The Grand Chessboard Summary

The Grand Chessboard explains American global strategy after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Zbigniew Brzezinski argues that Eurasia is the most important geographical area in world politics because it contains a large share of the world’s population, economic activity, natural resources and major military powers. He compares Eurasia to a chessboard upon which great powers compete for influence. According to him, the United States must manage its relationships in Europe, Russia, Central Asia, the Middle East and East Asia so that no hostile power or coalition becomes dominant across Eurasia. The book gives particular importance to countries whose locations affect the wider balance of power. Brzezinski calls some of these countries “geopolitical pivots.” Although the book is written from the perspective of American strategy, it provides a useful explanation of geography, power and the strategic importance of states such as Ukraine.

1. Eurasia includes Europe and Asia and contains many of the world’s most powerful states.

1. Control or domination of Eurasia would give a state enormous global influence.

1. The United States became the leading global power after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

1. Brzezinski argues that American primacy depends upon preventing the emergence of a hostile Eurasian hegemon.

1. A geostrategic player is a powerful country capable of changing the regional or global balance.

1. A geopolitical pivot is important mainly because of its location and the consequences of its possible instability or alignment.

1. Europe is important because a united and stable Europe can become America’s major democratic partner.

1. Central Asia matters because of its location, energy resources and connections with Russia, China, South Asia and the Middle East.

1. Brzezinski warns that unnecessary hostility towards several major states could encourage them to cooperate against the United States.

1. Important quotation: “Without Ukraine, Russia ceases to be a Eurasian empire.” The line shows why Brzezinski considers Ukrainian sovereignty important to the balance of power between Russia and the rest of Europe.