Very well researched with a precise and reassuring, non-apocalyptic analysis of our current world situation--that being China, India, Russia and Brazil, among others, rising up to challenge the economic and even military prowess of the USA. The pros and cons of the various emerging nations and their development are presented in a balanced and rational fashion. Written in simple, uncomplicated prose and polished with a team of editors/writers/researchers ETC to make the text accessible to the non-academic reader. However, the language of economics when dealing with subjects such as GDP, current account deficit, budget deficit, trade deficit, was often difficult for me to absorb (specifically the mathematical aspect of economic "science" which I find to be confusing). This book helped me to flesh out my own geopolitical world view as I gained insight into issues I was familiar with (IE through my sometime reading of The Economist) where I lacked detailed knowledge. The ultimate question posed by this book was: "Will the USA accept its position as a declining superpower and adapt/negotiate with its fellow nations, or will it continue to be lost in the delusion of its own greatness?" "Post-American World" was a fast and informative read and I plan on reading Mr. Zakaria's other books after reading this title. ( )

rise of England and US with no reference to resources, predicted rise of China, India and rest of world--up, up and away

This book discusses the role of America and its future on the world stage. In the early 60's after the Soviet Union launched the world's first satelite, many thought the U.S. had fallen behind the USSR. And in the 70's, some thought that Europe and Saudi Arabia were destined to replace the U.S. as the major economic powerhouses. Then it was Japan who was thought to have to be in position to overtake the U.S., and today people think that China's economy will soon be the strongest. Zakaria's perspective is that the U.S. will stay vibrant politically, economically, and militarily, even as other Nation's develop and grow.

He does offer some criticism of our current political climate however. To maintain our position of leadership on the world stage, he feels the partianship in Washington must change. To keep the Country strong and moving forward, Congress must work together and compromise to find the best solutions, trim wasteful spending, increase scientific research, and find ways to optimize our energy use. Big money and special interests have inordinate influence, and congressional leaders appear more reluctant than ever to work with others across the aisle and incur a little pain today for long term gains in the future.

As an immigrant himself, he talks about the benefits of immigration to our country. 50% our our college science graduates are immigrants or 1st generation Americans, and the percentage is even higher for Engineering and computer science Doctorates. He makes the point that a strong educational system, and emphasis on research & development, science, and mathematics need to be fostered.

In summary, he feels that the U.S. will continue to be in position to help shape the world, assuming a dysfunctional Congress can improve and make the tough decisions needed domestically, and our foreign policy recognize that other Nations are rising on their own and must be dealt with in this new light.
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While I am usually not a fan of political or economic texts, this book proved very interesting. This book succeeded where other texts don't by giving a historical context to the matters that it is discussing. The basis of the book was that America is entering into a decline merely because other countries are beginning to become politically and economically prominent (most notably China and India.)

The book goes on to recommend ways for America to continue to be relevant (mostly diplomatically) so that it does not crash in the manner which Britain did. Throughout the book is a tone of unwavering optimism and the writer manages to be engaging even when rattling off GDP and PPP statistics.

While I did not find myself agreeing 100% with everything that was said, I still found this text to be valuable and engaging, a rarity for books of this nature. ( )

Thought I'd like this more than I did. It's not at all about the title...it's about American globalization and how the USA can succeed in the changing world economy. This book came out early in 2008 so it must have been written in 2007; it's dated. The book reads like a series of thoughts, not necessarily stuck together. In the end, he doesn't say much...just blather. I did not toss it--read it to the end. But, should have given up after just a few chapters. Glad it came from the library and I did not pay for it. ( )