Just like a book from Barnes & Noble. Perfect Quality. No issues. No complaints. Delivered before it was supposed to be and arrived early. Great!

From the Publishers Weekly review: "America will stay strong, buoyed by a stellar educational system"...

Really? "stellar"?

What's this reviewer smoking?

How to account for this statement?

Help, someone?

I expected The Post-American World to be dedicated to the notion that the United States is in decline, soon to be replaced as the world's only superpower, with negative consequences for it and for the world. Actually, Fareed Zakaria's latest work is an overall optimistic view of the US position at the beginning of the twenty-first century. There are challenges to be overcome, many of them of our own making and the consequences of our own arrogance and shortsightedness, but Zakaria assures us that our economic and political power can pull us through.

The most interesting parts of this book are the chapters dealing with the two countries seen as most likely to be American rivals in coming years: China and India. Zakaria does an excellent job describing their many accomplishments and fantastic development, but he also points out that both have weaknesses and that neither can fundamentally overtake the United States for many years to come. I also enjoyed the chapters in which Zakaria compares the United States to the British Empire. This is a favored subject for many doomsayers nowadays, but Zakaria, while drawing some important lessons from the British experience, also clearly delineates the differences between London and Washington. His final chapter giving six simple guidelines for American policy is one that I hope the Presidential candidates will read before November.

This is the best book on the subject since The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers. Zakaria's analysis is balanced and insightful unlike After the Empire: The Breakdown of the American Order (European Perspectives: A Series in Social Thought and Cultural Criticism).

Zakaria benchmarks the U.S. outlook against England in the 19th century. England faded because of economic exhaustion as it became nearly bankrupt because of WWI when its debt reached 136% of GDP and interest payments amounted to 50% of its Budget. By 1945, the U.S. GDP was 10 times England. But, England extended its influence by facilitating the rise of the U.S.

The U.S. situation is different because it is a leading economy. Since the 1880s, it has been the largest economy steadily accounting for 25% of World GDP. Over the past 25 years, U.S. GDP growth has averaged 3% vs only 2% for Western Europe. While defense spending broke England's back, it accounts for only 4.1% of U.S. GDP. The U.S. Current Account Deficit (CAD) at 7% of GDP is not a concern when coupled with low unemployment, high productivity, and a world savings glut. He mentions the Smiley curve where the U.S. leads in product innovation (the smile left side) and in branding (the smile right side) where profits are generated. China leads in low cost manufacturing (the bottom of the Smiley curve) where profits are slim. Long term forecasts rank the U.S. GDP per capita way ahead of others. The U.S. is a technology leader dominating nanotech, and biotech. It invests 2.6% of GDP in higher education vs only 1.2% for Europe and Japan. In any discipline, U.S. universities routinely account for 7 of the top 10 worldwide spots.

Demography is another U.S strength. Europe is aging rapidly. This will increase its fiscal stress, shrink labor force, and slow economic growth. Many Asian countries are in the same situation. By 2010, Japan will have 3 million fewer workers than it did in 2005. But, the U.S. workforce will keep growing because it readily assimilates immigrants. The `Rise of the Rest' will mainly grab market share from Japan and Europe and not the U.S.

The U.S. has many challenges. Globalization has increased international competition. The U.S. has now one of the highest corporate tax rates because everyone lowered theirs. Due to a more efficient regulatory infrastructure London has bypassed NY as the top financial center. Jobs are going to places with well-trained workers with efficient benefit costs. U.S business can save $6,000 in health care costs per worker by moving operations to Canada.

The "rise of the rest" means mainly the rise of China and India. He dedicates chapter 4 to China (`The Challenger') and chapter 5 to India (`The Ally'). Those two economies are different. One is a top down government organized one (China). The other is a bottom up private sector driven one (India). The Chinese model creates superior infrastructure. India's model makes for superior capital allocation, and better managed companies.

China's GDP has grown by 9% p.a. for three decades. It is the world's low cost producer and is the emerging second world power. Its challenges include rapid environmental degradation, misallocation of capital due to a corrupt banking system. Its per capita GDP is still only 1/25th the U.S.

India has been the second fastest growing country, behind only China, growing at 8.5% during the 90s. But, its GDP per capita is only half China's. And 800 million Indians still live on only $2 a day. Its infrastructure is really poor. However, India's advantages include a thriving private sector with independent courts, and Rule of law. Also, unlike China it has a young population that will provide masses of able workers.

