Foreign Policy Research Institute Chair of Geopolitics Robert Kaplan Talks Trump Administration

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Feb 10, 2025

Robert Kaplan, Chair of Geopolitics at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, shares his insights on the turbulent political landscape post-Trump. He discusses the erosion of the political center and the growing divide influenced by digital media. Kaplan highlights the impact of technology on governance and the rise of concentrated power. He provides a nuanced view of American democracy's resilience amidst challenges while reflecting on geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Eurasia, particularly regarding Gaza and Iran.

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INSIGHT

End of the Post-War Order

The post-World War II international order is ending, marked by Trump's disinterest in alliances and soft power.
Trump's approach represents an expansion of Manifest Destiny, focusing on regional alliances rather than a US-led order.

INSIGHT

Importance of Soft Power

Soft power is crucial during crises, providing connections and influence in other countries.
USAID, despite management issues, should be reformed rather than eliminated, preserving vital relationships.

INSIGHT

Erosion of the Political Center

The political center in America has eroded, replaced by a progressive left and a populist right.
This polarization is partly due to the shift from nuanced print media to passionate, simplistic social media.

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The Second Coming

William Butler Yeats

Written in 1919, 'The Second Coming' is a poem that reflects on the chaos and anarchy following World War I and the Irish War of Independence. It uses the metaphor of a 'Second Coming' to describe a transformative, potentially cataclysmic event. The poem is characterized by its apocalyptic imagery, including the 'widening gyre' and the 'rough beast' slouching towards Bethlehem. Yeats draws on his cosmological views, as outlined in his book 'A Vision,' to depict a world in turmoil and the cyclical nature of history[3][4][5].

The Loom of Time: Between Empire and Anarchy

Between Empire and Anarchy

Robert D. Kaplan

Robert D. Kaplan's "The Loom of Time" offers a sweeping historical analysis of the geopolitical landscape from Morocco to Persia. The book delves into the complex interplay of empires, tribes, and nations, tracing the region's tumultuous history. Kaplan masterfully weaves together historical narratives, on-the-ground reporting, and insightful observations to illuminate the enduring patterns of conflict and cooperation. He explores the impact of geography, culture, and power dynamics on the region's trajectory. The book provides a nuanced understanding of the forces shaping the Middle East and Eurasia.

Partisan Nation

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Eric Schickler

Paul Pearson

The waste land

T. S. Eliot

The Waste Land is a 434-line poem divided into five sections: 'The Burial of the Dead', 'A Game of Chess', 'The Fire Sermon', 'Death by Water', and 'What the Thunder Said'. It is a complex and erudite work that incorporates numerous allusions to mythology, classical literature, and religious texts. The poem reflects the spiritual disillusionment and moral decay of the Western world after World War I, portraying a sterile and fragmented society. It was initially met with controversy due to its innovative and often obscure style but has since become a central work in the modernist canon[2][3][4].