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NousDefionsDoc · 04-05-2005, 14:21

The Pentagon's New Map by Thomas P. M. Barnett
Amazon link

Ok, I finally finished it. It is basically a more detailed discussion of the Esquire article here . I think the overall concept is outstanding. He makes a case for dividing the military into two groups for example, that while it probably won't happen, makes a lot of sense. His explanation of the strategic "whys" of recent conflicts makes sense to me and could have been used by the admin to better explain the need for military intervention in Iraq and other places.
His PollyAnna-ish views on the future nearly drove me crazy and are at least part of the reason it took me so long to finish it. His use of globalization as a cure-all is also very naive IMO. As is his glossing over of the illegal immigration issue. His knowledge of the current state of affairs in Colombia is sophomoric at best. But then his training was in the USSR.

All in all, it was worth the money, but if you understand the article, you pretty much have the plot.

04-05-2005, 14:21	#1
NousDefionsDoc Quiet Professional Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: LA Posts: 1,653	The Pentagon's New Map The Pentagon's New Map by Thomas P. M. Barnett Amazon link Ok, I finally finished it. It is basically a more detailed discussion of the Esquire article here . I think the overall concept is outstanding. He makes a case for dividing the military into two groups for example, that while it probably won't happen, makes a lot of sense. His explanation of the strategic "whys" of recent conflicts makes sense to me and could have been used by the admin to better explain the need for military intervention in Iraq and other places. His PollyAnna-ish views on the future nearly drove me crazy and are at least part of the reason it took me so long to finish it. His use of globalization as a cure-all is also very naive IMO. As is his glossing over of the illegal immigration issue. His knowledge of the current state of affairs in Colombia is sophomoric at best. But then his training was in the USSR. All in all, it was worth the money, but if you understand the article, you pretty much have the plot. __________________ Somewhere a True Believer is training to kill you. He is training with minimal food or water, in austere conditions, training day and night. The only thing clean on him is his weapon and he made his web gear. He doesn't worry about what workout to do - his ruck weighs what it weighs, his runs end when the enemy stops chasing him. This True Believer is not concerned about 'how hard it is;' he knows either he wins or dies. He doesn't go home at 17:00, he is home. He knows only The Cause. Still want to quit?
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