This post from Robert Kaplan of Stratfor has nothing to do with markets. Total philosophical analysis, but one that hit a chord or two with me. George Friedman scored a major coup in getting Kaplan to come to Stratfor a few years ago. He is a brilliant writer and thinker, most provocative; and while no one of course agrees with anyone all the time, he does make me think. This is not a long piece, but it does offer perspective.