Tag Archives: Robert D. Kaplan

The Arabists

Posted on June 11, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

Wonder and curiosity. Long gone are the days when British colonialists or early American missionaries packed their meager worldly possessions into coffins to head out over the tameless horizon. T.E. Lawrence wrapped up like a marauding Arabian warlord. Gordon Liang … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , | 2 Comments

An Empire Wilderness: Wonder and Contempt

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

This book was enlightening, not only about America but to the perspective of Robert D. Kaplan. Watching somebody describe themselves, you get a feel for what they think is noteworthy and important. You understand better the lens through which they … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“Monsoon” – A Book Review

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Joel D. Hirst

I have now read enough of Robert Kaplan to understand the central thesis of his writing on geo-politics: that geography matters. That the world has not changed much, not really, from the days when the dhows plowed the Indian Ocean … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Hard Work of Understanding

Posted on June 19, 2019 by Joel D. Hirst

In this sordid age of journalistic wickedness when those of that treasured profession have decided against their ancient sacred trust of informing, of shining beautiful white light into the darkened corners of our tired world, sometimes nevertheless you come across … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Literature, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Marco Polo’s World – A Book Review

Posted on March 17, 2019 by Joel D. Hirst

Curiosity – and a joyful quest for wonder. For wonder is not something that hangs low on branches for the feckless or lazy to grasp. Wonder is a reward for hard work, searching and understanding and discovery – a journey … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, International Affairs, Travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments