About the Book: The Loom of Time by Robert D. Kaplan is a work of geopolitical analysis and travel writing that explores the Greater Middle East (from the Mediterranean to China), a region defined by its long history as the crossroads of various empires. Kaplan argues that the post-20th-century dissolution of these empires left behind states struggling for stability against arbitrary borders, factional power struggles, and a conflict between the ideals of democratic governance and the harsh realities required to avoid anarchy. Making a case for political realism, Kaplan contends that Western attempts at democracy promotion have failed, and that the region is now the key link in the emerging global power struggle, particularly due to China’s economic ambitions. By weaving together classic texts, immersive reporting, and diverse local voices, the book offers a clear-eyed vision of how thousands of years of imperial history continue to dictate the practice of politics in the region today, suggesting that the Greater Middle East will remain a crucial stage for future great power contests