But, the growth of both China and India will test environment sustainability. Over the next 6 years China and India will build 800 coal-fired power plants with CO2 emissions five times the total savings of the Kyoto accords.

Zakaria thinks the U.S. dysfunctional Government represents the greatest threat to its economic supremacy. Policies should be implemented to boost savings, expand training in science, secure pensions, streamline immigration process, and improve energy efficiency. Yet, the entailed negotiated compromises between the parties appear impossible because of polarized politics.

Zakaria envisions we are entering the "Post-American World." There has been three major power shifts in the past 500 years. The first one was the rise of the West in the fifteenth century that produced the Italian Renaissance, Enlightenment, scientific method, and the industrial revolution. The second one was the rise of the U.S. in the 19th century leading the world in economics, science, and influence. We are transiting to the third major shift into the "Post-American World" where many nations share power. Zakaria suggests that just as England did not resist the advent of the U.S. in the 19th century, the U.S. should do the same with China and India. This would entail reforming international institutions such as the IMF, G-8, and the UN Security Council. Those institutions should reflect the new world order. If the U.S. can facilitate this transition, its influence will last longer.

He recommends the U.S. extricates itself out of the 8th century AD conflicts between Sunnis and Shiites and refocuses on China, India, and Brazil. The U.S. should develop good relations with all powers including Russia, and China. It should combat terrorism in non-military ways to avoid harming itself economically and politically by overreacting. The U.S. has to reestablish legitimacy. "It is one thing to scare your enemies; it's another to terrify the rest of the world" Today among European countries, up to 80% oppose U.S. foreign policy. For America to succeed amid the rise of the rest, it needs to remain an attractive place for immigrants.

If you enjoy this book, I also recommend his very lucid The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad, Revised Edition

The author presents a thoughtful analysis of our changing world. His wide ranging background adds depth to his discussion particulary in the the areas of the recent rapid changes in India and China that have so quickly impacted America. His advice to get used to our new position in the global market and social structure makes a whole lot of sense.

Fareed Zakaria gets it right when he describes how America is going to have to adopt a new attitude about its place in the world. He gives a balanced and objective view of how the US will have a different role to play in coming decades as China, India, and Brazil increase in economic power--the "rise of the rest," as Fakaria puts it. This book is rich in historical detail and gives plenty of examples. Fakaria does not paint a negative picture of the US nor does he sound pessimistic about America. Rather, he points out that our role is simply changing and we must accept it. I plan to read the book again and catch even more the second time around. I found it difficult to put down the first time around.

Kathie in Fort Wayne, IN

I can't remember a time when I read a book as fast as this one. Contrary to what the title might suggest, it's actually a positive view of how the US will fare over the coming decades, and an equally positive view about the rest of the world also. Zakaria has displayed once again his keen insight into geo politics and economics, and shares it in a compelling way that just makes sense.

Very insightful, full of useful information, unique perspective, entertaining and offers good advise as to how to proceed - a must read for the next US President and should be required for all other senior US (or foreign) government officials. If understood and implemented, it would go a long way to limiting the chance that we will blow ourselves up.

An excellent treatment of America's role in the world; how it's changed; where it needs to be taken in order to remain a major world player.

Clearly written, incisive, sound.

Highly recommend.

His conclusion is that the rest is rising relative to the US. Well, this has been happening more or less since WWII. So the whole argument is not original to start with.

Similar to S. Huntington, he refers to "West" as Western Europe and the US. Such definition is flawed, and even S. Hutingon revised his to include southern regions in Latin America and Eastern European nations.

His analysis of Asia has some merit, but some of his statements come accross as very naive. For instance at one point he mentions "Samba is booming in Latin America". What is that supposed to mean?

Overall, it looks like Fareed the journalist has buried Fareed the scholar, at the cost of sounding superficial and naive. That makes it very hard to get to the end of the book.

Having read his article on the same subject on Foreign Affairs, which I thought was very good, I was very dissapointed with this book.

So I recommend read the article, and skip the book.

There are some excellent observations in this book, unfortunately they are not given the depth of analysis and discussion that they deserve with barely over two hundred and fifty over-sized font pages. Some sections have such sweeping generalizations that he obviously misses the mark. Suggesting that most of our impressions of WWII are laid out by Ambrose and Burns, and that Americans believe Russia did not bear the brunt of the sacrifices in lives during WWII is ridiculous, as anyone with even a cursory reading of WWII history knows better.

There are good suggestions on how to deal with the changing world dynamic, and getting out of our previous mode of thinking about the emerging countries in our new globalized world. But I ended thinking that another writer could have written more extensively and effectively about the subject.

I found The Post American World to be entertaining and informative. The chapters on China, India, and America, were interesting and perhaps insightful. The chapters on his analysis of the American war in Iraq are deeply flawed by his apparent Bush derangement syndrome. He apparently has never spoken to a Republican, rather depending on Democrats to define Republican positions. This is a shame because otherwise the book was entertaining and does a good job of arguing that the world is being formed by the rise of India and China.

I rarely enjoy a book as much as I did this one. Zacharia's reason and writing skill are superb, and the research done is also remarkable. Few authors can lay an argument and stay with it with such clarity throughout hundreds of pages. The only other one that comes to mind is Niall Ferguson.

While reasserting his work, I came across Ferguson's latest documentary, "The World Without US", an investigative piece of journalism that debates what would happen shout the US withdraw its military from around the world. I would also recommend it for anyone interested in the future of world affairs.
The World Without US - With Niall Ferguson

This book is an excellent read and highly educational. As an American, who is concerned about our county's future, I found comfort in this book inasmuch as the author, Fareed Zakaria, outlines, how we can retain our position as a strong country and leader of the free world, if we adapt to the changing world and modify our behavior accordingly. It is my hope that our presidential candidates and all high ranking government officials will read this book.

This is very timely book, coming out when America seems to be losing its clout and China and India are emerging as likely superpowers.

I must point out that the job of the historian is to look at events retrospectively - that is to see what had happened to bring us where we are today. It is almost pointless and an exercise in futility to use past events to predict the future. For example, hardly any historians or futurists foresaw the conquest of China by the Communists in such a short period of time, In addition, the dissolution of the British Empire after World War II and the breakup of the Soviet Union in the 1990's were real surprises.

I must take issues with the author on several points.

1.. American started with a British civilisation and a classless society - there were no kings, princes, lords and dukes. After the 1964 Civil Rights Act and Watergate, America has become a truly free and democratic country unparalled in the world. For example. there was the college dropout who built up his software company and became the richest man in the world. There was the German Jew who moved to America to avoid Nazi prosecution and rose to be Secretary of State. There was the black woman who started in poor and humble circumstances and became Secretary of State. America's free and democratic spirit will make it strong and dominant in the world regardless of what will happen.

2.. American education does not really teach students how to think. I have seen many high school kids taking special courses in order to score high in the SAT and get into good colleges and universities. The SAT exam, while intended to test a student's potential, still has success based on memorisation and cramming. The Asian countries (Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong) have better education systems because they could enforce strict method and stern discipline in their schools

3.. Despite its economic successes. China faces serious problems in air and water pollution. The power of the Central government is eroding . Province are getting more powerful and self-assertive. It is quite likely that China will split up in the future.

Blatantly - I'm a fan of Fareed Zakaria! This newest offering makes sense out of our current financial and international quandary. There are a few things which I disagreed with initially, then I became aware of Fareed's totally unique perspective.

The book is definately worth the time to explore and begin to understand how we got here. Read it - and reread the last chapter a few times.

One should be suspicious of a book on global affairs sold in airport bookshops. This is a lightweight, extended Newsweek article in which Zakaria quotes his friends a lot and makes no penetrating or original observations. The chapter on India is better than the rest of the book. As Foreign Policy Lite for the next US president it will probably secure Zakaria a place in the pantheon of policy advisors.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from this book, but Fareed Zakaria has presented an interesting history of global economic geopolitics. He helps fill in the blanks outside the US approach to history by presenting a truly world view. Read this book to understand how the US must adjust to the changing world ~ a world, Mr. Zakaria contends, the US created. Great book!

Zakaria published some good information especially from a background of an Indian born individual. He's well educated and well travelled and provides some good insight. My only negative thought would be that much of this information is repetitive to other work out there that was published years earlier. Now in 2008 we all realize that the world economy is inter-twined and we're all closer than we realize with advances in technology. Overall, good book and a pretty easy read.

An excellent book and a must read to understand shifts happening in the world and how they will shape our future.

For those unfamiliar with his work, Fareed Zakaria is perhaps the most insightful journalist, particularly when it comes to foreign affairs, that we have today. This book only proves why. What Zakaria does so well is balance unbiased statistics, with unbiased analysis of history, and culture to form realist opinions that everyone should be able to appreciate.

