The document provides a summary of chapters from Tim Marshall's book "Prisoners of Geography". It discusses the key points from chapters about Russia, China, the US, Western Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North and South Korea. Some main ideas include:
- Russia's vast size but vulnerability through flatlands in Europe and lack of warm water ports.
- China's borders defined by natural barriers but also reliance on Tibet for water resources and as a buffer against India.
- The US's geographic invulnerability due to oceans on both sides and friendly neighbors.
- Europe's division by rivers and mountains contributing to separate identities.
- Africa's challenges of deserts, jungles
Nationalism played a key role in German unification in the late 19th century. Otto von Bismarck, as Prime Minister of Prussia, skillfully used nationalism and a series of wars against Denmark, Austria, and France to unify the German states under Prussian leadership by 1871. The new German Empire dominated Europe both economically and militarily, replacing the balance of power that had existed since the Congress of Vienna.
World War II began in 1941 and lasted until 1945. It involved many major countries and was fought in both Europe and the Pacific. The war had widespread impacts on societies, economies, and politics around the world. It ended with the defeat of Germany and Japan, but also left Europe devastated and led to the emergence of the U.S. and Soviet Union as two opposing global superpowers in the postwar era.
This is a slide-set that I had used for a workshop conducted by the Indian School of Business on the Indo-Pacific on July 30, 2021.
It discusses the evolution of the US Indo-Pacific strategy and China's perceptions and policy responses.
The Korean War began in June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, starting heavy fighting between North Korean and Chinese forces and United Nations forces led by the United States and South Korea. Key battles over the next three years included the Pusan Perimeter, the invasion of Inchon, capture of Seoul, and Chinese intervention on behalf of North Korea. Armistice talks began in 1951 and after much stalemate over prisoner of war issues, a truce ending the fighting was finally signed on July 27, 1953, leaving the Korean Peninsula divided along the 38th parallel.
Nuclear arms race between india and pakistan risesafaidiana
India and Pakistan have had a fraught relationship since gaining independence in 1947. Their rivalry has escalated due to the nuclear arms race between the two countries. The development of nuclear weapons by both India and Pakistan has been driven by ideology, history, and the modernization of weapons internationally. It also stems from the balance of power theory, as each country seeks to offset the other's military threat. During the Cold War, their tensions were exacerbated by domestic issues like the Kashmir dispute and religious divisions, as well as foreign interventions that altered the regional power dynamic. These factors have continued influencing their fraught relationship in the post-Cold War era.
The document summarizes the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It began with the formation of the Solidarity trade union in Poland in 1980 which received support from the Catholic Church and led to reforms. Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985 and implemented reforms of glasnost, perestroika, and renouncing the Brezhnev Doctrine, but the reforms did not go far enough or fast enough. This led to demonstrations across Eastern Europe in 1989 and the fall of communist governments. The Berlin Wall was opened in November 1989, marking the collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
The document provides an overview of key topics and events related to the Treaty of Versailles and the Paris Peace Conference. It summarizes the aims and views of the "Big Three" leaders (Clemenceau of France, Lloyd George of Britain, and Wilson of the US) regarding the peace settlement. It also outlines the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles, German reactions to it, and the treaty's importance in the aftermath of World War 1.
The document discusses the Paris Peace Conference following World War I. The major powers - the US, France, and Britain - had differing views on how to settle the peace terms. France wanted to cripple Germany to prevent future wars, while the US and Britain wanted a lasting peace. Woodrow Wilson introduced his Fourteen Points plan calling for open diplomacy, self-determination, and a League of Nations to maintain stability. However, applying self-determination to redraw national borders raised complex issues over ethnic populations in territories like Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Alsace-Lorraine.
Nationalism played a key role in German unification in the late 19th century. Otto von Bismarck, as Prime Minister of Prussia, skillfully used nationalism and a series of wars against Denmark, Austria, and France to unify the German states under Prussian leadership by 1871. The new German Empire dominated Europe both economically and militarily, replacing the balance of power that had existed since the Congress of Vienna.
World War II began in 1941 and lasted until 1945. It involved many major countries and was fought in both Europe and the Pacific. The war had widespread impacts on societies, economies, and politics around the world. It ended with the defeat of Germany and Japan, but also left Europe devastated and led to the emergence of the U.S. and Soviet Union as two opposing global superpowers in the postwar era.
This is a slide-set that I had used for a workshop conducted by the Indian School of Business on the Indo-Pacific on July 30, 2021.
It discusses the evolution of the US Indo-Pacific strategy and China's perceptions and policy responses.
The Korean War began in June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, starting heavy fighting between North Korean and Chinese forces and United Nations forces led by the United States and South Korea. Key battles over the next three years included the Pusan Perimeter, the invasion of Inchon, capture of Seoul, and Chinese intervention on behalf of North Korea. Armistice talks began in 1951 and after much stalemate over prisoner of war issues, a truce ending the fighting was finally signed on July 27, 1953, leaving the Korean Peninsula divided along the 38th parallel.
