Checkmate

Overview

Checkmate is a comprehensive look into the current Middle Eastern political and strategic reality which views the region as a giant chessboard to better understand the relationship between the players. However, in viewing the complexities of the Middle East, it is important to understand that strategy is not everything. This is a region of the world where emotions, passions, and cultural heritage have played the protagonists' roles. Considering historical implications, memories both physical and emotional, and the unfortunate consequences of cultural displacements, this essay explores the effects on social identities, which may result in prolonged strife and conflict. This work does not attempt to be a sociology treatise nor a policy paper. Rather, it is a collection of personal observations and experiences placed in the context of historical events. It focuses on the Middle East, but the concept could be applied to any area of the world. With this book, the author suggests that conflict, in the greater Middle East, cannot be mitigated until Western expectations are modified to include an understanding of the effects that cultural heritage has on regional dynamics. 

Reviews

"The Middle East is indeed a complex environment. Military operations might still be pervasive in that part of the world, yet their efficacy is limited when dealing with ideology and identity. Gennaro has used real life experiences, and a Mediterranean grasp of history to create a very entertaining book. Highly recommended." —Giuseppe Santomartino, Author of Understanding and Countering Jihadism – Interpretations, Ideologies, Doctrines, Strategies, and its Theorists (Italian Version)

"… an intelligent and worthwhile read on the complexities of modern affairs in the Middle East, and the impact that this will have on the world as a whole. The author gives much of his soul and passion to the piece, imbuing the facts and figures with a sense of real identity, person, and place. … truly compelling reading." —K.C. Finn, Readers Favorite

"… an analysis of the political situation in the Middle East… likening the situation to a chess game is a unique and useful technique to help readers understand the complexities. [Checkmate is] thought-provoking and will engender discussion… would be a useful resource in college and graduate-level political science courses. There's no disputing Buonocore's knowledge, experience, and insight." —Joe Wisinski, Reader's Favorite  

"Gennaro Buonocore's insider perspective is a refreshing change. Buonocore's analysis is detailed and thought-provoking, delving into the way the world players think and why. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a better understanding of the situation in the Middle East. […] a fascinating read." —Heather Stockard, Reader's Favorite

4 Stars: "Checkmate is a concise and thoughtful primer on the intricacies of Middle Eastern politics. With chess as its overarching metaphor, the book describes Middle Eastern affairs from the perspective of their major players, asserting that, "when it comes to the Middle East … there are no available short-cuts. Checkmate is a fascinating text … an excellent diagram of the political climate of the Middle East." —Benjamin Welton, Clarion Foreword Review,

Author Biography

Gennaro Buonocore is a senior international banking and capital markets specialist and a professor of Comparative National Security Analysis. He is a graduate of the European Business School London, received his Masters of Finance from Webster University School of Business and Technology, and a Dottorato in Economia e Mercati from the Universita' di Roma III. He has served as a military police officer in the Italian Polizia di Stato and as a reserve Civil Affairs officer in the Corpo Militare della Croce Rossa Italiana. He currently serves as a reserve Foreign Area Officer in the United States.