Geopolitics (F)

International Relations

The study and practice of political, economic, and diplomatic interactions between nations.

Geopolitics

The influence of geographical factors (location, resources, borders) on political and international relations.

Power

The ability of a country to influence or control others through coercion (hard power) or persuasion (soft power).

Hard Power

The use of military or economic force to influence other nations.

Soft Power

The use of cultural appeal, diplomacy, and values to influence other nations.

Smart Power

The strategic combination of hard and soft power to maximize influence.

Superpower

A nation with global influence due to economic strength, military power, cultural dominance, and political stability.

Emerging Superpower

A country gaining influence but not yet meeting all superpower criteria (e.g., China, India).

Regional Superpower

A country that dominates its surrounding region in economy, military, and politics (e.g., South Africa in Africa).

Former Superpower

A country that once had global dominance but has since declined in influence (e.g., the USSR after 1991).

5 Pillars of Power

Cultural Influence, Resources, Economic Power, Political Rule, Military Strength.

State

A politically organized area with a government, defined borders, and sovereignty.

Border

A defined boundary separating two political entities (countries, states, or regions).

Territory

A land area under the jurisdiction of a state but not necessarily fully integrated (e.g., overseas territories).

Factors Determining Borders

Physical geography (mountains, rivers) and historical/political decisions (treaties, conflicts).

Imperialism

A policy where a country extends power over others through colonization, military force, or economic control.

Colonization

The process of a country establishing control over foreign lands, often by settling and exploiting resources.

Scramble for Africa

The 19th-century competition among European nations to colonize African territories.

Reasons for the Scramble for Africa

Economic (raw materials like gold and diamonds) and political (territorial expansion and influence).

Impacts of the Scramble for Africa

Exploitation of resources and artificial borders that ignored ethnic and cultural divisions.