Blueprint for Action: A Future Worth Creating

by Thomas P.M. Barnett

If The Pentagon's New Map was "a compelling framework for confronting twenty-first century problems" ( Business Week ), Barnett's Blueprint for Action is something more - a powerful road map through a chaotic and uncertain world to "a future worth creating."

Barnett explores our possible long- and short-term relations with such nations and regions as Iran, Iraq, and the Middle East, China and North Korea, Latin America and Africa, while outlining the strategies to pursue, the entities to create, and the pitfalls to overcome.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, War, History, Political Science, Economics

464 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2005

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this guy to be a pompous blowhard. Many of the facts he cites are suspect.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so wanted to give this book 5-Stars. I wish I could give it 4.99 stars.

Barnett is an interesting character. He is also impressively intelligent. He's not just an echo historian, merely repeating past events. Nor is he a kook futurist. Though I don't know his views on The Jetsons. I describe him as "intelligent" because he can synthesize history and extrapolate major themes while formulating solutions for a plausible future worth striving for.

I was first introduced to Barnett's view by an audio podcast of his quasi-famous Powerpoint presentation. I was impressed even by listening to his PPT.

Barnett's analysis involves a lot of jargon. But the content is the closest I have ever heard to a solution to the world's problems. I love the idea of the Leviathan/SysAdmin. Strangely enough, the pistol-packing Peace Corps has been an unexpressed idea of my own.

I highly recommend this book. (I can't vouch for his other books "The Pentagon's New Map" or "Great Powers" because I haven't read them.)

The reason why I give this book 4.99 stars:
(1) He toots his horn a little too much. The people want to love you Tom...let your ideas draw praise; and
(2) His flippant attention to violence. Of course some violence is necessary. Humans are animals. Animals are violent. Fetishizing and promoting violence will ultimately undue your good deeds. Treat violence with the respect it deserves.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s ideas for developing an international core consensus for a plan of action to handle unruly states and non-state organizations is intriguing, especially on how the US, China and India can become a security allies in Asia.‬

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book because it didn't give generalities on how to solve various problems. The author was very honest in his analysis and quick to get to the point. He explained many of his ideas in an academic tone, but throughout the book he added his personal touch and conveyed most of his points in a somewhat personal tone, making it feel as if you were sitting in a room talking to him. I feel as though he's trying to use everyday english to reach a broader reader base instead of mainly academic audiences.

I like the way Thomas Barnett breaks the world down into "core", "gap", and "seam states" and how the US and the world has to deal with closing the gap in an effort to end all wars. An interesting concept was that total globalizatoin was the true answer to many of the problems throughout the world; like starvation, civil war, environmental mistreatment, population control, etc. The Copenhagen report was interesting in that it mathematically showed how eliminating warefare in Africa will save the world economy multibillions.

This book is very ambitious in its suggestions and a diplomacy will be at the forefront of any significant changes since the United States cannot do anything unilaterally anymore. The support of China, Brazil, India, and Europe will be needed if the US decides to close the gap. I found it rather unnerving with the seemingly carefree use of the US military in quickly transitioning rogue states or strongmen out of power, but Barnett has many convincing arguements.

His strong advocacy of women's rights and education in developing nations is 100% correct and when women have a significant role in leadership the world will be a better place.

Most of what the author has written seems to be within grasp and with some effort and willpower a better future is possible for the world.

[Du4 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barnett takes his new world order from his prior book and lays out the solution sets he thinks need to be implemented by the USG. Of particular note, this is the origin point of the concept of the "Department of Everything Else," a pseudo-civilian organization envisioned as a mechanism for fixing the problems of the world where the U.S. military has customarily engaged. This is a great futurist's read, ending with a series of signs and predictions Barnett says will indicate the passage into a new age of global cooperation and security.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

A continuation of his best seller "The Pentagons New Map" BFA provides detail that many readers in the military and political communities ask for. If you are a liberal or conservative or wear a label this book will offend you as it bashes with saying anything about your causes. It offends because it ignores group antics and instead focuses on cause & effect.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read this book you should read "The Pentagon's New Map" by Thomas P.M. Barnett because you will need understand what the map is about before you understand the plan for action. This book was suggested to me by Tom Wentz

[Mark Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking, excellent read! If you ever wondered how a truly transformed "DoD" might look in this new, Irregular Warfare" world we live in, then this book is a must read. Barnett's first book, "The New Pentagon Map," sets the stage for this one -- which gives solid solutions.

[Adam Remich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like basic rehash of the first book. Which means it's good

[Harold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good follow-up to "Pentagon's new map" , might end up being a little dated in the near future , but that's why Barnett is writing the next book.

[Pat Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A worthwhile book. Complex to read. Serious thinking about countering the new terrorism. Barnett is a important strategic thinker. A book to read and read over and over.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow up on The Pentagon's New Map, acting as a course setting to implement a journey across that map

[Rob Q.]

It's the sequel to "The Pentagon's New Map", I like it but haven't finished it.

[Rob Lewis]

Integration of seam/gap states and SysAdmin force.

[Ron Sadowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read 2/27/09