Fareed Zakaria, one of the leading public intellectuals, has published a new book entitled “The Post-American World.” In it, Zakaria synthesizes the major trends influencing America and makes a compelling case for what America and the world’s future could and should hold.

Part descriptive, part prescriptive, this book examines the “rise of the rest,” Zakaria’s term for the increased political and economic power of countries previously caught in poverty. The ascendancy of India and China is specifically examined. Zakaria is clear-headed and cogent as he describes the relative rise of the two nations. It is not his belief that America is falling, only that others are rising. In fact, after noting the similarities between the British Empire and America’s 20th century hegemony, it is hard to disagree with his prediction of a leveling of the international field.

In coming to terms with the reality of a world without a unipole, the author succinctly prescribes the role of America as he sees it. Even though the legitimacy of the USA has been severely harmed in recent years through blunder and error, Zakaria thinks that the historical legacy and continuing importance of American power will allow it to reposition itself into a global Bismarkian force. Economic prowess and diplomatic adeptness, Zakaria contends, will allow America to maintain special allegiance with more countries than most.

My only qualms with the book stem from the same qualities which make it an important one: it is brief and approachable. Though this increases the liklihood that Zakaria’s thoughtful work will reach more readers, it limits the attention he can give to countries rising besides India and China. I would have liked to see a discussion of Russia, Brazil, South Africa and other but will have to look elsewhere. Perhaps Parag Khanna’s The Second World will help here.

Overall, this is a book I tore through (and from my brother’s hands). As McCain and Obama shape their domestic and foreign policy, this is a book which should factor in heavily. Although many of the themes – competition, nuclear proliferation, cultural differences – will be familiar to readers, Zakaria molds them into a comprehensive narrative worthy of your time.

[Image: New Yorker]