When it comes to discussions of the rise of China, India, and other new economic powers, it seems that the only sources that have been making any noise are politicians (who want to get re-elected) and pundits (who want higher ratings), both of which exploit xenophobic sentiment for their own personal gain. In Zakaria's new book you will not see fear mongering, you will not see threats, you will not see analysis based on emotion. What you will find is a clear thesis of a current situation, and suggestions on what the US citizens (not just politicians) should do to get ourselves prepared for embracing the inevitable shifts in world power over the next 50 years or so.

As for the critic who said that he finds Zakaria's work un-American. My question is why? His whole objective -in my interpretation of this work- is to restore America's reputation to what it once was. Zakaria would like nothing more than the USA to have the welcoming reputation, despite international turmoil situations, that it did when he first came to this country-which was also during tumultuous times. He doesn't advocate for the US to just bow down to the new powers. Instead he wants the US to embrace, and work with the new powers. International cooperation is not a zero sum game. Just because the rest of the world is rising does not mean that the US has to fall. Zakaria just presents his ideas on how best to accomplish this.

If you do not have time to read the whole book, for whatever reason, I highly suggest at least reading chapters 4 and 5, which discuss China and India respectively. They are quick reads, and will give you more understanding of their global situations than any pundit half hour show can possibly give you.

My only troubles with this book are that the the word "indefinitely" is misspelled in the Toynbee quote at the beginning, there is some mixing of format -for instance in one paragraph it is written as 2% and the next paragraph writes it as two percent, and more information should probably be footnoted. I did buy it very early upon release, so could I have an early edition? These aren't the biggest deals though. Not respecting Zakaria's work for these types of issues would be like discounting politicians based on whether or not they wear flag pins or whether or not their wife plagiarized cookie recipes, and if you are even thinking of buying this book, I would assume you are already above that.

I find Zakaria's book to be flat on historical substance, and heavy on pompous anti-American statements. While easy to read his ideas are unoriginal and often times disjointed.

As someone who does not read much about global economics, I hoped this book would be refreshing and perhaps a stepping stone to finding others I could read and learn more from. I was let down. His references are few and far between and his insight on China is far less impressive than on his home country of India.

I think Zakaria was just trying to come back from his popular first book, and capitalize on his already allegiant audience.

Probably would have served him better if he could at least get some of his facts straight. For instance it wasn't the Asian tsuanmi of 2005, it was the tsunami of 2004. And the whole world was not against the US invasion of Iraq, there were plenty of countries who supported it (UK, Turkey, and don't forget Poland).

But it seems Zakaria creates his own reality. His own facts. And for this
I would not recommend this book to anybody. Well, almost anybody. Perhaps if you are a member of al-qaeda you might appreciate his outlook. Or if you want to learn a little about China and India (emphasis on the word little).

We have created our own monster both in our political choices (dictators of our "American message", foreign policy, and judicial system) and in our journalistic choices (who we listen to). Mr Zakaria is a good reporter of the results of our missteps.....to date. The good news is that we are a country of consummate adapters (best demonstrated in the events of WW2 when, within a few years, we went from an isolationist mentality to a military/industrial powerhouse focused almost exclusively on winning the war).

The world is rising around us and we are rising too. We WILL change/adapt to the realities of the 21st century and it will be an exciting time! You only have to watch the current election process to see how much the country is finally becoming more engaged. And, this is just the start of an enormous "pendulum swing" that will envelop our country over the next 10 years. I count on the young people of our country to lead the charge that will reshape our vision of the new realities we will face and our responses to it. Zakaria should be starting this new story now!

This is the most insight-dense and clearly reasoned book I have read in quite some time. In it, Zakaria takes a step back and looks at where the world is today, how it got here and where it's going. Throughout that analysis, Zakaria makes one insightful and important comment after another. Americans who want a level-headed perspective on where globalization is taking the world and how the United States might fit into that scenario need look no further.

Zakaria starts with a historical overview of how some countries shut themselves off from the rest of the world and how some embraced it. Unsurprisingly, embracing the rest of the world was almost universally the more successful approach for countries, their societies and economies. From there, Zakaria explains that the United States has spent many, many years telling other countries to free up their political policies and their economies and now that it is happening, we're not always comfortable with the results.

Zakaria does a nice job providing perspective on the rise of China, India and the rest of the world and explains that even if the United States continues to grow its economy, it won't be as large as a percentage of the whole world as it has been. How positive or negative that turns out to be, Zakaria explains, is largely a matter of how we respond to the shifts taking place in the world.

