Prisoners Of Geography Summary

In Prisoners of Geography, Tim Marshall argues that geography constrains and shapes all nations and their leaders. Their actions are limited by mountains, rivers, seas, and concrete. He argues that to really understand world events, one must also consider geography. Physical characteristics affect the strengths and vulnerabilities of regions. In his book, Tim Marshall examines Russia, China, the Middle East, Latin America, the United States, Africa, Western Europe, Japan and Korea, and Greenland and the Arctic. In his examination of Latin America, he notes that bringing “Old World” knowledge and technology does little to improve a region if the geography is counterproductive. In the chapter on the Arctic, Marshall examines the Arctic’s unforgiving environment and the indisputable effects of global warming in the region. Marshall’s main point through the chapter on Latin America is that Latin America is proof that Old World’s knowledge and technology is not a guarantee for success if the geography doesn’t allow it. He notes that geography helped the United States become a great power and geography also ensured that the Latin American countries would never rise to become a threat. Marshall also mentions that early politics further hindered the development of Latin America. Although most Latin American countries speak Spanish and have similar cultural aspects, they are prevented from truly coming together

However, I would argue that bad politics had a more debilitating role than geography. The geography, in my opinion, was equivalent to a bad blow, the but politics and intervention were what really doomed Latin America. Latin America’s borders were drawn by people with little knowledge about the area and little concern about the original inhabitants. But I do agree with Marshall, Latin America has miles to go before it can hold its own against world