A review by sweetearlgrey
Political Tribes: Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations by Amy Chua

3.0

Political Tribes is a thought-provoking exploration of the power of ethnocentrism, tribalism, and group identity in shaping the world’s political landscape. Chua acknowledges that the USA’s ignorance and nonchalant attitude towards these forces have often led to failures in their foreign interventions (which for me always poses the question...why intervene in the first place?). 
 

However, the book is decidedly USA-centric, which may not appeal to all readers. As an outsider looking in, I've always been privy to the tribalism of US politics, and the ignorance behind the country's foreign policy failures. There wasn't anything eye-opening about this book. 

The central idea is certainly compelling, but the execution leaves something to be desired. While Chua successfully identifies the problems at hand, she falls short in offering concrete solutions. Her suggestion that everyone should break free from groupthink and be kinder to each other, while noble, is overly simplistic. Real-world issues of tribalism and ethnocentrism are complex and deeply rooted, requiring more than just a change in individual attitudes.

I would say that it's a worthwhile read for those interested in understanding the role of tribalism in politics, particularly in the context of the USA. However, its lack of practical solutions and heavy focus on the USA may limit its appeal for a global audience.