Only worthwhile if you're curious about updates

I really enjoyed The Accidental Superpower (TAS) but this sequel read like it was mostly written on airplanes between Peter's "real work". It has value but gets deep into technical aspects of shale production and repeats much of what the first book said. The remainder of much of the book is a basically fictional gameplay of world conflict between powers, something akin to an intel report. Nukes are a glaring omission in this analysis.

I am still glad I listened to it though. I've listened to this book only a couple months after it was released so it's a more up to date take on the major trends Peter outlined in his first book, taking Trump into account. He also, ever so slightly, backs off some of the more questionable assertions of his first book (do rivers really impact transit THAT much in modern times? Is US GDP really the same as post-WWII?) so it's good to see his methodology tighten a little.

There's not really a cohesive thesis in this book so it meanders and gets a bit long winded at times. If you're very interested in an update from TAS or you're interested in the technical aspects of shale production give it a listen. If not, you're probably ok to give it a pass.

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A Bit Disappointing

It's hard to deny that Peter Zeihan is a fascinating speaker, but as I hear more of his stuff I grow increasingly skeptical of his credentials. His latest book, The Absent Superpower brings this into focus. If I had to concisely describe it, I'd say that it was essentially the same content as his earlier book (The Accidental Superpower) with a long promo for the shale oil industry and a far less interesting narrator. He could have made his point about the shale economy in about 1/4 of the time that he did. Instead, he goes on and on about it until you feel like flinging your phone out the window! Then, he abruptly changes gears and delivers a dish-watery, Cliff Notes version of The Accidental Superpower. All this is narrated by Toby Sheets who reads its with the same contrived snarkiness that Zeihan does. Ultimately, I'm left wondering why Zeihan even wrote this book. The obvious answer is to create the appearance of new content without really having any. (That, plus providing fresh grist for his well-paid speaking engagements.) Is this book bad? No, I wouldn't say that. But, I would suggest to anyone who wants to understand Zeihan better to buy the earlier book and listen to 2-3 of his lectures on YouTube. Once you do this, you begin to realize that he actually uses a rather canned, repetitive presentation.

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Great book. Missing pdf of maps.

The first book had a pdf of maps attached. I would have really liked to see that here.

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Worth The Investment Of Your Time

Outstanding. Provides reassurance in an uncomfortable time. Listen to become better informed in an environment soaked in misinformation.

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Why isnt Peter narrating his own book?

loved it it breaks down the world country by country i love it. my only complaint is i would really really prefer that it was read by peter himself

must read, unless you read his other works

Mr Zeihan has mentioned his works follow one another, but each can be read and understood on their own.
When writing in geopolitical and global terms its too easy to glance and gloss over entire continents. Mr Zeihan briefly goes over why he doesnt speak much of south america, Which is something missing from his more recent works. Tbh, i dont blame him 'things change from one day to the next, and you could be gone for years and nothing changes'

Excellent review of the impact of energy and Geopolitics

A thorough professional understanding of why the United States will continue to ascend in Global importance and not necessarily need to have troops overseas. The book and appendices reinforce how comparatively green the oil and Natural Gas industry industry is.

a MUST read

so I made the mistake of reading the book: the end of the world is just the beginning before this book, but the two books give a great comprehensive look at the analysis and outcomes of the future according to Peters view.
I highly recommend it

My new best friend I never met….

I tried other authors—so boring and dry. Peter Z is a great story teller with a sense of humor. I laughed so much at his subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle humor interlaced with his serious and gripping story of the world as it was, is, and will become. I stumbled across Peter Z’s writings while studying up on a new-found interest of all things communism, having read Soltzenytzen for Lenin/Stalin and Jung for Mao. I’ve read all 4 books by Mr. Z and can’t seem to get enough. I also subscribe to his YouTube channel and watch his daily updates and many seminars with him as the featured guest star. He is a rock star!

Very through - very relevant

Another thought provoking book. Much prefer when Peter narrates his own books, adds to the overall presentation. Excellent research!