"The Great Chessboard" is one of the most resonant books of the late 20th century, which still attracts the interest of the readership. Where are the world's largest powers moving in their international politics? What could be the fate of the planet under this or that course of events? Such questions were posed by a prominent American political scientist, and his answers to them are impressive with their depth and insight and stir up discussions and emotions. Brzezinski is studied, his concept is analyzed in detail; some admire its perfection, others demonize both the author and his work.