The Post-American World

Book Review: The Post-American World
Author: Fareed Zakaria
ISBN: 978-0-393-06235-9
By: David Hart

Introduction/Contribution to Knowledge

Fareed Zakaria’s book The Post-American World takes readers on a journey through history and modern times. He helps his audience to better understand how the current global environment is changing. The book’s title is somewhat misleading. One might deduct from the title that this book will be provide doom and gloom scenarios for the world’s current largest economy. This is not the case. Readers quickly learn that Zakaria has a generally optimistic view of globalization and its effects on America and other nations.

Zakaria, an Indian-American journalist, quickly introduces his readers to his view that America is not in decline. Rather, he argues that other countries are rising to catch up with America. He calls this the “rise of the rest” (p. 2). This book discusses globalization from the vantage point of politics, economics, and culture (p. 1). The author seeks to convince the reader that it is good for the world for other countries to expand economically. He believes the United States needs to be willing to adapt to the surrounding changes that are occurring as the result of globalization. He argues that the United States needs to create coalitions and share power to help both America’s economy and the world’s economy progress.

The Post-American World appeals to a variety of audiences. Zakaria’s writing style is easy to follow. Possible audiences include students, politicians, and economists. Those interested in politics may find this book provides helpful insights on what America needs to do to move forward in an increasingly globalized world. This book may not completely satisfy some academics who would prefer a more in-depth analysis of this complex issue. As a student, I found this book to provide fascinating insights into how globalization relates to politics, history and the future.

Strengths
In my view, this book’s biggest strength is its cautiously optimistic tone. I appreciate the author’s perspective that although there are challenges to overcome, globalization is positive for all countries. As long as the United States finds ways to adapt to this changing world, the future is bright for America and the world. I tend to agree with the idea that the future is bright for all of humanity. However, I realize that this attitude is good only when balanced with a willingness to solve and overcome the many great challenges that we face.

Zakaria notes that focusing on gloom too much does not prepare us to face our largest problems. He argues that many of our largest challenges are a result of our successes (p.27). He also notes that America’s relative economic weight may fall in the coming decades. However, his optimism shines through when he says “The decline need not be large-scale…as long as the United States can adapt to new challenges as well as it adapted to those it confronted over the last century (p. 41).” Perhaps this is wishful thinking, but it is refreshing to hear somebody with an optimistic viewpoint compared to the doom and gloom that is so prevalent in media and politics.

I also found Zakaria’s discussion of the history of globalization to be a good overview. His conversation of recent economic history revolves around the rise of the west, the rise of the U.S. after World War II, and now the “rise of the rest” (p.2). This historical context gives the reader the opportunity to put today’s global environment into perspective. It helps the reader understand how we got to where we are today.

Zakaria also effectively uses the limited amount of space he has in the book to proportionately discuss some of the key nations in globalization. He focuses especially on China and India. These two countries deserve significant discussion as they continue to play a major role in the world’s economy. However, he also discusses other parts of the world such as Africa (ie. p. 116).

I thought he was effective in reaching his audience regarding China’s role in the world. In speaking about China, the author effectively drives home the point that China is unique in many different ways. This can make it different to compare it to other world powers. This is important for the reader to understand. The world has never before seen a country like today’s China. It takes an open mind to understand the politics, culture, and economics of China. He notes that China’s main focus is on its growth strategy (p. 105).


Weaknesses

Although I consider this book’s optimistic tone to be its biggest strength, I also can see how some may see it as as a weakness. Some may believe that it is hard to be optimistic when so many challenges exist. Zakaria does talk extensively about many challenges that need to be overcome. However, some may wonder how he can have such a positive tone when many Americans see decline. For example, one may ask how globalization can be positive for the U.S. when unemployed, rural Americans are losing jobs to Chinese or Indian workers abroad. With the U.S. unemployment rate currently so high, and incomes stagnant, some may argue the future is not as bright as he suggests.

In addition, some may argue that the optimistic tone is unrealistic. The book was published in 2008, just as the recession was beginning to wreak havoc across America and the world. Some people may see his positive attitude as naïve. However, to his credit, Zakaria warns of problems within the U.S. political and economic system. He discusses some of the economic problems in the United States such as flat median incomes, high deficits, and low savings rates (p. 199).

