Jamie Smith's Reviews > Eastward to Tartary: Travels in the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Caucasus

The first question a reader may want to ask about a book published in 2000 is whether it still has any relevance in a fast changing world. In fact, Kaplan’s predictions about the future of the countries through which he traveled have held up remarkably well, but this is probably because experience had taught him to lower his expectations of political and social progress. Expect corruption and incompetence, because that is what you are most likely to find.

The main value to be had from reading this book is the historical context he develops for each of the regions. Knowing the factors that shaped them twenty years ago is still valuable information for understanding them today, and Kaplan’s grasp of the big picture, of key developments, is excellent.

He made a point of traveling by ground wherever possible, by bus, train, and taxi for the most part. Although he speaks with a number of former leaders, most of them seem to be more interested in polishing their reputation than providing insights about their countries. Far more informative are Kaplan’s encounters with the everyday people he meets. He has a talent for drawing out not just their opinions but their aspirations.

He has sympathy for the lives of the people he meets, but not much optimism. Indeed, pessimism is probably the most useful approach because it injects some realism into the situation. Over and over again democracy is seen as just a fig leaf to cover oligarchy at best, and often outright kleptocracy. With histories of religious, tribal, and ethnic distrust and separation, and without a tradition of democratic values and institutions there is little pressure to embrace pluralism and good government, and indeed, no benefit to the politicians for doing so. It is all depressing to read, but better a harsh reality than a comforting illusion. It reminded me of the line by Dorothy Parker where she says that no matter how cynical I get, it’s never enough….

Democracy is under threat all over the world, and even those countries with the strongest traditions of personal liberty and respect for the rule of law are under assault. What chance, then, have countries with weak institutions, corrupt judiciaries, and sectarian violence? Add religion to an already volatile mix and the situation is unlikely to end well. Even when elections are free and mostly fair the most highly organized parties and thus the most likely to win, are the hard line religious ones. As the Communists once cynically observed, once they had used democracy to win elections, they would their newfound power to destroy it.

Kaplan is an excellent writer who is able to describe people, places, and complex events with great clarity. His books are never dull. If you are looking for a book that provides insight and context, he is a great writer to go to. Just don’t expect optimism.