Book Evidence

The author supports his stance with a myriad of references to political statements and policy descriptions. Frankopan engaged in extensive book, article, newspaper, and internet report research to provide a comprehensive overview of current economic and political trends. He frequently presents foreign trade policy through newspaper articles and government statements which occupy a large portion of the book.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Book

Overall, Frankopan offers a well-rationalized explanation of why he believes the East is rising while the West indulges in fragmentation and economic isolation. Through exploring contemporary examples of economic plays by the Silk Road states, he challenges the “closed borders” mentality saturating Western media. By doing so, the author encourages readers to reflect on their vulnerability to media-driven agendas and consider what they can learn from the East. For students of economics and for those curious about globalization, the book shares important lessons about the value of embracing global partnerships and strengthening trade relations. The New Silk Roads also serves as a call to action among readers to play an active role in challenging poor economic policy focused on nationalism instead of practicality, which can also extend to rising social and community issues forming division.

The specific examples he uses draw upon countries including China, India, and the Middle East, as well as the lesser discussed examples of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. By doing so, he highlights the clever strategy employed by seemingly lesser established economies which lie in contrast to trends in the West.

To enhance the accessibility of his text, Frankopan also investigates contemporary examples outside of politics, such as football and the motoring industry. He explores the changing influence in European football ownership and sponsorship that now involves the Silk Roads, while explaining how formerly “Western” brands from Volvo cars to Harrods clothing have also moved East. Frankopan employs widespread use of other topical references, particularly famous quotes of political figures including Donald Trump, which can be particularly impactful among a younger audience less acquainted with economic policy.

Given these successes, the book is not without its faults. As mentioned, it appears to serve more effectively as an extension of its predecessor, The Silk Roads. While the former book presented a game-changing appraisal of a multi-level system comprised of political, economic, military, and heritage from the once seldom visited perspective of the East, here Frankopan focusses more so on presenting his extensive research. Although largely presented in an easily accessible manner, there are occasions where the reader must process through arduous compilations of articles of research with little critical analysis offered of the literature. The effect is that readers can be left seeking a more deeply explored personal reflection rather than a mere regurgitation of articles. This is seen in stark contrast with The Silk Roads, which offered a greater depth of the personal analysis unique to Frankopan that readers yearn for.

The author also could have utilized other, perhaps unconventional, popular culture references. Particular attention could have been paid to the rise of the internet and technology in the East and its increasing dominance over many aspects of Eastern culture, while music trends such as Korean Pop have taken the world by storm. The role of migration in directing policy with widespread economic ramifications was also not discussed at length. Analysis of such cultural shifts could have illustrated their intricate interplay with current economic, political and social directions.

Although an interesting extension of the Occidentalism presented in his previous work, the author’s new book alludes to many interesting aspects of its precursor, but arguably without the same depth of analytical rigor.