Zakaria tackles some tough topics like how America handles its power on the world stage and debunks some common myths such as the one that states the United States is generating far fewer engineers and scientists than other countries. I found myself constantly re-reading passages to try to lock insights into my mind or stopping my reading to think about something I'd just read. That's the sign of a really good book.

Some reviews say the book is anti-American. I just don't agree. Zakaria takes an objective look at our country and points out plenty of good and not-so-good. For anyone or anything to improve, flaws need to be exposed, analyzed and improved. Zakaria comes across as a big fan of his adopted country who wants to see it excel in an environment that is bound to be very different from the one we've had for the last few decades. For Americans who want the same for themselves and their country, I really recommend reading this book.

Fareed Zakaria does a nice job framing the current global political-economic landscape in a smart yet granular fashion. This is a good read for old poli-sci or IR buffs, or anyone looking to stress test their world view without having to delve too deeply into academia.

America must stop "cowering in fear," writes Zakaria. The United States is greatest when it leans toward its highest ideals, not when it turns away from them.

This book is excellent reading for two primary reasons: 1. It provides a realistic perspective on the world, something we Americans too often lose sight of. For example, it is GOOD that the world's poor nations are catching up. This is cause to celebrate, not panic over America "losing its lead". Don't we want to one day achieve a world where no one is starving? 2. This book stresses to the reader that America can always be great no matter what goes on in the world, so long as it maintains itself as a free and creative culture.

I'm not sure, but I suspect both liberals and conservatives will find much to appreciate in this book because it offers a hope and optimism that any American should be able to appreciate and find inspiring.

I highly recommend this book.

--Guy P. Harrison, author of 50 Reasons People Give for Believing in a God

Wow, what an excellent book!

My only previous exposure to Fareed Zakaria had been his appearances on 'the Daily Show with John Stewart' - but it was those short glimpses into his intelligence, wit and insight that made buying this book irresistible.

Few works of nonfiction have held me in thrall like this one did. I found that I literally could not put it down until I had finished. Perhaps this is because the plot and story-line are more current and vital than any work of fiction. This is a tale of the world we live in right now, how we came to be here and where we may be headed.

The book blurs several lines and cannot be easily pigeon holed into this category or that one. It is at once a treatise on international relations, domestic politics and world history.

Mr Zakaria possesses a magical combination of real world experience, intelligence and a decidedly incisive wit. His insights hit home like truth. Never condescending to us, the reader, Zakaria manages the delicate balance -educating while entertaining throughout.

His style seems effortless, sharing his story and views with us like an old friend over dinner. At the end of the evening one is left thoroughly satisfied and content. Mr Zakaria's book delivers the goods. For myself, I am already looking forward to our next meeting.

Fareed Zakaria's book offers a frank and honest look at the modern world. What has happened is not that America has fallen, but that in many ways its efforts to export itself have succeeded. Unfortuantely, as Zakaria notes, the American political system is ill-equipped to deal with the changing world and adopt to the new reality.

One place where Zakaria comes up short, surprisingly, is in his discussion of India. Although he discusses the differences between the Indian and Chinese political systems, assuring that India will not be able to replicate China's growth pattern, he fails to highlight some of India's other serious challenges. These are internal, such as the active maoist insurgency, and external, a fragile relationship with its nuclear neighbor, Pakistan.

Still, Zakaria's book is a great read on the current world and even offers some suggestions about how America can adapt.

A well written book that would be of interest to all Americans who are now looking into a future where the U.S's dominant global position is being threatened. Instead of calling it the decline of America, the author Fareed Zakaria calls it the `rise of the rest'. In this scenario, though the U.S will continue to be the largest economy and the sole superpower, the growth of countries like China and India will change the world order.

Fareed takes the reader through the rise of Western civilization from the 15th to 19th century and then the growth of the U.S in the 20th century. Britain's fall from a World super power position is analyzed very well and aptly compared with U.S's decline in the future. U.S's recent missteps in the global arena are scrutinized and shown to compare poorly with how Britain handled their diminishing power in the last century.

Fareed then goes on to assess the strengths of China (the challenger) and India (the ally) from the U.S perspective. Further he analyzes the current position of the United States in a pragmatic manner and prescribes a path for the United States in the new multi-polar world.

What a refreshing and detailed view of our future as Americans. After watching Fox News, CNN, etc. One can come to believe that our country and world is headed straight down the drain. This book is optimistic in our future if only we have the right leadership in government, business, and education. I feel better having read this book and will limit my watching the 24 hour news cycle in the future. Everyone, especially voters come November, should read this book.

