In the third chapter of the book, the author, Robert D. Kaplan argues that Lord Curzon chose the subject as “Frontiers” for the annual Romanes Lecture that he delivered at Oxford in which was also the chapter’s title. Kaplan wrote how Curzon portrayed how he considers seas and deserts as the frontiers that influence and connect every civilization. In reading this chapter, we learned that Oman owes less to Western technology and democracy perception than reinvigoration of feudal practices as well as the personal characteristics of Sultan Quabus bin Sa’id. We also learned that Curzon portrayed how Sultan Quabus demonstrates the progress that varies without the Western world. Lord Curzon also wanted to show that the Sultan’s primary objective is to unite Oman with its two worlds; the Arabian Desert and the Indian Ocean world. Sultan Sa’id was merely focused in building developing Oman without the outside world’s influence, but did not last longer as he was overthrown by his son, who continued ruling the kingdom and develop the country, but this time, as a modern state. I agree with the author’s argument in this chapter that Sultan Quabus is different from the other ruler in the Middle-East as he lives quite differently compared to other rulers. This Sultan lives alone, is composer and music lover and he is the most thoughtful and articulate leader in both English and Arabic in the Middle East.
In chapter four of his book, Kaplan argues that in early centuries, Portuguese mariners were able to reach and sail far south as they can until they have reached Indian Ocean and started to have contact with Arabs and Asians as they were exchanging thoughts and influences. We learned that with these navigations done by the Portuguese, history of a country is not its history alone, but a rather a nation’s history that cannot be created without the involvement of another. This chapter portrayed that the lands of India and the other Arab nations were among the countries, which were influenced by Portuguese. The author’s argument about these mariners was agreeable as history also shows how they can be brutal in some times, specifically in Africa when they used their force as their last option just to establish their trading stations and forts after extensive negotiation.
Works Cited
Kaplan, Robert D. Monsoon: The Indian Ocean and the Future of American Power. New York: Random House, 2010. Print.
