Adriatica

Robert D. Kaplan asks how the Adriatic’s mixed past shapes Europe today. He starts in Italy, then travels through Slovenia and Croatia. He goes on to Montenegro and Albania, ending on Corfu. The book blends travel, history and the study of politics. It suits readers keen to learn how Europe’s sense of self is changing.

Kaplan visits towns and talks with people who live there. He also draws on the books he has read. Views, train trips, old buildings and cafés spark his thoughts. He reflects on art, books and the past. He reads Boccaccio and James Joyce, as well as Claudio Magris. He also draws on The Thousand and One Nights.

Kaplan works as a political analyst. He thinks people too often overlook this region. He traces three thousand years of contact and conflict. Catholic, Orthodox and Muslim faiths meet on these shores. The marks left by eastern and western Rome meet here too. The region links Central Europe, the Mediterranean and the Balkans.

Kaplan argues that East and West no longer stand apart. He sees the rise of populism as a sign of change. To him, it means the age of nationalism is ending. The Adriatic’s sense of self keeps shifting. This offers clues to change across Europe and the world. He warns against paying no heed to these states. He has hope for Eurasia’s future. He also reflects on borders and labels that now fade. These once shaped his own views.

Christian‑Radu Chereji translated this edition from English. It belongs to the Humanitas history series.