The book is new. Ihave not completed reading it, but so far it is exellent.

Calm down. China is not taking over the world and the U.S. is not about to become a second rate power. However, Zakaria presents realistic thoughts on why the U.S. must adjust to a world in which it will not be the only major player. The current (June '08) runup in gasoline prices is evidence that we will compete with rapidly growing economies such as those of China and India for many years to come. Zakaria's narrative is readable and not inundated with statistics. At the same time, it lacks the statistical depth that would be needed to be a definitive argument.

This is a must read for everyone who plans to vote in November's election. The world presented by Zakariah can open the eyes of Americans who have not had the opportunity to travel to the rising countries. In readable prose, Zakariah describes what is happening now in places like China and India and we what we, in America, must face in the near future as a result. The balance of power is changing, and we need leadership prepared to understand the world of tomorrow, act responsibly within a new framework and help our nation accommodate to the changes.

As usual, Zakaria comes through. This book is filled with insight and thoughful analysis.

Zakaria shines when taking meaty topics like international economics and distilling them into concise, clear modules.

The book is simply very interesting with many "aha!" moments. If you like this sort of internatinal pollitics, culture, history and economics, you will love this book.

The book was sent immediately after ordering it, and I am very satisfied with the procedures followed by Amazon. Also, I am happy with the book and have suggested it to a number of friends who are impressed with Fareed Zakaria.

The hegemon that is America is at a crossroads. This is the central and compelling idea behind Fareed Zakaria's most recent book entitled The Post-American World. In his wide-ranging and optimistic look at the future of the United States, Zakaria makes the case that hegemonic America is no longer the youthful and ambitious democracy it was a hundred years ago. On the dawn of the 21st century, the U.S. is much more like an elder statesman who has taught other nations of the world how to be democratic - and perhaps more importantly, capitalistic - and now it is time for the planet's hegemon to step aside and let the "rise of the rest" take place. The economically youthful "rest" includes China, India, Brazil, Nigeria and other non-Western countries whose economies and governments are emerging on the world scene with vigor and vitality. In economic terms, these countries are second tier nations that are embracing capitalism and resource nationalism in an effort to compete with the West.
And so, the crossroads: America can allow the democratic and capitalistic rise of the rest to take place with grace and magnanimity, or America can resist the rise of rest with bitterness and distrust. It is America's choice to make and it is America's future to lose, claims Zakaria. Thus, the reader arrives at an explanation for the title of the book. Zakaria makes the case that American power is not waning so much as it is changing, and that change is what will determine the quality of the 21st century, the post-American future. Indeed Zakaria makes an artful distinction between society and economics when he claims "ultimately, the base of American power - a vibrant American society - was its greatest strength and its weakness. It produced America's gigantic economy and vibrant society. . . [and] this tension between society and the state persists in America to this day" (166). Zakaria maintains that the U.S. will continue to be the most important country in the near future but he also "ask[s] how America itself will react to a post-American world" (166).
If there was ever a vindication for the worn out cliché about the value of understanding history or being doomed to repeat it, this book is it. The answer to the question about America's reaction to its own shifting power can be found, according to Zakaria, by understanding history. And although he uses other examples of historical hegemons, the most poignant, immediate and obvious is the case of Pax Britannica at the end of the 19th century. Britain of 1897 was the sole world power. Even so, Britain's grasp on that power was waning. Zakaria claims that Britain choose - quite wisely - to allow power to shift away from Britain to the newly emerging center of power known as the United States. Furthermore, Zakaria claims that "Britain was undone as a great global power not because of bad politics but because of bad economics . . . its economy was weak" (180) and this weakness was what led to its hegemonic demise. This is significant for an understanding of the post-American world because, as Zakaria points out, "Britain's decline - irreversible economic deterioration - does not really apply to the United States today" (180). According to Zakaria "the U.S. economy has been the world's largest since the middle of the 1880s, and it remains so today" (180). Importantly he claims that "America will remain a vital, vibrant economy, at the forefront of the next revolutions in science, technology, and industry - as long as it can embrace and adjust to the challenges confronting it" (182).
Those challenges include science in areas such as nanotechnology and biotechnology, manufacturing and American competitiveness, the quality of higher education, demographics and, perhaps most importantly, immigration. Zakaria's compelling exploration of these challenges to America's future is rich and, in the mind of this reader, clearly hopeful about the future. He thinks America can and will overcome obstacles such as these, and he concludes with the optimistic perspective that a post-American world is one where "American influence is strengthened by the growth" of other nations (233). Indeed, the central idea is that countries like China and India "want to gain power and status and respect . . . by growing within the international system, not by overturning it" (232).Therefore the 21st century presents the "United States [with] an opportunity to play a large and constructive role at the center of the global order" (233). This is the post-American world, one where America is a power broker within and amongst other emerging nations. Despite all of this high level, global power and with Zakarian finesse, the case is also made that the American people have a role to play in this unfolding global drama. How Americans solve the inequalities in education and how Americans resolve the snares of immigration and latent nativism are integral to Zakaria's vision of this post-American world. Ultimately he claims that "being the global broker today would be a job involving not just the American government but its society" (233). Zakaria claims it is the American people who are standing at this crossroads. Furthermore it is the American people who will decide - based on their choices at this crossroads - the quality and direction of the 21st century.
So there it is. Our system of government is the envy of the world. Our economy is strong and resilient, and will continue to be so. The American institution of "higher education is [our] best industry" (190) and our scientific discoveries are decades and dollars ahead of all other nations. Immigration, one of our greatest issues of contention, is also one of our most potent strengths. These realities serve as the foundation upon which Americans stand as we collectively look into the future. Our choice: gracious acceptance of the rise of the rest, or bitter resistance to its inevitability. It is no simple irony that in a land where we jingle the coins in our pocket engraved with the Latin phrase e pluribus unum, the quality and the direction of the 21st century world might really come down to the living out of its translation in English.

