A review of The New Silk Roads
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Qualities
- Analytical
- Background
- Eloquent
While the rating tells you how good a book is according to our two core criteria, it says nothing about its particular defining features. Therefore, we use a set of 20 qualities to characterize each book by its strengths:
Applicable – You’ll get advice that can be directly applied in the workplace or in everyday situations.
Analytical – You’ll understand the inner workings of the subject matter.
Background – You’ll get contextual knowledge as a frame for informed action or analysis.
Bold – You’ll find arguments that may break with predominant views.
Comprehensive – You’ll find every aspect of the subject matter covered.
Concrete Examples – You’ll get practical advice illustrated with examples of real-world applications or anecdotes.
Controversial – You’ll be confronted with strongly debated opinions.
Eloquent – You’ll enjoy a masterfully written or presented text.
Engaging – You’ll read or watch this all the way through the end.
Eye opening – You’ll be offered highly surprising insights.
For beginners – You’ll find this to be a good primer if you’re a learner with little or no prior experience/knowledge.
For experts – You’ll get the higher-level knowledge/instructions you need as an expert.
Hot Topic – You’ll find yourself in the middle of a highly debated issue.
Innovative – You can expect some truly fresh ideas and insights on brand-new products or trends.
Insider’s take – You’ll have the privilege of learning from someone who knows her or his topic inside-out.
Inspiring – You’ll want to put into practice what you’ve read immediately.
Overview – You’ll get a broad treatment of the subject matter, mentioning all its major aspects.
Scientific – You’ll get facts and figures grounded in scientific research.
Visionary – You’ll get a glimpse of the future and what it might mean for you.
Well structured – You’ll find this to be particularly well organized to support its reception or application.
Review
Scholars have long used “Silk Roads” to refer to ancient east-west trade routes. According to historian Peter Frankopan, however, modern day Silk Roads are more than networks for the exchange of goods – they’re a state of mind. In this engaging study of global geopolitics, Frankopan explains that, when a Chinese titan of industry buys a soccer club in England or a condo in Vancouver, he’s traveling a post-globalization version of the Silk Roads. But while China, India and other emerging nations seem keen on such activity, the United States and Europe have lashed back at this new approach to commerce.
Frankopan makes a persuasive case for the idea that the East – particularly, China – is expanding its influence at an unprecedented rate. Indeed, even those who feel well-versed in the idea that the West is losing its dominion may find themselves surprised at the degree to which China is driving global trends and staking its claim in locales around the world. Stylistically, Frankopan’s well-chosen examples and effective use of history, leveraged to help with understanding the modern-day drive to create new Silk Roads, will keep readers engaged despite the serious subject matter.
About the Author
Peter Frankopan is professor of global history at Oxford University, where he is also senior research fellow at Worcester College.
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