In this excerpt from Robert D. Kaplan's book "Barren Lands. The World in Continuous Crisis," the author delineates the fundamental yet still incomplete changes in global geopolitics. The shifting power dynamics among major nations, the decline of empires, and the impact of technology on societal structures contribute significantly to the instability characterizing our world today. These elements create a complex web of geopolitical and societal interactions that influence not only international relations but also individual lives.

Kaplan emphasizes the interplay between historical legacies such as communism and the Shakespearean decline of civilizations, highlighting how these factors continue to reverberate in contemporary political landscapes. The reader is invited to reflect on how these grand narratives shape our understanding of current affairs and everyday challenges in the context of a rapidly modernizing digital society.

The promotion of the subscription to RP.PL, featuring a partnership with The New York Times, underscores the importance of authentic journalism in navigating this intricate global landscape. As individuals grapple with dreams and aspirations in such turbulent times, Kaplan suggests that the pursuit of artistic visions and creative expressions could potentially offer solace and understanding amid chaos.