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Review: The Power of Geography by Tim Marshall

21 May 2021
2 minutes

Katie Burton reviews Tim Marshall’s latest book The Power of Geography: Ten Maps That Reveal the Future of Our World, published by Elliot & Thompson


The prequel to this book, Prisoners of Geography, was a bestseller thanks to the way that it so clearly identified the huge (and often undervalued) significance of those geographic staples (mountains, rivers, deserts, seas) in forming nations and alliances, and governing politics. Here, Tim Marshall returns with The Power of Geography, offering ten new case studies – Australia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Greece, Turkey, the Sahel, Ethiopia, Spain and space. Once again, he demonstrates how his chosen states have been, and always will be, influenced by geography, although this time with a closer eye on the future. 

Subscribe to our monthly print magazine!

Subscribe to Geographical today for just £38 a year. Our monthly print magazine is packed full of cutting-edge stories and stunning photography, perfect for anyone fascinated by the world, its landscapes, people and cultures. From climate change and the environment, to scientific developments and global health, we cover a huge range of topics that span the globe. Plus, every issue includes book recommendations, infographics, maps and more!

The nine countries (plus space) that make up the book have been chosen for their potential as geopolitical hotspots. These are places where we can expect things to happen, and soon. The big issues are all relevant here; these are places grappling with climate change, religion and struggles over resources, and are, above all, figuring out their place in the new world order. All of them operate in certain ways because of geography. Just as Britain will always be influenced by the fact that it’s a small island, so the mountains and coastlines of Greece will always shape its role in the Mediterranean, while Australia’s location will ensure it keeps one eye on China and another on the USA. 

Marshall’s books are excellent for anyone who takes satisfaction in understanding the world and who harbours a fascination for the shifting alliances, not just within their own country, but in others, too. Each segment of The Power of Geography is accessible, although by no means simple. Marshall covers much ground, moving smoothly through each nation’s background, current struggles and options for the future. He considers the UK’s struggles to identify what being a foreign power means post-empire, Saudi Arabia’s relations with the USA in an age where solar panels will replace oil, Iran’s catch-22 (to liberalise and undermine its religious foundation, or double down and risk protests from a dissatisfied youth) and more. A sharp and concise evaluation of today’s geopolitics.

  • About
  • Latest Posts
Katie Burton
Katie Burton
Katie is the editor of Geographical and can be found commissioning, editing and often writing content for the monthly print magazine and website.
Katie Burton
Latest posts by Katie Burton (see all)
  • Review: Ritual by Dimitris Xygalatas - 25 June 2022
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  • Review: Inside Qatar by John McManus - 17 May 2022
Subscribe to our monthly print magazine!

Subscribe to Geographical today from just £3.40 per month. Our monthly print magazine is packed full of cutting-edge stories and stunning photography, perfect for anyone fascinated by the world, its landscapes, people and cultures. From climate change and the environment, to scientific developments and global health, we cover a huge range of topics that span the globe. Plus, every issue includes book recommendations, infographics, maps and more!

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Mapping

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  • About
  • Latest Posts
Katie Burton
Katie Burton
Katie is the editor of Geographical and can be found commissioning, editing and often writing content for the monthly print magazine and website.
Katie Burton
Latest posts by Katie Burton (see all)
  • Review: Ritual by Dimitris Xygalatas - 25 June 2022
  • Douglas David Seifert on a lifetime of underwater photography - 17 June 2022
  • Review: Inside Qatar by John McManus - 17 May 2022
Subscribe to our monthly print magazine!

Subscribe to Geographical today from just £3.40 per month. Our monthly print magazine is packed full of cutting-edge stories and stunning photography, perfect for anyone fascinated by the world, its landscapes, people and cultures. From climate change and the environment, to scientific developments and global health, we cover a huge range of topics that span the globe. Plus, every issue includes book recommendations, infographics, maps and more!

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