Prisoners of Geography Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World Tim Marshall

Why do some nations develop thriving economies and stable governments while others continually struggle with poverty and instability? According to Tim Marshall in Prisoners of Geography, the answer lies in geography. Marshall argues that a nation’s geography can determine its fate—nations with bountiful natural resources and protective physical features tend to thrive and prosper while other nations struggle by comparison.In our guide, you’ll learn how rivers, mountains, and people interact to shape a nation’s fortunes. You’ll also learn how geography shapes the way that nations interact with each other. On the international stage, Marshall argues, nations use trade, diplomacy, and military force as they vie for access to geographical bounties—troves of resources, trade routes, and defensive features. As we cover Marshall’s ideas, we’ll consider a variety of perspectives on the role of geography in politics. We’ll also contrast these views with those of historians who argue that other forces, such as economics and culture, have been more influential in shaping history.