Geopolitics

The Next Decade

Name: The Next Decade
Author: George Friedman

George Friedman

24 minAudio9 insights

What you'll learn

•How the United States became an unintended global empire and the implications of this status.
•The critical role of the American presidency in balancing imperial power and republican ideals.
•The importance of regional balances of power in U.S. foreign policy across the Middle East, Eurasia, Europe, and Asia.
•The geopolitical and economic consequences of the 2008 financial crisis on American power and global strategy.
•The complexities of U.S. relations with key allies and adversaries, including Israel, Iran, Russia, China, and Japan.
•The challenges of managing terrorism and weapons of mass destruction within a broader strategic context.
•The dynamics of American influence in the Western Hemisphere, particularly relating to Mexico, Brazil, and Cuba.

Who should read this

✓Policy Makers and Government Leaders
✓Students of International Relations and Geopolitics
✓Military and Strategic Analysts
✓Business Leaders with Global Interests

About this book

A strategic analysis of America's unintended empire and the global geopolitical challenges shaping the next ten years.

Did You Know?

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George Friedman is the founder of Stratfor, a geopolitical intelligence platform.

Audio Summary

Section 1

The Unseen Empire: America’s Unintended Global Role

3:45

8 Sections

Preview: The Unseen Empire: America’s Unintended Global Role

Imagine a world stage where the spotlight shines brightest not on a conqueror with a crown but on a republic whose very success has unwittingly turned it into a global empire. This is the paradox of modern America — a nation that did not seek empire but found itself at the center of an intricate web of economic, military, and political influence.

America’s empire is unlike any before it, lacking formal colonies or direct governance over other nations, yet its reach is undeniable. Its economy, accounting for nearly a quarter of the world's production, is the engine that drives countless industries and livelihoods across continents. Consider the ripple effect of a simple change in American consumer tastes: a rising appetite for shrimp in the U.S. sends waves through fish farms in the Mekong Delta, reshaping entire communities thousands of miles away. When the American economy contracts, luxury items become the first casualty, leaving distant suppliers scrambling.

Military might complements this economic influence. The United States maintains a presence in dozens of countries, not always overtly controlling them but projecting power in ways that deter potential challengers. This presence is not about conquest but about preserving a balance that favors American interests.

The presidency embodies this unique form of power. While domestically constrained by checks and balances, the president commands the military and shapes foreign policy with a freedom unmatched by other leaders. This role makes the American president a figure of global consequence — a leader whose decisions reverberate far beyond national borders, influencing lives worldwide.

Yet this immense power is not without peril. The empire is unintended, fragile, and demands careful management. The challenge lies not only in wielding power but in doing so without betraying the very republic that gave rise to it. The world watches, reacts, and often resents this dominance, creating a complex dance of influence and resistance.

As we begin this journey through the next decade, we see that understanding this unintended empire is essential. It sets the stage for navigating the intricate geopolitical realities ahead, where power is subtle, influence is pervasive, and leadership is paramount.

With this foundation laid, let us now turn to the crucial regional balances that will define America’s strategic challenges and opportunities in the coming years.