The problem with any book written by the former head of the National Intelligence Council is that it is, virtually by definition, conventional wisdom. To be clear, this does not mean that it is not wise - there is much wisdom in this book - but it does mean that it is conventional, that is, that... ...more
Mr. Burrows has very impressive credentials having worked for the CIA as well as with the National Intelligence Counsel deciphering what will be the megatrends of the future. Mr. Burrows describes our future as a multipolar world. A world which is influenced by many strong countries interacting t... ...more
I received an advanced copy through Goodreads FirstReads program.
An interesting book based off the National Intelligence Council's Global Trends reports. It covers a number of projections about shifts in global power and technology in the next couple decades. It covers some of the basics that man... ...more
I read this book because it was on a professional reading list. Burrows is a former intelligence analyst who worked on America's comprehensive strategic outlook report. This book is an adaptation of his government work without political oversight. He looks deep into trends that one day we will he... ...more
Mr. Burrows has written a brilliant book that speculates what the world may look like by 2030. It covers trends such as military conflicts, advances in technology, energy development and food and water scarcity. I was surprised that the issue of global mass migration (to mostly northern nations)... ...more
I received an advanced copy through Goodreads FirstReads program.
As a political science student who has read several of these look at the future books, I can say without reservation that many of them suffer from this perverse mix of doomsday thinking and Chicken Little syndrome- “the sky is falli... ...more
This book did not live up to its promise but I can't put my finger on why. As a catalyst for provoking strategic thinking, this is a worthwhile read. I think it was a good read in conjunction with the more formal Global Futures 2030 report - probably no surprise that if you read this book you mig... ...more
A futurist's look at whats ahead for the future of the world. The author was the Director of a think tank with the goal of developing strategic foresight initiatives. The book is very thought provoking tackling the pros and cons of advanced technology, what to do about China, instability in thir... ...more
...This was a well written book, that was an interesting read, and I think that many people who are not exceptionally knowledgeable of world politics, and future trends would get a good synopsis of the subject in The Future, Declassified. Just don't expect any groundbreaking revelations.