Prisoners of Geography explores how the physical features of the earth—mountain ranges, rivers, deserts, and coastlines—continue to dictate the fate of countries and the ambitions of their leaders. Marshall uses ten detailed maps to examine regions like Russia, China, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, Japan and Korea, Latin America, and the Arctic, illustrating how geography underpins both conflict and cooperation. For example, he explains Russia’s annexation of Crimea as a quest for warm-water ports and China’s actions in Tibet as a move to secure its borders with India. The book’s strength lies in its ability to ground current events in a historical context, showing how natural barriers and resources have shaped wars, alliances, and economic development across centuries.

Marshall’s narrative is engaging and accessible, making complex geopolitical concepts understandable for general readers. He argues that geography is often overlooked in political analysis, yet it remains crucial for understanding why nations act as they do. The book highlights how the United States leveraged its geographic advantages to become a superpower, while regions like Africa remain constrained by natural barriers and poorly drawn borders. Each chapter reveals how the interplay of land, climate, and resources continues to influence global politics, from the Korean Peninsula’s vulnerability to invasion to the strategic importance of the Arctic’s resources.