Written in 2016, you might think that this book is out of date.
I read it in November 2024, and it was still 90% relevant.
The only part that needs updating is Ukraine-Russia.
When Marshall wrote it, Russia had taken Crimea.
Although didn't predict Russia would attempt to grab the rest of Ukraine, he recounts the Russian grievances that led to the invasion.

Geography doesn't change, so this book is still relevant.

I enjoyed this, as a casual reader of history and politics. I think it is probably meant more for someone like me and not actual historians, because a lot of the information is more surface-level, more of a survey of the ten places covered than any kind of deep-dive. I liked it for how it made me look at these countries in a different way that we normally look at history, and I always like having more context.

It does lean heavily on an America-centric view of the world, so that's worth keeping in mind. But in doing so, it definitely helps explain why many things are how they are.

I wish there had been a little more focus on maps themselves, given the title.

In Prisoners of Geography, Marshall takes a look at how physical features such as mountain ranges and access to ports, have impacted the borders that have been formed around the world and the contention over certain plots of land that are deemed desirable. Although not his greatest focus, he also addresses the borders developed in areas that were colonized. With no attention paid to how groups interacted, colonizers combined groups that didn't necessarily work well together with the stroke of a pen. I found this to be the most interesting aspect of the book and a chance to reflect on how far reaching and long lasting the impact of colonization has been around the world. It is a history we would do well to learn from! Looking at home geography can protect or leave a country susceptible to attack was also eye opening for me, as someone who is not well versed on historical boundaries and borders or the how and why of the changes to them over time.

"Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall offers a compelling and insightful exploration of how geography shapes global politics. With clear explanations and well-researched examples, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics behind world events. A thought-provoking and accessible read that makes geopolitics easier to grasp."

I liked ‘The Power of Geography’ by the author and hence took this up when I had the chance. Also, an added attraction was it covers my home country (India) and others in the neighbourhood.

The author points out that Geography has mostly decided the expansion potential for an empire in the past, and hence is vital for our understanding. For each country covered, a brief historical context is provided, followed by current circumstances.

This book covers:
• Russia – the political emphasis on nationalism and the current perception of lost past glory. Many ex-USSR countries now being in NATO is regarded as a betrayal of an agreement. There are vast reserves of gas, though Europe is trying to be less dependent.
• China - Scaled up it’s military in recent years substantially, especially naval power. Tibet was a strategic invasion giving it height leverage on the India border. After that focus turned to economic prosperity. Now working to increase influence across the world.
• USA - lucky geographically with good landscape and a peaceful neighbourhood. Near impossible to be invaded due to its location (also a large number of arms within including with citizens). Its global dominance continues with energy independence, defence research and free enterprise.
• Western Europe – saw the first industrialized nations, good topography with long rivers. NATO & EU provides security. The common currency – Euro continues to be the subject of some debate.
• Africa - homo sapiens originated here, but underdeveloped economically. There are many swamps, forests & desert. The country divisions were dictated by colonialism but largely continued. There are several divisions & conflicts which continue to fester.
• Middle East - vast desert is the defining feature as also Islam as the state religion in many countries. Here too, the nation state boundaries were the result of colonial rule. This has meant issues such as a Sunni ruler in Iraq will oversee Shia holy sites. There are tensions within and across nations – Kurds, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran and others.
• India & Pakistan – oddly starts with Jinnah's quote of India being multiple nations. In reality, this is true of Pakistan today, rather than India. The nations have a shared history but there is constant tension. India has pulled well ahead and is the most stable democracy in the region. Knowing that it cannot compete, Pakistan relies on terrorism & religious extremism to trouble India.
• Afghanistan - Pakistan cultivated the Taliban but had to change strategy after 9/11. This was done only partly, and the Taliban waited it out and returned.
• Koreas and Japan - After Japan's defeat in WW 2, an arbitrary division ensued. 1950 war led to large loss of life and current borders. Constant tension especially with threats from North Korea. Japan has current tensions with China.
• Latin America - Topology and government preventing reaching potential. Also, some local tensions.
• Arctic - Ice melting will impact countries across the globe. Some benefits like natural gas, faster passage & vegetation in new areas. Countries in Arctic council have their disagreements. Changing climate may bring displacements and potentially even water wars.

The book ends with a nice passage as below:
When we are reaching for the stars, the challenges ahead are such that we will perhaps have to come together to meet them: to travel the universe not as Russians, Americans or Chinese but as representatives of humanity. But so far, although we have broken free from the shackles of gravity, we are still imprisoned in our own minds, confined by our suspicion of the 'other', and thus our primal competition for resources. There is a long way to go.

This is a well-written and concise book. While almost all the information can be obtained from public sources, this is a good book to get a first level understanding of the nations profiled.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

This was a cute book, but it is difficult to read on a kindle, so definitely get it in hard copy to enjoy the fullness of the maps and stories attached to them.