Robert Kaplan’s ‘Waste Land’: Technology’s Impact on Global Civilisation

In Robert Kaplan’s book “Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis,” the author delves into the intricate interplay between technology, globalization, and urbanization, and their profound impact on the evolving global civilization. Drawing parallels from history, literature, and art, Kaplan paints a vivid picture of a world in transition, grappling with the disintegration of traditional power structures and the escalating internal divisions within societies.

The title of the book, “Waste Land,” is a nod to T.S. Eliot’s renowned poem, “The Waste Land,” symbolizing the current state of global affairs—marked by a sense of disarray, alienation, and fragmentation as the old world order gives way to an uncertain new era. Kaplan’s narrative unfolds like a reflective essay, spanning 224 pages, as he articulates his belief in the perpetual state of crisis that characterizes our contemporary reality.

One of the book’s key arguments likens the present-day global scenario to the tumultuous Weimar Republic of Germany in the interwar period. Just as Weimar struggled to establish a stable democratic system amidst internal strife and external pressures, today’s world grapples with a lack of cohesive global governance despite technological advancements that have effectively shrunk geographical boundaries. The interconnectedness facilitated by technology has made crises more pervasive and swiftly transmissible across borders, akin to living in a metaphorical global Weimar.

Kaplan’s analysis extends to the shifting fortunes of major powers, particularly focusing on the United States, China, and Russia. While the US faces internal polarization and a decline in its political center, Kaplan argues that China and Russia are experiencing more rapid declines, thereby enhancing the relative strength of the US on the global stage. The transformation of China into an authoritarian regime and Russia’s unchecked leadership under Putin underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Moreover, Kaplan highlights the evolution of communication mediums and its impact on political discourse, contrasting the print era’s emphasis on nuanced, fact-checked information with the current digital age dominated by sensationalism and polarization. This shift, exemplified by figures like Donald Trump, has contributed to the erosion of the US’s political cohesion, with ideological extremes pushing the country towards a state of heightened division.

In the final section of the book, Kaplan delves into the influence of urbanization and digital connectivity in shaping modern tyranny, emphasizing the potential for crowd-driven dynamics to engender forms of tyranny distinct from historical authoritarian regimes. The rise of social media as a potent force in shaping public opinion underscores the challenges posed by collective emotional responses and the diminishing value of individualism in densely populated urban environments.

Ultimately, Kaplan’s call for a balance between hope and a realistic appraisal of historical lessons resonates throughout the narrative, cautioning against the dangers of unfounded optimism. “Waste Land” serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the contemporary geopolitical landscape, offering readers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of our interconnected world.