Haven't read the book yet, but it came in excellent condition and quickly. Thank you very much.

Mr. Zakaria's new book is an excellent and balanced view of the world at the time he wrote it. It is NOT a book on America's decline. It seems to me the title is more a marketing gimmick than anything else. Actually, the last two chapters of the book are more of a celebration of the nation's strength's than anything else.

The author chronicles the rise of other nations relative to the U.S. and the challanges it faces due to this rise. My only problem with his portrayal is his benevolent view of China's actions in several parts of the world. I believe the Chinese want to challenge America's preminence in the world whereas Mr. Zakaria's view is that they simply want to rise. Yeah, right!

The book is somewhat reminscent of Paul Kennedy's The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, 1500 to the Present, which was interpreted by many in 1987 as the fall of the U.S. Obvioulsy Mr. Kennedy was wrong. Mr. Zakaria, much more artfull, details the challenges facing the nation and concludes that it can handle them, given changes in its policies. Finally, don' miss his program on Sunday's at 1:00 in CNN.

For roughly 300 years two global empires have wielded unilateral influence and control over much of the world -- first Great Britain, and now the United States. But the sun did set on the British Empire, and its successor superpower, says Fareed Zakaria, would do well to learn from history. History "happened" to Britain, and he wonders, "will history happen to America as well? Is it already happening?" While Britain failed economically, it succeeded politically, whereas America faces the opposite challenge; it will maintain its economic clout but must find its place in a changing geo-political landscape.

Zakaria writes "not about the decline of America" but rather, as he repeats throughout his book, "the rise of the rest." Globalization has lifted many boats in many places the last twenty years, creating a diffuse and decentralized economic dynamism throughout much of the world. In 2005, for example, twenty-four of the twenty-five largest IPOs in the world took place outside of America. Three of the world's biggest economies are non-western--China, India and Japan. Taipei boasts the tallest building in the world, but Dubai will soon claim that title. We hear lots about Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, but twenty-two of the twenty-five wealthiest people in the world are not Americans. Brazil has become energy independent, and the UAE can claim "the most richly endowed investment fund." Africa might be the lone exception, but not for long if China continues its vigorous investments and agreements in that resource-rich continent. And it now seems clear that a nation can, despite important disruptions and convulsions, become modern without becoming western; never mind that many places want to become more like the west.

China and India, of course, are the prime examples of new found economic power, and Zakaria devotes a chapter to each of them. China's economy has grown 9% every year since Deng Xiaoping green-lighted economic capitalism (if not political liberalism). The economy has doubled every eight years in that time. Today they export more in a single day than they did in all of 1978. They've lifted 400 million people out of poverty. India boasts similar examples even though it started ten years later; Bollywood beats Hollywood in terms of movies made and tickets sold.

