter.

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Looks a really interesting book. My only question is 'Exporting Putinism'. While I suspect there might be deposts who would like to emulate his success in staying in power I'm not sure if he's seen as a model to follow in the way China might be to dictators of under-developed nations.

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Sir,

That is very interesting. It does take a broad view, but am I right in missing Atlanticism with its dual basis in the USA and Europe?

Ps. Ceterum censeo: the Hungary question?

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I find very, very interesting the table of contents of your new book. I believe that knowing how past events evolved allows us to understand where we stand, and with some thinking and common sense it is possible to make pretty accurate predictions.

In reference to chapter one, many years ago I read ‘Germinal’ of Émile Zola. This novel gave me a good understanding of what capitalism was in the late XIX Century, and why a few decades later marxism became such a promising alternative. I would suggest to include in chapter 1 a brief analysis of why in that time marxism, and its principles seemed to be such a successful alternative to capitalism. A short and substantial analysis of the Russian Revolution would also set a good foundation for the subsequent chapters.

If you consider this useful I would gladly give my modest opinion for each of the other chapters.

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I am assuming a great deal of attention will be paid to the political situation in Africa, South America and Central America? And how they affect all of the three “great” powers China, Russia and the US?

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Many thanks Michael. Like the idea of your penultimate chapters Containing (while) Engaging Russia and the same for China. Ha ha! The ultimate Fan Dance! Most interesting would be what might be the NECESSARY synergy between BOTH approaches since—unless Russia / Putin collapses into impotence. Looking forward to your relatively untrammeled ranging! (When you know, give us a publication estimate.)

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