"An eccentric, fascinating exposé of a world most of us know nothing about. . . . Bristles with anecdotes that are almost impossible to believe." —New York Times Book Review "Terrific. . . . A travelogue full of important insights into both cultural change and persistence. . . . Foer’s soccer odyssey lends weight to the argument that a humane world order is possible."  —  Washington Post Book World A groundbreaking work—named one of the five most influential sports books of the decade by Sports Illustrated — How Soccer Explains the World is a unique and brilliantly illuminating work of political journalism that looks at soccer, the world’s most popular sport, as a lens through which to view the pressing issues of our age, from the clash of civilizations to the global economy. From Brazil to Bosnia, and Italy to Iran, this is an eye-opening chronicle of how soccer culture and its fanatical followers can highlight the fault lines of a society, whether it’s terrorism, poverty, anti-Semitism, or radical Islam—issues that now have an impact on all of us. Filled with blazing intelligence, colorful characters, wry humor, and an equal passion for soccer and humanity,  How Soccer Explains the World  is an utterly original book that makes sense of our troubled times. In this unlikely theory of globalization, you’ll discover: Globalization’s Fault Lines: How the world’s most popular sport reveals the surprising ways ancient hatreds and local identities resist the march of a global economy. - Sports and Politics: From the gangster-run clubs of Serbia to the bourgeois nationalism of Barcelona, see how soccer becomes a vehicle for political identity, revolution, and corruption. - Cultural Commentary: A journalistic tour that explores why hooligans in England embrace a Jewish identity, what makes Brazilian soccer clubs so corrupt, and how the game offers hope in Iran. - A Unique Worldview: Through a blend of travelogue, history, and economics, Foer provides an entirely new way to understand the forces shaping our world. “What a brilliant idea! Franklin Foer provides a personal yet richly-reported look at how approaches to soccer tell us so much about different societies and their cultural attitudes. He even uses the game to dissect the ideological and class divides in America. The result is both amusing and revealing—and delightfully provocative.” - Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin “Foer’s book shows that soccer is much more than just kicking the ball around—it is about the way soccer exists in people’s lives. Brilliantly written and well thought out, it is required reading not just for soccer lovers, but anyone who wants to understand what is going on in the world today.” - Aleksandar Hemon, author of Nowhere Man and The Question of Bruno “A wildly entertaining romp through the world with a smart, nervy guide. Tucked into this amazing snapshot of unconventional wisdom is a brilliant description of the chilling interface of sports and politics and how it’s used to manipulate our lives.” - Robert Lipsyte, New York Times contributing columnist and author of In the Country of Illness “Important and controversial as the subject of globalization is, it’s not often much fun to read about. This book is a dazzling exception—and no less a contribution to serious study of the issue for being a delight. It’s full of lively tales, colorful characters, and humor—all on behalf of explaining, clearly and convincingly, how the world is changing in momentous ways.” - Strobe Talbott, president, The Brookings Institution “Most people who write about globalization never leave the world of fancy hotels and conferences. Franklin Foer actually went out and did a day’s work. His reporting among soccer’s lumpen proletariat illuminates the dark complexities of globalization.” - Robert D. Kaplan, author of Balkan Ghosts and The Ends of the Earth “Franklin Foer has written a book that is significantly entertaining if you like soccer, and entertainingly significant if you do not.” - Adam Gopnik, author of Paris to the Moon “With this superbly written and elegantly reported book, Foer has . . . brought back a kaleidoscopic view of a vibrant game and the people who believe in it. . . . A lively travelogue.” - Chicago Tribune “A fantastic, unexpected, and hugely entertaining book, written with wit and intelligence and of course a love of the game.” - William Langewiesche, author of American Ground “Step aside Tom Friedman, Sam Huntington, and Amy Chua. Franklin Foer’s dark and witty tale of the soccer world reveals the meaning of globalization in all its joys and horrors.” - Robert Kagan, author of Of Paradise and Power “An insightful, entertaining, brainiac sports road trip.” - Wall Street Journal “Terrific. . . . A travelogue full of important insights into both cultural change and persistence. . . . Foer’s soccer odyssey lends weight to the argument that a humane world order is possible.” - Washington Post Book World “A