Another issue some may have with this book is that the topic is too broad to be covered in less than 300 pages. Globalization involves many complex political and economic topics that require much discussion. Some might say that the book needs more depth in explaining certain concepts.

There are also times the author raises points that may cause the reader to stop and question. For example, he says that biological terror may “lack the dramatic results terrorists crave” (p. 16). In discussing America’s $13 trillion economy, he also notes that “modern civilization may be stronger than we suspect” (p. 17). The author may find that some readers disagree with his seemingly nonchalant attitude towards possible acts of terror or other issues.

Interpretations

I would recommend Zakaria’s book to those looking to better understand the effects of globalization. While some of his points may be debated, he writes in a way that makes the reader think. I found it interesting to note that Zakaria makes the same argument that James Fallows makes in the book Postcards From Tomorrow Square. Both Zakaria and Fallows believe that educating the world in America and keeping those people here will help the U.S. economy (p. 198).

It was interesting to note that a large percentage of America’s graduate science and engineering students come from foreign countries. One of the areas that really struck me in this book was the immigration policy discussion. Zakaria argues that in order to keep its edge in technology, America needs to make policies that allow immigrants to stay. Otherwise, he argues, immigrants will take their innovation skills home with them (p. 198). Of course, the topic of immigration is a broad one that includes many different types of immigrants. Zakaria and Fallows speak mainly about immigrants who come here to study and do research. Immigration policies are a heated political topic in the United States. People have strong opinions on both sides of the argument. Before reading Fallows and Zakaria, I had never thought of this interesting perspective.

Another theme that I thought was important in this book was that Americans need to become more open minded. As I have read various articles in preparation for my upcoming China trip, I have found this theme to be consistent with many of the readings. This book was no exception.

Zakaria notes that Americans are often naive to the world outside their country’s borders. He notes that “Americans rarely benchmark to global standards because they are sure that their way must be the best and most advanced (p. 46). He also notes that Washington needs to adjust and embrace a world with a “diversity of views and viewpoints (p. 214). I think these points deserve fair consideration. However, I also recognize that it is important to realize that Americans are not the only ones who may think like this. Human nature dictates that people in many countries are unaware of what the global picture looks like. I believe that this will get better as the world becomes smaller and more people are educated, but we still have a long ways to go.

Another issue the author says will affect America’s policies concerning a global future is politics. He notes that in order for the U.S. to progress, politicians from both sides of the aisle will need to compromise (p. 213). It is important for American politicians to make decisions that will help America benefit from globalization and competition from other countries. Politicians should not just look to the next election, but have a long-term outlook. Zakaria believes this long-term outlook is “highly unlikely” (p. 213). I agree that government officials need to focus more on compromising and focusing on the long run. Unfortunately, this is not the type of culture Washington D.C. has right now. Hopefully this will change in the future.

Zakaria also notes that America should evolve from its traditional superpower role. He believes that America should move from a top-down hierarchy into more of a role involving “consultation, cooperation, and even compromise” (p. 233). I agree with this, as long as other countries have the same type of attitude. It certainly takes two sides to be able to cooperate on complex problems.

Summary

My overall impressions of the book are positive. Although some may find the book to be lacking in depth, I believe the author is effective in communicating his message. The author certainly has his opinions, some of which are debatable. However, he engages his readers with his efficient and to-the-point writing style.

I especially found his thoughts on China to be insightful. As Napoleon said concerning China’s awakening, “when China wakes, she will shake the world” (pp. 87-88). Perhaps today we could expand the meaning of this quote to include many other countries. Having an understanding of China, India, and other developing countries is crucial for both politicians and businessmen. The world is truly becoming smaller, and other countries are rising.

As America seeks to continue its success in the modern world of globalization, it would do well to take into account some of the lessons learned in books such as this. I would recommend for decision makers to not only read this book, but to also read other books on the subject. The more America’s policy makers understand this complex world in which we live, the more likely they are to make better decisions. These decisions will help America find continued success and better adapt to an increasingly globalized world.