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Asia's Cauldron: The South China Sea and the End of a Stable PacificNAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY FINANCIAL TIMES From Robert D. Kaplan, named one of the world's Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine, comes a penetrating look at the volatile region that will dominate the future of geopolitical conflict. Over the last decade, the center of world power has been quietly shifting from Europe to Asia. With oil reserves of several billion barrels, an estimated nine hundred trillion cubic feet of
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY FINANCIAL TIMESFrom Robert D. Kaplan, named one of the world's Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy magazine, comes a penetrating look at the volatile region that will dominate the future of geopolitical conflict. Over the last decade, the center of world power has been quietly shifting from Europe to Asia. With oil reserves of several billion barrels, an estimated nine hundred trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and several centuries' worth of competing territorial claims, the South China Sea in particular is a simmering pot of potential conflict. The underreported military buildup in the area where the Western Pacific meets the Indian Ocean means that it will likely be a hinge point for global war and peace for the foreseeable future. In Asia's Cauldron, Robert D. Kaplan offers up a vivid snapshot of the nations surrounding the South China Sea, the conflicts brewing in the region at the dawn of the twenty-first century, and their implications for global peace and stability. One of the world's most perceptive foreign policy experts, Kaplan interprets America's interests in Asia in the context of an increasingly assertive China. He explains how the region's unique geography fosters the growth of navies but also impedes aggression. And he draws a striking parallel between China's quest for hegemony in the South China Sea and the United States' imperial adventure in the Caribbean more than a century ago. To understand the future of conflict in East Asia, Kaplan argues, one must understand the goals and motivations of its leaders and its people. Part travelogue, part geopolitical primer, Asia's Cauldron takes us on a journey through the region's boom cities and ramshackle slums: from Vietnam, where the superfueled capitalism of the erstwhile colonial capital, Saigon, inspires the geostrategic pretensions of the official seat of government in Hanoi, to Malaysia, where a unique mix of authoritarian Islam and Western-style consumerism creates quite possibly the ultimate postmodern society; and from Singapore, whose "benevolent autocracy" helped foster an economic miracle, to the Philippines, where a different brand of authoritarianism under Ferdinand Marcos led not to economic growth but to decades of corruption and crime. At a time when every day's news seems to contain some new story--large or small--that directly relates to conflicts over the South China Sea, Asia's Cauldron is an indispensable guide to a corner of the globe that will affect all of our lives for years to come. Praise for Asia's Cauldron
"Asia's Cauldron is a short book with a powerful thesis, and it stands out for its clarity and good sense. . . . If you are doing business in China, traveling in Southeast Asia or just obsessing about geopolitics, you will want to read it."--The New York Times Book Review "Kaplan has established himself as one of our most consequential geopolitical thinkers. . . . Asia's Cauldron] is part treatise on geopolitics, part travel narrative. Indeed, he writes in the tradition of the great travel writers."--The Weekly Standard "Kaplan's fascinating book is a welcome challenge to the pessimists who see only trouble in China's rise and the hawks who view it as malign."--The Economist "Muscular, deeply knowledgeable . . . Kaplan is an ultra-realist who] takes a non-moralistic stance on questions of power and diplomacy."--Financial Times
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Random House Trade
Published: 01/06/2015
ISBN: 9780812984804
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.45lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.10w x 0.80d
Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 02/01/2015 pg. 24
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★★★★★ 5
Awesome
Size: Full Size, Pattern Name: Keyboard, Size: Full Size, Pattern Name: Keyboard
If you spend more than a few hours a day at your keyboard, stop what you’re doing and buy this wrist rest immediately. I was starting to feel serious strain after long typing sessions, and this simple accessory has completely eliminated the discomfort. It’s a true game changer for desk ergonomics.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2025
★★★★★ 4
Pair with HyperX Keyboard Rest to complete the look!
Size: Mouse, Pattern Name: Mouse
Soft, comfortable, doesn't slide around, even on my XL mouse pad. Cool to touch which is nice.
After a year of use, fabric on top becomes slightly loose and bunches up when moving wrist around.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Well worth it
Size: Full Size, Pattern Name: Keyboard
Very comfortable and robust. This definitely looks and feels like a premium item. I had bought a few alternatives that were cheaper and they fell apart quickly. This one seems to have pretty resilient stitching and the fabric doesn’t bunch up which could cause a tear. The base has a non slip texture so it’s not going anywhere without some force. The cooling feel is a nice touch too.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Extremely Comfortable Wrist Rest
Size: Compact, Pattern Name: Keyboard, Size: Compact, Pattern Name: Keyboard
Hands down the best keyboard wrist rest! Fits perfectly with my HyperX Origins keyboard, almost like these products were made for each other! I really like the minimalist design of it and the quality does not suffer because of this. The memory foam is more comfortable than the memory foam on my bed, and the cooling gel stays cool no matter how long I'm using it. I have mine on a desk mat and it doesn't slip at all, it stays exactly where I need it which is great! Whether you're someone uses a computer for work all day or just a casual gamer, I highly recommend getting this wrist rest. It will change your life!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Comfortable and useful
Size: Full Size, Pattern Name: Keyboard
Amazing support for all day typing.
Comfortable, great length!
Functional, easy cleaning if needed!
Great value for money. Stays in place.
Just what I needed for my time in the office.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026