A bracing assessment of U.S. foreign policy and world disorder over the past two decades from
the bestselling author of The Revenge of Geography and The Coming Anarchy [Kaplan] has emerged
not only as an eloquent defender of foreign-policy realism but as a grand strategist to whom
the Pentagon turns for a tour d'horizon.-The Wall Street Journal In the late thirteenth century
Marco Polo began a decades-long trek from Venice to China along the trade route between Europe
and Asia known as the Silk Road-a foundation of Kublai Khan's sprawling empire. Now in the
early twenty-first century the Chinese regime has proposed a land-and-maritime Silk Road that
duplicates exactly the route Marco Polo traveled. Drawing on decades of firsthand experience as
a foreign correspondent and military embed for The Atlantic Robert D. Kaplan outlines the
timeless principles that should shape America's role in a turbulent world that encompasses the
Chinese challenge. From Kaplan's immediate thoughts on President Trump to a frank examination
of what will happen in the event of war with North Korea these essays are a vigorous reckoning
with the difficult choices the United States will face in the years ahead. Praise for The
Return of Marco Polo's World Elegant and humane . . . [a] prophecy from an observer with a
depressingly accurate record of predictions.-Bret Stephens The New York Times Book Review
These essays constitute a truly pathbreaking brilliant synthesis and analysis of geographic
political technological and economic trends with far-reaching consequences. The Return of
Marco Polo's World is another work by Robert D. Kaplan that will be regarded as a
classic.-General David Petraeus (U.S. Army Ret.) Thoughtful unsettling but not apocalyptic
analyses of world affairs flow steadily off the presses and this is a superior example. . . .
Presented with enough verve and insight to tempt readers to set it aside to reread in a few
years.-Kirkus Review (starred review) An astute powerfully stated and bracing
presentation.-Booklist This volume compiles sixteen major essays on America's foreign policy
from national security commentator Kaplan. . . . An overview of thoughtful multilayered
positions and perspectives evolving through changing circumstances.-Publishers Weekly
