The Storm Before the Calm

America's Discord, the Coming Crisis of the 2020s, and the Triumph Beyond

By: George Friedman

Narrated by: Bruce Turk

Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins

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

Critic reviews

"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)

Thoughtful, insightful, provocative.

The first half of this book focuses on the history of America in hopes of understanding the underlying forces that drive cycles in our politics and economy. Fascinating stuff. The forward-looking second half of the book. seemed reasonable and reassuring. I already feel more hopeful about our future.

Important perspective

Very insightful book. Puts our current situation in context, within the context of US history. Made me more concerned for the 2020s and more hopeful for the 2030s and beyond. US history goes in cycles, and we are nearing the end of two at the same time, which makes for a rocky decade.

excellent superb brilliant reassuring a must read

fantastic.
I have been listening and reading Dt Friedman since the late 1990s and remain amazed at his way of thinking.

could not stop listening

I loved this book so much. the author gives a truly unique look on America

Reassuring

Told in detail, how historical cycles come and go. Reassuring that history can explain the chaos and show us the potential of the future.

Life changing perspective on what it means to be an American here and now-2020

I am certain that I have never read a book in his head that’s a deeply penetrating impact on the way that I look at the world. In fact I started taking notes as though I were a student taking a class. I feel so strongly about what I have gained from listening to this book, but I intend to read it again after having some time to digest the material. Somehow George Friedman manages address incredibly polarizing concepts and ideas with such clean objectivity that the reader just wants to listen and contemplate instead of getting charged and defensive. I have read numerous authors that intelligently discuss race/class issues or technocracy through the eyes of the blue collar, and while the intellectual engagement was fruitful, I felt a need to “take a side.” With Friedman, I was more like “that’s just how it is, how can I position myself and my family to benefit/survive.”

Powerful & Thought Provoking!

Definitely one of the most thought provoking books I have read in a very long time. It's well written and relatable. A must read!

Tremendous, important book for anyone interested in the next ten years!

Great historical context. Lively, well paced and very intellectual. Friedman creates a great basis for a reasonable look at the past 400 years of the United States and a prediction for the next 10.

Excellent

George Friedman's complex, objective geopolitical viewpoints are well worth the money and time. I recommend this book.

Great Insight

George Friedman is always insightful and I’ve always appreciated his historical perspective/reference on the “why” of the future.