The Loom of Time: Exploring Geopolitical Shifts in a Disordered Middle East

The Loom of Time: Between Empire and Anarchy, from the Medi­ter­ranean to China  by Robert D. Kaplan explores the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Middle East. Kaplan argues that the absence of world empires to maintain order has led to instability in the region. He discusses the rise of disordered, multipolar dynamics, highlighting shifts driven by outside powers. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the region’s historical complexities and geopolitical influences. He touches on the concept of empire, suggesting that historical imperial rule sometimes brought stability. However, Kaplan’s proposal for a neo-imperial role for the US is met with skepticism, considering the destructive outcomes of recent interventions. Ultimately, he contends that the Greater Middle East will remain a zone of contention between various global powers, maintaining its political instability.