Robert D. Kaplan

“A map is a snapshot of a moment in time, a temporary truce in the relentless clash of interests.”

“Geography is the backdrop to human history.”

“The revenge of geography is the return of the map as the central organizing principle of international affairs.”

“History is a tragedy, not a morality tale.”

“A tragic sensibility is a necessary component of statesmanship.”

“In an age of abstract values, geography is the most concrete thing we have.”

“The end of the Cold War did not mean the end of history, but the return of history.”

“Democracy is not just about voting; it is about the rule of law.”

“Anarchy is a magnet for intervention.”

“What the media presents is not the world but a version of the world.”

“A nation's character is revealed by its geography.”

“Culture is the sediment of history.”

“Power is a zero-sum game.”