The World in Turmoil - Why geopolitics matters

Aug 7, 2026

The World in Turmoil - Why geopolitics matters explains why geopolitics is essential for understanding an increasingly volatile international environment. It connects recent real-world events with political ideas drawn from diverse cultural and historical traditions, including comparisons to major thinkers. The book analyzes shifting power dynamics and the geopolitical forces reshaping global affairs, offering clear guidance for new learners and a concise, authoritative lens for experienced observers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages271

Reading Time11 h 23 min

AccessFree to download

About the author

Introduction

Part 1 Understanding geopolitics

A matter of definition

Nations and empires

The force of ideology

Outlaws

Power: hard, soft and smart

Managing the world

The world ahead

Part 2 An A-to-Z of geopolitics

Acknowledgements

Notes

Index

[OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) Praise for The World in Turmoil “A world in turmoil, with constant and unpredictable shifts, may seem like a topic which defies concise explanation and analysis. But John Andrews’s primer of the current world disorder succeeds in merging knowledge of recent events with political ideas from different cultural and historical perspectives, drawing on the likes of Thucydides and Ibn Khaldun for comparisons. Easy to read, this is an ideology-free triumph of brevity and clarity. It should be required reading for diplomats of all flags and anyone who wants to understand our world better.” Philip Bowring, former editor of Far Eastern Economic Review and author of The Invention of Asia “John Andrews combines an engaging account of the history and practice of international relations with perceptive analysis of the shifting power dynamics that shape today’s uncertain world and will determine our future. This book offers both invaluable guidance for the new student of global politics and a refreshing dose of clarity for the seasoned observer.”Sir Simon Fraser, chair of Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs “With deep experience of his subject, John Andrews cuts through the noise to expose the geopolitical forces reshaping our world. A lucid, authoritative and essential work for those wishing to join dots between headlines.”Humphrey Hawksley, journalist and author of Asian Waters “Irresistible! I wish something along these lines had been available when I was wondering if I could find a career in international relations. John Andrews is exactly the person to fill this gap. With his wide experience (having reported in depth from many countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas) and crisp style (to be expected from a senior journalist for The Economist), he explains compellingly the history of today’s international problems and the consequences of foreign policy mistakes. A great introduction to contemporary world politics.” Sir Christopher MacRae, former diplomat “When it comes to serious journalism – and I mean serious, but decidedly not solemn – few know the world as well as John Andrews, who has navigated the planet’s flashpoints with aplomb, energy and literary elegance for decades. The World in Turmoil provides the capstone to a long and distinguished career and could hardly be published at a more appropriate moment. It makes for essential reading.” Simon Winchester, author and journalist [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) The World in Turmoil Why geopolitics matters John Andrews [OceanofPDF.com](OceanofPDF.com) Published in 2026 under exclusive licence from The Economist by Profile Books Ltd 29 Cloth Fair London EC1A 7JQ [www.profilebooks.com](www.profilebooks.com) Copyright © John Andrews 2026 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book. No responsibility can be accepted by the publisher or author for the accuracy of the information presented. Where opinion is expressed it is that of the author and does not necessarily coincide with the editorial views of The Economist Newspaper. While every effort has been made to contact copyright-holders of material produced or cited in this book, in the case of those it has not been possible to contact successfully, the author and publishers will be glad to make any necessary amendments in further editions after receipt of written notification. The publisher is not responsible for websites (or their content) that are not owned by the publisher. A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Our product safety represent

FAQs

What does The World in Turmoil say about why geopolitics matters?

It argues that geopolitics provides a framework for interpreting shifting power dynamics and the forces reshaping global events, especially amid constant and unpredictable change.

How does the book approach analysis?

It combines knowledge of recent events with political ideas from different cultural and historical perspectives, using comparisons to help clarify contemporary disorder.

Who is the book written for?

It is positioned as accessible guidance for students of global politics while also offering clarity for seasoned observers seeking to connect headlines to underlying causes.

Aug 7, 2026

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