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  • The Storm Before the Calm

  • America's Discord, the Coming Crisis of the 2020s, and the Triumph Beyond
  • Written by: George Friedman
  • Narrated by: Bruce Turk
  • Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (57 ratings)

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The Storm Before the Calm

Written by: George Friedman
Narrated by: Bruce Turk
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Publisher's Summary

One of Bloomberg's Best Books of the Year

The master geopolitical forecaster and New York Times best-selling author of The Next 100 Years focuses on the United States, predicting how the 2020s will bring dramatic upheaval and reshaping of American government, foreign policy, economics, and culture.

In his riveting new book, noted forecaster and best-selling author George Friedman turns to the future of the United States. Examining the clear cycles through which the United States has developed, upheaved, matured, and solidified, Friedman breaks down the coming years and decades in thrilling detail.

American history must be viewed in cycles - particularly, an 80-year "institutional cycle" that has defined us (there are three such examples - the Revolutionary War/founding, the Civil War, and World War II), and a 50-year "socio-economic cycle" that has seen the formation of the industrial classes, baby boomers, and the middle classes. These two major cycles are both converging on the late 2020s - a time in which many of these foundations will change. The United States will have to endure upheaval and possible conflict, but also, ultimately, increased strength, stability, and power in the world.

Friedman's analysis is detailed and fascinating, and covers issues such as the size and scope of the federal government, the future of marriage and the social contract, shifts in corporate structures, and new cultural trends that will react to longer life expectancies. This new book is both provocative and entertaining.

©2020 George Friedman (P)2020 Random House Audio

What the critics say

"The vitriol of the Trump era masks crises in our economy and governing institutions that will deepen before resolving themselves, according to this probing and ultimately hopeful diagnosis of America’s discontents.... Friedman offers a lucid, stimulating assessment of which way the wind is blowing." (Publishers Weekly)

"[Friedman] offers a sharp analysis of American life, especially the roots of the knack for reinvention that allows the nation to start over after crises. Americans invented their country, he writes, and lacking shared history and culture, 'invented themselves.' Friedman also discusses the nation's reluctance to accept its responsibilities as the 'sole world power' and the tensions between its technocratic and industrial working classes. A provocative, idea-filled burst of prognostication." (Kirkus)

"This book is of obvious general interest but is essential reading for anyone with a role in strategic planning. It combines clear, interesting prose with a thought provoking projection of upcoming challenges and ultimate outcomes." (Douglas Duncan, Chief Economist, Fannie Mae)

What listeners say about The Storm Before the Calm

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Very interesting points

Very interesting points definitely important things to consider with the deep division within society currently.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Excellent insight into next 10 years

Building on analysis of American history & culture, George F. extrapolates in last two chapters, to give his readers an insight into a possible future outcomes for USA geopolitics. This book is on a reading list for anyone who is trying to figure out what’s going to happen by 2030.

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Worth Considering

The good:

Highlights the appearance, cycle of unrest and prosperity in a population growth context.

The bad:

Just glosses over the changes that might affect future cycles with a massive population decline that is happening/going to happen.

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Good history lesson

Sheds good insight into the societal cycles & presidential cycles but the tone was dry & could become mundane in some chapters

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It's Okay

George Friedman makes some really good points towards the end of the book but much of the book is on the history of the United States and it felt like more time was spent discussing the past than the forecasts of the future. While I found the ideas interesting the narration sometimes made it dull. I will be going back to re-listen but it definitely was not easy to get through,

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1 person found this helpful