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The Grand Chessboard

American Primacy and Its Geostrategic Imperatives
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The Grand Chessboard

By: Zbigniew Brzezinski
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About this listen

From one of America’s leading geopolitical thinkers, the classic treatise on America's strategic mission in the modern world

In this seminal work, celebrated political scientist Zbigniew Brzezinski delivers a provocative, revolutionary geostrategy for American preeminence in the twenty-first century. The United States’ crucial task, he argues, is to become the sole political arbiter in Eurasia and prevent the emergence of any rival power threatening our material and diplomatic interests. The Eurasian landmass, home to the greatest part of the globe's population, natural resources, and economic activity, is the “grand chessboard” on which Brzezinski argues that America's supremacy will be ratified and challenged. With signature insight and lucidity, Brzezinski spans from the collapse of the Soviet Union to the Russo-Ukrainian War and the rise of China.

The Grand Chessboard is a landmark work, both in Brzezinski’s oeuvre and in the field of political science. It remains an essential, powerful blueprint for protecting America's most vital interests in Eurasia and beyond.

©2016 Zbigniew Brzezinski (P)2026 Basic Books Political Science Politics & Government

Critic Reviews

“Brzezinski has now provided another scholarly blueprint for what he believes the United States should do in coming years to further America's interests, maintain the hegemony it commands, and prevent global anarchy. For Brzezinski, this is a strategic game, not unlike chess, to outwit potential rivals....His books are there for any political leader to use as material for future policy declarations.”—New York Times
“The Grand Chessboard makes permanent contributions to the national debate over American foreign policy and power.”—Los Angeles Times
“The great merit of this volume lies in its analysis of the strategic outlook and policy dilemmas of a host of states in Eurasia, a tour d'horizon lucidly rendered. Brzezinski's analysis of the triangular relationship among China, Japan, and America—together with the policy recommendations flowing therefrom—is particularly good.”—Foreign Affairs
“As sobering as it is timely.”—American Spectator
“This book is a must...for the current American foreign-policy decision-makers.”—H-Net
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