I was surprised by the rather Orientalist bent- Kaplan seem to put forth a rather simplistic view that Chinese imperialism is the catalyst for virtually all conflict in an oddly sprawling "Middle East." Kaplan's writing is strong, but the mark is missed here.

The Loom of Time covers the Greater Middle East and looks at how the region has changed and interacted with its neighbors. Each chapter focuses on a different country or area starting in Turkey, moving down towards Ethiopia and then east towards Afghanistan. Kaplan discusses the differences in each region from the last time he was there reporting, sometimes decades prior, and interviews people in the present who provide their views on the area's trajectory, particularly in a regional and global context. Overall, a sweeping overview of a vast area with Kaplan making connections between the past and the present and what that may mean for the future. At times, it reads more like a memoir or a travelogue, but still helps provide context for the Middle East.

Robert Kaplan's The Loom of Time: Between Empire and Anarchy, from the Mediterranean to China is a fascinating journey through the 'greater Middle East' that blends memoir, reporting, interviews and history to look at many nations or peoples as they changed and shifted throughout their formation and continued existence. While mostly focused on the late 20th and early 21 centuries, Kaplan reaches back into history at pivotal or foundational moments that help explain the present.

But what is the 'Loom of Time'? Drawing from British historian and philosopher Arnold J. Toynbee as inspired by Goethe's Faust, the Loom of time are the rhythms of history as "manifests itself in the geneses and growths and breakdowns and disintegrations of human societies." (Toynbee as quoted by Kaplan, pg. 19). Kaplan clarifies this definition by explaining it is not repetition, as in history repeating itself, each time around something new or different occurs, though at times the pace is glacial. It is with this formative concept the book unfurls moving West to East.

There are 11 full chapters with a prologue and Epilogue. Those latter two listed parts provide the framing and definitions of this work. The chapters look at a particular geographic space, that typically discuss multiple nations. Kaplan begins the the journey with the Aegean moving mostly eastward, ending at the borders of China.

For each chapter, Kaplan provides his own memories of visiting the locales across his career as a journalist, reflecting on changes. He frequently interviews historians, native experts or politicians, all also discussing change (or occasionally the lack of it). Recurrent topics are the destabilizing effects of the end of the Ottoman empire in the 'peace' process of the first world war and the rise of nations in regions more defined by geography and tribes and the roles of the Cold War in the post world war II world.

Government structure is an especially important focus, and Kaplan looks at the long timeline of colonialism and great game through the Soviet and American eras to our present that sees China as a growing power.

It is not an easy or happy read, Kaplan himself reflects on his changing attitudes and knowledge of the region. For example , for Iraq, where Kaplan at first support the US invasion of Iraq in the early 2000s, he has since renounced this viewpoint.

Much of the book is about failure. Failure to create change, failure to sustain stability, failure to maintain peace. Many chapters detail foreign powers (i. e. the US or Russia) failures to acknowledge the in compatibility of ideology in the face of accepting repressive regimes in the name of progress. For example, pre-2000s, under Saddam Iraq had water and electricity, but post US invasion it did not. There was certainly fear and brutally, but in some ways life was more stable.

For anyone questioning why the Middle East is such a conflict filled region, Kaplan's Loom of Time helps unravel the mystery; discussing many of the formative decisions and historic events that have led to the present. It will also be a useful work to measure the impact of China, as the US continues to wane as a super power and China grows as the next one.

It speaks to the importance of truly knowing a place before trying to change it. Kaplan presents another work of import to those interested in or studying history or politics.

As always, Robert Kaplan does a wonderful job of exploring the history and current events in a region in an accessible and interesting manner. In The Loom of Time, he tackles the convoluted story of the Middle East, explaining why the failed policies of the past have resulted in the ongoing turmoil and tension we now see. An enjoyable and informative read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

The Loom of Time by Robert D. Kaplan
I believe I have read all of Mr. Kaplan’s books. Many when they first came out and a few of them more than once. I also frequently listen and watch him present on geopolitics on YouTube. As a result, when I read his books, his voice is embedded in my brain and as I read these new sentences, they are spoken to me by Mr. Kaplan.
This book is a return to many regions he has lived and traveled through over the past 40 years. Specifically, the Southern rim of the Mediterranean through the Arab countries bordering the Black Sea and finishing in Afghanistan. Reading this book, it felt to me as though this might be his last hurrah in this part of the world. He makes what seems to me a profound discovery that even in this what may be thought of a short time, the dreams and hopes of the West to transform many of these countries into democratic images of the West has not nor will it happen. Why? Culture, geography and in many cases, these are made up countries that have no allegiance to a national flag but instead to their tribe.
Two countries he does see potential for change are Saudi Arabia and Iran. In Saudi Arabia contrary to the general opinion in the US, he sees Mohammed bin Salman as attempting to establish a governing body based upon the model of Lee Quan Yew of Singapore. In this case, instead of embedding family and tribal members he is having educated technocrats run the ministries. Time will tell if this will succeed. In the case of Iran, although nothing positive is happening now, it is one of the few historical countries in the area and still has an educated populace. Like him the current government just can not last. The questions will be when and how it is replaced.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I do not think it should be the first book to read by Mr. Kaplan. Too much of the emotion, nostalgia and thought from knowing this region as he does will be missed. For friends of Mr. Kaplan’s writing this is an excellent addition and I do hope it will not be his last.