Insightful

Another in-depth look at the world from a unique perspective. This has been as good as previous books written by Peter Zeihan.

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Must listen for Geopolitical Nerds

Really good book and goes into deep on certain subjects and explain why certain nations are the way they are and where they will be headed in the next 15 years.

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant

Peter encapsulates a view few currently see, but backs it up with sound and reasoned evidence. Time to buy some gold!

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Winners and losers

This is very enjoyable to listen to if you're country is predicted to do well, probably not so much if not. The reading performance is very good, you can really get the tone of the author, who is himself very popular on YouTube.

It's impossible to be an expert on everything, but the author does have a wide range of understanding. I really enjoy the discussion of geography and demographics in these books, it's really fascinating. This is also a good book for learning a little about all the world's significant powers.

I did find the bits that related to my own region, Oceania, a bit superficial. Australia's attitude to the US was put in the same basket as "allies" like the French and Germans who have been outright hostile. The basis for this was the G20, which if there was some implied insult at the time, it was so long ago now and it's unbelievable that the US could still resent PM John Howard trying to punch above his weight once when he was always a champion for US interests. Australia has continued to be the loyal wingman of the US, at the risk of our own interests. It's not that I think the US should be grateful to us or something I just think this distorted view of us reflects the author's more limited understanding of this part of the world, which is quite understandable. I appreciate that we even got mentioned at all, since we are often completely ignored.

I have enjoyed listening to this twice now, but I probably wouldn't have listened again if it predicted doom for my own country. That said, this is a very good quality book.

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2 people found this helpful

Terrifying glimpse of the future.

A little too rah rah America for this Australian, but he tells a compelling story nevertheless.

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1 person found this helpful

Riveting

Quite possibly the most interesting book I've had the pleasure of listening to in years. Highly recommended for anyone curious about geopolitics and the future of the world.

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Misses Zeihan's narration though well written

This is my second listen of Zeihan's after Accidental Superpower. For the most part, the book has sufficient originality so as not to be a mere copy of Accidental Superpower. I personally appreciated the chapters regarding countries other than the United States the most, especially Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. I would definitely recommend you listen to this, even if you have listened to Zeihan's other work.


Having said that, here are my (albeit minor) gripes:

1. Zeihan's narration was thoroughly missed. I wish he narrated an acceptable portion of the book rather than just the preface. While Roy Worley has done an amazing job, I just wish Zeihan had gone the extra mile.

2. A more in-depth discussion around currencies, which would come to the fore especially in the disorder Zeihan has described, was rather omitted with just talk of the US Dollar reigning supreme because the US would remain rather unaffected. A discussion around the gold standard would have been appropriate as gold is the one currency most countries can get behind, especially with the Fed pursuing endless money printing and "stimulus". Talk of the gold standard has serious consequences for the US as it means less demand for the Dollar (others might as well use gold) and therefore less money that can be printed without creating run-off inflation. Having said that, the US maintains the largest gold reserves so they'd still do very well for themselves, though I would have appreciated Zeihan's take on this.


Overall, I definitely recommend listening to this book. However, I would suggest starting with Accidental Superpower to better establish yourself with the current Bretton Woods global order - setting-up the case for American isolationism - which is taken further in Disunited Nations.

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2 people found this helpful

Mind blowing!!

World looked like a big crazy place before reading Peter's 3 books. After reading them, and specially this last one "Disunited Nations", well It still is a big crazy place but at least it makes sense why it should be!!! and it couldn't be any other way!!!

Thanks Peter,

PS: About Peter's forecast on Crude Oil price in US vs Int'l Price!!! (WTI vs Brent Spread) it happens before the ink on this book dried!!!!!!!! I'm listening to this book as the prophecies are unravelling!!! I should see Peter's smiley face on the corner of every news screen!! How about that!!!!
(re. Crude Price Spread April 2020)

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1 person found this helpful

Great book about geopolitics and futures

I watch Peter every day on his YouTube channel but for a deeper understanding of the world these books offer an in depth analysis. He is the only one as I know who predicted the Ukrainian Russian war and many other things.

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interesting analysis, reader is boring

Peter's analysis is very interesting however the person reading this made it a slog to listen to. very monotone and robotic sounding. prefer Peter reading for future titles.

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