Drawing on the works of Sun Tzu, Thucydides, Titus Livy, Machiavelli, Hobbes and other great thinkers of the past, the famous American publicist Robert Kaplan seeks to prove that in a world with unstable states and an uncertain future, foreign policy should be based on the “morality of results” . The author assigns the leading role in the post-Cold War world to the United States, which, in his opinion, should be guided by the founding fathers of America, who believed that good government is possible only on the basis of a “subtle understanding of human passions.” Roosevelt during World War II and especially Churchill, who was highly endowed with what Kaplan, following Machiavelli, calls “foresight of disaster” can also serve as examples of wise government leadership. In search of wisdom applicable to modern geopolitics, Kaplan turns to ancient philosophers and generals. In classical works, he finds historical examples and logical justifications that military power, secrecy and cunning are necessary to maintain the balance of power. He applies this model to business, showing how today's leaders can benefit from the lessons of the past. Kaplan's insightful polemical work is sure to spark lively debate.