Expanding on their article on "weaponized interdependence" Farrell and Newman show how the US government uses "global networks" like financial and internet infrastructure for geopolitical ends. Their argument is that this "Underground Empire" has become more and more visible, with other powers like Europe and China considering how to get out from under the US's boot: American power is undermining itself. Lest we forget, WWI was exacerbated by sanctions, and the Cold War never went hot because the two super-powers were independent of one another. Farrell and Newman are arguing for a transformation of our neoliberal globalization.

On the tech side, a lot of the stories in the book will be familiar to those who follow, but I appreciated the history of banking side of the narrative. The parallels are striking, and that is the main contribution of this book. I think it captures much of the frustration that we have been feeling over the US for the past 15 years. For this I give it high marks

However, at the very end, it kind of falls down. The conclusion is pretty lacklustre. After spending a whole book criticizing America for having these powers (never mind abusing), they all of a sudden do an about face and speculate that "maybe we can use this power for good! Like, to fight climate crisis!" (not a direct quote obviously…) 😕😕😕 What!? One other bit I thought was missing was a discussion of anti-trust, since monopoly has been the key driver to the growth of these private firms (making them "too big to jail" in Doctorow's words) which the US government strongarms into doing its geopolitical dirty work. But basically up until the end of the final chapter I found this book a useful read.