Five Star Gift Ideas

That’s great! Your son’s interests in geopolitics, strategy, defense, and international relations offer a plethora of thoughtful and engaging gift possibilities. Here are a few ideas you might consider that align with his passions:

### 1. **Books**
Books are timeless gifts and can deepen his understanding of the subjects he loves. Consider notable works such as:
- **"The World: A Brief Introduction" by Richard Haass**: This book provides a comprehensive overview of global issues and is written by a former U.S. diplomat.
- **"The Tragedy of Great Power Politics" by John Mearsheimer**: A critical analysis of the actions and interactions of great powers in the international arena.
- **"Strategy: A History" by Lawrence Freedman**: A broad and accessible book on the history and evolution of strategic thinking.

### 2. **Board Games**
Strategy-based board games can be both fun and educational:
- **Risk**: A classic game of world domination that requires strategic thinking and planning.
- **Twilight Struggle**: A two-player game that simulates the political and ideological struggle of the Cold War.

### 3. **Subscriptions**
Subscriptions to well-regarded publications can keep him up-to-date and continuously learning:
- **The Economist or Foreign Affairs Magazine**: Both offer in-depth articles on current events, international relations, and global strategy.
- **A digital newspaper subscription**: like The New York Times or The Guardian, which often provide extensive coverage on geopolitical issues.

### 4. **Documentaries and Streaming Services**
Services like:
- **CuriosityStream**: This service offers documentaries on various subjects, including history, politics, and global issues.
- **A MasterClass subscription**: Featuring courses by experts like former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on strategy and leadership.

### 5. **Educational Courses**
Online courses can add depth to his knowledge in a structured way:
- **Coursera or edX**: Many universities offer free or inexpensive courses on international relations and global affairs on these platforms.
- **The Great Courses**: Offering lectures by professors on a variety of subjects, including history, politics, and strategy.

### 6. **Maps and Globes**
A high-quality map or globe can stimulate curiosity and provide a visual aid for understanding geopolitics:
- **Scratch-off World Map**: He can track the countries he’s learned about or wishes to visit.
- **Vintage or Modern Globe**: Depending on his taste, either could serve as both a learning tool and a room decoration.

### 7. **Personalized Items**
Items that can be customized to reflect his interests:
- **A custom-bound notebook or journal**: With his initials and a map or strategic symbol on the cover, perfect for jotting down thoughts and notes.
- **Engraved pen**: Featuring a quote from a famous strategist or political figure.

### 8. **Experiential Gifts**
If he prefers experiences over material objects:
- **Tickets to a lecture or conference**: Local universities or international relations councils often host events with guest speakers.
- **A museum membership**: Particularly to a museum with relevant exhibitions or permanent collections.

Combining these ideas can also work well, such as pairing a book with a subscription or a game. Whichever you choose, your son is sure to appreciate the thoughtful consideration of his unique interests.

Or you can get him a star map with the date when he was born.