I started reading it by chance. It was the only book on my shelf not related to my professional work, and I wanted to dive into something more general to shape my worldview.

It’s a compelling exploration of history, people, and the connections that shape our world. Eventually it sparked my interest in global geopolitics.

The main idea of the book is clear but impactful: The world is transitioning from globalization to de-globalization, with significant consequences for trade, demographics, and geopolitics. The post-World War II era of globalized trade is coming to an end.

I’ve highlighted so many ideas that the book is now covered in yellow. But here are the key takeaways:

Population:

• Demography is one of the biggest global challenges.
• Aging populations and declining birth rates will drive the economic and social shifts in a de-globalized world.

Transport:

• Ships are vital to global trade, yet they depend on American naval protection. As the U.S. retreats, trade routes will become more vulnerable, and the global trade system will suffer.

Finance:

• The evolution of currencies and the shift from commodity-backed to fiat money.
• The U.S. remains a dominant financial power, controlling the global reserve currency, while countries like China are burdened by debt that may never be repaid.

Energy

• The global energy landscape is set for major changes.
• The trade of oil and natural gas will shrink, and countries with abundant energy resources will rise in power.
• North America, energy-rich and self-sufficient, will be at an advantage, while Asia and Europe, reliant on imports, will face vulnerabilities.

Industrial Materials:

• Modern industries depend on complex supply chains for raw materials.
• North America is well-equipped, but other regions may experience severe shortages.

Manufacturing:

• The decline of globalization poses challenges in accessing essential materials.
• Manufacturing, reliant on global interdependence, will face a shift toward regional production, making reindustrialization in a de-globalized world a difficult task.

Agriculture:

• Food security will become an increasingly important issue, with many regions facing shortages.
• North America’s fertile lands and water access will give it a significant advantage.

The author’s style is fun and thoughtful, with strong opinions that make you think differently about global trends.

If you’re intrigued by geopolitics and the future of our world, this book is a must-read. It will change how you see the world and make you reconsider where we’re headed.