International Relations & Geopolitics Notes

Geopolitics

• Definition:
  • J. Agnew: Examination of geographical assumptions, designations, and understandings in world politics.
  • G. O´Tuathail: A discourse, a culturally and politically varied way of describing, representing, and writing about geography and international politics.
  • H. Kissinger: Synonymous with global equilibrium and permanent national interests in the world balance of power, emphasizing the requirements of equilibrium.
• Key Aspects:
  • Method to analyze power distribution within space.
  • Recognition that power has a material basis.
  • Emphasis on the geographical context in which power is exercised, beyond just human or material resources.

Geography as Power

• World geography is not a neutral science but a product of power dynamics.
• It reflects historical struggles between competing authorities organizing, occupying, and administering space.
• Geography is actively shaped by expanding, centralizing imperial states; it's a verb (