Geopolitics and Political Geography

Lebensraum

The territory that a state or nation believes is needed to support its current population size and mode of existence (Ratzel, 1901).

Volk

People, species or nation.

What is one of the most famous points of lebensraum?

A volk has to expand its lebensraum or die.

Who was Friedrich Ratzel?

A German geographer considered the "father of modern human geography" who defined the term lebensraum.

When did Friedrich Ratzel live?

1844 - 1904

What does lebensraum state determines the direction of expansion of a volk?

Physical geography, environmental changes and confrontation with other life forms (Smith, 1980).

What is Mercosur?

A South American trade bloc that promotes free trade and economic integration among its member countries.

When was Mercosur founded?

1991

Who are the members of Mercosur?

Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.

Which member of Mercosur has been suspended since 2016?

Venezuela.

Who are the two observer states of Mercosur?

Mexico and New Zealand.

Why was Venezuela suspended from Mercosur?

Venezuela had four years to fully adapt to the trade bloc regulations and failed to do so.

When was Bolivia admitted to Mercosur?

2024

Who was Halford Mackinder?

A British geographer who developed the Mackinder heartland theory.

What is the Mackinder heartland theory?

A geopolitical theory that explains how control of Eurasia could lead to global dominance.

Why was the Mackinder heartland theory significant?

It was influential in shaping the foreign policy of many countries, including the Soviet Union and the United States, during the Cold War.

Why is the Mackinder heartland theory still significant today?

It is studied as a way of understanding the global balance of power.

What are the strengths of Mackinder's heartland theory?

It takes into account geographical significance, historical context and strategic importance and has influenced foreign policy.

What are the weaknesses of Mackinder's heartland theory?

Oversimplification, Eurocentric, limited predictive power and it has a static view.

Who was Paul Vidal de la Blanche?

A French geographer who focused on the relationship between the region and humans.

What is Lamarckian evolution in political terms?

A theory suggesting that political systems evolve through gradual changes influenced by environmental and social factors, rather than sudden shifts.

What is regional typology?

A method of classifying regions based on distinct characteristics such as culture, economy, and geography.

What is Anthropogeography?

The study of the relationship between human populations and their environments, encompassing cultural, economic, and social aspects.

What human factors can define a region?

Ethnic and linguistic groups, political ideology and economic structure.

What is regionalism?

A political or cultural ideology that emphasizes the interests and characteristics of a specific region, often promoting regional identity and autonomy.

Who viewed regions as social organisms?

Paul Vidal de la Blanche.

What is Green Political Theory?

A perspective that emphasizes ecological sustainability and the integration of environmental considerations into political decision-making.

What is Political Ecology?

A field of study that explores the relationships between political, economic, and social factors with environmental issues and changes.

Who coined the term ‘genre de vie’?

Paul Vidal de la Blanche.

What is meant by the term ‘genre de vie’?

It refers to the way of life or lifestyle of a particular group, encompassing their social, economic, and cultural practices as they relate to their environment.

What does ‘genre de vie’ mean in English?

It translates to 'way of life'.

Who is credited with the creation of ‘anthropogeography’?

Friedrich Ratzel.

What does Ratzel mean by the term ‘boden’?

He refers to the concept of 'soil' or 'ground'. It is the community’s unique topographical, geological and bio-geological homeland.

How did Ratzel believe the ‘volk’ was affected by its ‘boden’ (environment)?

For Ratzel, the environment shapes and constrains the volk’s options and capabilities and – in the process – its personality (Rose, 2020).