And America? It's far and away still the lone superpower, and that won't change soon. In economics, technology, science, and even education it remains the envy of the world. India, Zakaria reminds us, graduates about 50 PhDs a year in computer science; the United States graduates about 1,000. Militarily, the United States spends more than the rest of the world combined. What's crippling America, Zakaria says, is a politics which has become highly dysfunctional and little more than theater. We've become insular and isolated in an economically decentralized world, "clueless about the world we're supposed to be running." Even worse, while we're still the sole superpower, we've lost our legitimacy. In his final twenty-five pages Zakaria offers six guidelines whereby America can become the world's honest broker of the universal ideals that it espouses. But this requires a new spirit of "consultation, cooperation, and even compromise," and the jury is out whether we're willing or able to assume such a new role in a world that, because of the "rise of the rest," is already post--American.

I have always admired Fareed Zakaria. His book has painted a picture of the present and what we can expect in the future. After following him for a number of years, I have come to the conclusion that he would make an excellent Secretary of State.

The Post-American World

Fareed Zacharia's fact-filled book provides a broad overview of current and future developments worldwide, which are likely to affect America's superpower status...politically, economically, and culturally. The facts supporting his arguments and his perspective on how our country needs to respond to current trends deserve thoughtful consideration. A stimulating read!

Conner Fay

I very much want to read this book but i am very devoted to my kindle for all books now.
this book is not available wirelessly for use with my kindle...very strange as it is a book of great current interest and availabe otherwise on amazon???

Zakaria presents an optimistic view of the future financial development of India, China and the U.S.A. It is an entertaining portrait which is particularly interesting given the author's own Indian roots. However, as is true with all projections, conjecture faces the reality of climatic change, uncertain political events from neighboring countries (North Korea, Pakistan, Nepal, Afganistan), and the vagaries of an unpredictable recession with shortages of food and fuel. Such projections make even a hopeful prediction of a "post American" world no more than speculation.

Zakaria's diligence in his work and writing suitably focuses on generating the right questions through which westerners may acquire an evolving, functional paradigm framing "globalized" world challenges and terrain. All his efforts to date serve us well. His salient thinking is well articulated and abundantly useful to all those who ponder prudent motivations and actions targeted at the future.--Travis Tullos

While I am a great fan of Fareed Zakaria as a journalist, his book reads like a summary of many of his articles. While the content is solid and deals with many important issues, such a broad issue as the future leads him to ramble about interesting, yet not always relevant issues.

I mostly take issue not with this style nor content, but with the fact that the book is simply a summary of world events and brief commentary on changes. It has little original insight for anyone who's up to date on current affairs and it sorely lacks deep analysis.

For someone who doesn't follow foreign or current affairs very closely, this book will be a valuable and accessible read. For serious readers, it is a waste of time.

Excellent ability to reflect on the important past historical issues, and project it forward. The author is brilliant.

This is one of the best books I've read on the state of affairs of the U.S. It is a wonderfully simple yet detailed analysis of the current condition of the U.S. and how it relates to the other "big players" in terms of economics and politics. It was eye-opening.

Mr. Zakaria does it again. In this very well written book, he lays out the new framework in which the US is ALREADY interacting with the world our policies created (i.e. this is present tense, not future tense). As he points out, "it's not the decline of the US, it's the rise of everybody else." He sketches out the new players (e.g.India, China), some analogies (e.g. Great Britan in the last century, multinationals and US universities today), and finishes with some very wise suggestions for US citizens and policymakers. I defy you to read this one and not give a copy to friends.

In writing as if American decline were a fait accompli, Zakaria engages more in wishful thinking than in principled analysis (of which he, ever eager for acclaim and influence, seems constitutionally incapable). So long as men exist who cherish freedom and individual rights and will defend them unto death, America will always lead the world, morally and politically, if not economically. What was true in 1776 holds true today: America, founded on the rights of a sovereign people to pursue their own happiness apart from State or Religion, is the last, best hope of earth. If Zakaria had a deeper respect for his adopted homeland, he would stop being the crusader boy for national self-deprecation and attempt a genuine contribution to political thought. Alas, from this Harvard Ph.D. we get only a hash of warmed-over Newsweek magazine articles.

People have been writing the obituary for America for decades. This book is no different. As others have written, this is an uneven book. Partisanship is a hallmark of democracies. Dictatorships can move more uniformly, but who wants to live in China or Pakistan?

Buy electing officials who will not meddle in the free-market economy of the US, we can assure ourselves that America can compete. This will be a difficult challenge, but Mr. Zakaria believes it is impossible. I don't believe that it is.

This is (another) book written solely to enrich the author by scaring the American public. If you must read it, check it out at the library. Don't waste your money.