The War Below

by Ernest Scheyder
The War Below cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Politics and Current Affairs
Technical
  • ID: 2710
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781668011812
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2025-02-18
  • Reviews: 3

The War Below delves into the intense conflicts that arise when the pursuit of wealth clashes with the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. It examines the high-stakes debates involving industry titans, conservationists, community groups, and policymakers, each with their own agendas and values. The book uncovers the complex dynamics and ethical dilemmas that emerge when rare plants, sensitive ecosystems, and Indigenous holy sites are at risk of being destroyed for their resources. /n/n This compelling narrative sheds light on the broader implications of these conflicts, highlighting the need for balanced solutions that respect both economic development and environmental sustainability. It offers a nuanced look at the power struggles and moral questions that define our relationship with the natural world.

Reviews
Forbes · David Teich · 2024-06-25
excellent 4.50

The book provides a very balanced perspective on the global battle for lithium and copper, highlighting the importance of lithium in the current energy landscape. The author's thorough research and nuanced approach make it a compelling read.

David Teich from Forbes found 'The War Below' to be an excellent exploration of the global battle for lithium and copper. They appreciated the book's balanced perspective, noting that while both minerals are discussed, lithium takes center stage due to its critical role in powering our future. The reviewer highlighted the author's thorough research and nuanced approach, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and stakes involved in this trillion-dollar battle. Overall, Teich found the book to be insightful and well-balanced, offering a clear and compelling narrative on a crucial topic.

Quick quotes

    Most importantly, it's very balanced.

    While the book does discuss copper, it's no surprise that lithium is of primary importance and focus.

    The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and stakes involved in this trillion-dollar battle.

Unsolicited Feedback · 2024-04-09
insightful 3.50

The book is seen as unhelpful in increasing polarization but is praised for clearly showing the complexities of the global battle for minerals. The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough exploration of the issues.

The reviewer from Unsolicited Feedback found 'The War Below' to be unhelpful in increasing polarization but appreciated the book's clear exploration of the complexities involved in the global battle for minerals. They noted that the book does a great job of showing the nuances and difficulties in this trillion-dollar battle. The reviewer found the book to be thorough and insightful, offering a comprehensive look at the challenges and stakes involved. Overall, the sentiment was positive, with the reviewer acknowledging the book's strengths in presenting a clear and nuanced perspective.

Quick quotes

    It's unhelpful and increases polarization.

    More important, as Scheyder clearly shows us throughout this book, any 'war' that's going on is ...

    The book does a great job of showing the nuances and difficulties in this trillion-dollar battle.

The Wall Street Journal · 2024-03-03
authoritative 4.00

The book offers an authoritative analysis of the mining industry's troubled history and the conflicts associated with it. The reviewer praises the solid research and the tough choices highlighted in the book.

The Wall Street Journal's reviewer found 'The War Below' to be an authoritative analysis of the mining industry's troubled history. They appreciated the book's exploration of the conflicts associated with mining over the centuries, noting the solid research that backs up the author's points. The reviewer highlighted the tough choices that lie ahead in the industry, making the book a crucial read for understanding the complexities of mineral extraction. Overall, the review was positive, emphasizing the book's depth and the importance of its subject matter.

Quick quotes

    Scheyder guides us through the troubled history of mining and revisits some of the conflicts associated with mining over the centuries.

    The book offers an authoritative analysis of a crucial issue and the tough choices ahead, backed by solid research.

    The reviewer praised the book's depth and the importance of its subject matter.

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