Today we talk about Playing chess with the devil. Worlds situation in a nutshell, a book by Vicente Gonzalvo Navarro published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Vicente Gonzalvo Navarro to get to know him better, what was the moment that led him to the writing of his book Playing chess with the devil. Worlds situation in a nutshell, as well how he would describe his writing style.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Is there a particular moment in your life that led you to the writing of your book? What was that?
Yes, indeed, it coincides with my arrival to work for an international organization and begin to understand a little better the dynamics of transnational associations and global security. From that moment, I considered writing a work like this trying to disseminate on topics such as Ukraine, the relationships with China, the Taiwan conflict, the Iran deal and many others that I have studied and included in the work… Obviously, the current situation created by the war in Ukraine and the existing tension in the South China Sea change in a certain way the paradigm of global security and give rise to reason about the causes but also about the possible consequences of all these events. But there are other subjects that are not so well known and are indeed affecting us: for example, the situation in Africa and in the Med. Also, with this, I would like to stress the importance this book gives to maps; with this statement I mean specifically the importance of geography has in many issues related to geopolitics, international dynamics, economics and relations.
- What characteristics should your audience have to appreciate your book?
I think that the only requirement to read this work is to be interested in what is currently happening in the world. The daily events that we see in the net, the press or TV make us have an opinion of the problems of global society but, having an opinion formed about them has a value that I think is what the reader of this book is looking for. I would like to stress the importance of dissemination in the field of international relations for example for younger people, acquiring a well-formed opinion and taking time to analyse current events is extremely important to understand what is currently happening. However, the book is for all audiences and the most educated people can really enjoy reading it, that is my impression, if I may. Another characteristic the audience, I suppose, would be pleased is with the approach to history of both Russia and China that would help to understand the “others mind set”.
- What messages did you want to convey with your book?
The main message I want to convey is that from a volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous world we have changed to one in which uncertainty leads even to fear, more and more data make any matter increasingly incomprehensible. We are in a situation in which the enemy is not known (virus, cyber, or natural disasters create provoke a sense of undiscovered…), and where information and data available does not equal finding an answer either. As usual, we are always preparing for the last war. In this situation is necessary, first, to analyse rigorously the current situation of international relations. In particular, it is very important to consider, with regard to the development of military capabilities, that it is necessary to assess areas such as cyberspace, aerospace power and naval power projection from the sea, information operations and special operations as key aspects to be able to guarantee military power, and finally security, in the future. Future is unpredictable but of course, we could either prepare ourselves for that. As Gen. Cavoli states “Hard power is a reality.” A new paradigm seems to be appearing in the international relations. I include also others not so well-known tensions happening in Africa and Latin America that think are worth to mention. Particularly, for me Latin America has many answers to the future of international “crescendos”. With this entire information think, the reader could achieve a good understanding of the current world’s dynamics and happenings.
- How would you describe your writing style?
Frankly speaking, as you might know, I am not a native English speaker, but have written this book in this language to try to disseminate it as much as possible. In Europe, specifically in Italy, but also in Asia and America, where I think there could be many people interested in the book. In that sense, my style is direct and concise avoiding English literature watermarks; my intention is to be clear for that reason the division of the book in many sections, chapters or epigraphs. I believe that simplicity should prevail in this type of work to guarantee the ease of reading for everybody; please remember I am researcher but finally a military man (a marine) and foremost we like simplicity in our job. Think the reader will be finally pleased with this approach.
- Are you working on a new writing project?
Sure, though currently my main goal is to promote this job and to try to communicate and disseminate my findings. In the future my intention though is to focus in the history, relations and interaction between Spain and America (talking about both North and Latin or South America); and if feasible to deep in the current situation of our relations (and mutual historical understanding), to deep and try to develop this relation and also to spread the knowledge about the Spanish Heritage. I would like finally to thank also all the support of Edizioni Europa to my book and especially to the friends and colleagues, from Spain and NATO, who helped me in his writing: Maria, Miguel Angel, Carlos, Rodrigo, Jesus, Javier, David, Alex, Orlando, Thomas, Joern, Vanessa, Spyridia and many others. A special remember to my parents and all the men and women I served with in the military, and finally to the fallen, of course. Thanks to you either Valentina.
Europe Books thanks the author Vicente Gonzalvo Navarro once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book Playing chess with the devil. Worlds situation in a nutshell. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my dear reader I hope that this book will allow you to gain a good understanding of what is happening in the world today, that it will capture your interest and provide you with food for thought to carry with you in your everyday life.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is this very interesting reading!
Your editor!