Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall, UK, 2015/2016

This is an amazing book; it takes everything we know – and everything we think we know – about the world, and the different countries that comprise it, and expands it in every conceivable direction. It is well written with clear, concise, objective and up-to-date information. As Nicholas Lezard writes: ‘One of the best books about geopolitics you could imagine: reading it is like having a light shone on your understanding.’

I feel that your perception of the world will change after reading this book. You will have a better understanding as to why certain countries are following what seem to be illogical domestic and foreign practices, and while the fortunes of some countries are on a rising trajectory others seem to be doomed by geography to remain where they are.

Marshall looks at ten areas around the world: Russia, China, Western Europe, the Middle East, India and Pakistan, Africa, U.S.A., Korea and Japan, South America and the Arctic. He gives good reasons for not including Antarctica, but he gives no reason for excluding Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Perhaps this is a lesson to Australia’s politicians: Australia is not quite as important on the world stage as she might like to believe.

Australia to one side, this is a must-read for anyone who is interested in understanding the ‘why’ behind the news, and who is also looking for indications showing where we are likely to be headed.

The image of Tim Marshall is from yorkshire.com