Nominee for Big Thinker of the Month: Thomas Barnett and his new book The Pentagon's New Map.
I first learned of Barnett from an article he wrote for Esquire which is based on a briefing he has been giving around Washington for a few years. In the briefing he outlines his vision for the Pentagon and the world in the next 20 years.
It's a bold picture centered on the idea that the world is divided into two parts - the functioning Core, which comprises advanced nations, interconnected through communication, trade, etc. - and the Gap, the rest of the disconnected world. Barnett believes that "disconnectedness defines danger" meaning that the future trouble spots for the US are those places that are disconnected from the rest of the world.
Based on a history of US involvement, Barnett (who is a professor at the US Naval War College) claims he can explain and predict the Pentagon's long term interests.
I caught him on C-SPAN's Booknotes. I can't wait to read the book.
Posted by Tim at June 14, 2004 08:21 AM