Nuclear arms race between india and pakistan risesafaidiana
India and Pakistan have had a fraught relationship since gaining independence in 1947. Their rivalry has escalated due to the nuclear arms race between the two countries. The development of nuclear weapons by both India and Pakistan has been driven by ideology, history, and the modernization of weapons internationally. It also stems from the balance of power theory, as each country seeks to offset the other's military threat. During the Cold War, their tensions were exacerbated by domestic issues like the Kashmir dispute and religious divisions, as well as foreign interventions that altered the regional power dynamic. These factors have continued influencing their fraught relationship in the post-Cold War era.
The document summarizes the collapse of the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It began with the formation of the Solidarity trade union in Poland in 1980 which received support from the Catholic Church and led to reforms. Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985 and implemented reforms of glasnost, perestroika, and renouncing the Brezhnev Doctrine, but the reforms did not go far enough or fast enough. This led to demonstrations across Eastern Europe in 1989 and the fall of communist governments. The Berlin Wall was opened in November 1989, marking the collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
The document provides an overview of key topics and events related to the Treaty of Versailles and the Paris Peace Conference. It summarizes the aims and views of the "Big Three" leaders (Clemenceau of France, Lloyd George of Britain, and Wilson of the US) regarding the peace settlement. It also outlines the key terms of the Treaty of Versailles, German reactions to it, and the treaty's importance in the aftermath of World War 1.
The document discusses the Paris Peace Conference following World War I. The major powers - the US, France, and Britain - had differing views on how to settle the peace terms. France wanted to cripple Germany to prevent future wars, while the US and Britain wanted a lasting peace. Woodrow Wilson introduced his Fourteen Points plan calling for open diplomacy, self-determination, and a League of Nations to maintain stability. However, applying self-determination to redraw national borders raised complex issues over ethnic populations in territories like Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Alsace-Lorraine.
Following World War II, tensions rose between the Western allies and the Soviet Union. The Soviets set up communist governments in Eastern Europe and cut off access to West Berlin. In response, the Western allies launched the Berlin Airlift to supply West Berlin by air. Over two years, the airlift delivered over 2 million tons of supplies until the Soviets lifted the blockade. The blockade increased tensions and led to the formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, cementing Europe's division between the communist East and capitalist West during the Cold War.
The document summarizes key events and developments in Europe during the interwar period following World War 1. It discusses the global economic imbalances that emerged, with the US as the leading power and European nations indebted. The Great Depression started with the 1929 Wall Street crash and led to widespread unemployment and economic crisis. Totalitarian regimes arose in Germany and Italy as democratic governments struggled with unrest. Nazi Germany established a totalitarian state under Hitler focused on racial ideology and rearmament for expansion.
The document summarizes the origins and key events of the Cold War between the USA and USSR from 1945-1949. It provides context on the ideological differences between capitalism and communism. It also outlines four perspectives from historians on what caused the rivalry, including disagreement over whether the USA or USSR was primarily responsible. Key events that exacerbated tensions included the Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe, the Truman Doctrine, development of nuclear weapons, and division of Germany and Korea along ideological lines.
The breakup of the Soviet Union, the largest country in size, in 1991 was one of the top five news of the 20th century
Caused by multiple reasons, it resulted in multi-dimensional consequences, short term as well as long term
Some of the consequences we are still witnessing even in the 21st century, some may be witnessed by the coming generations
This presentation is an attempt to analyse the causes of this momentous event and assess its far-reaching consequences
The Cold War, United States, USSR, Vietnam War, Korean War, Space Race, Nuclear Arms Race, Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs, Berlin Wall, Iron Curtain, Containment Policy, Marshall Plan, John F. Kennedy, Nikita Khrushchev, Detente, Red Scare, Ronald Reagan, Perestroika, Glasnost
classical views and summarized theories of geopolitics- Ratzel, Alfred Thayer Mahan, Halford Mackinder and Nicholas Spykman with criticism and contemporary relevance.
The Postulates on Russia’s Foreign Policy developed with the participation of the Russian International Affairs Council’s members and experts discuss Russia’s position in the international arena, the role of global challenges in shaping the foreign policy agenda and outline foreign policy priorities for the period from 2012 to 2018. The main purpose of the Postulates is to encourage a public discourse about new contours and orientation of Russia’s foreign policy and to devise the solutions to be protected against traditional and emerging security challenges.
The Korean Peninsula is located in East Asia between the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. The Korean War was fought throughout this land from 1950-1953. The 38th Parallel originally divided North and South Korea, but North Korean forces crossed it on June 25, 1950 to invade the South and start the war. In September 1950, the Battle of Inchon was a major victory for UN forces led by General Douglas MacArthur that recaptured Seoul from the North Korean People's Army. During the war, the US Air Force bombed North Korean railroads and infrastructure to disrupt their logistics, while President Syngman Rhee's South Korean government assassinated around 10,000 to 100,000 suspected communist sympathizers. After the
Comparative analysis of Russian foreign policy concepts (1993-2013)George Krechunyak
The document analyzes and compares the evolution of Russian foreign policy concepts from 1993 to 2013 through 4 key documents. It finds that while priorities have remained consistent around relations with the CIS and customs unions with former Soviet states, Russia's attitudes towards threats and international organizations like NATO and approach to promoting its national interests have changed significantly over time as its power and influence has grown. The most recent 2013 concept reflects Russia's view of an increasingly multipolar world and desire to play a more prominent global role.
Presentation I made for a lecture, which summarizes the main events of the Crisis highlighting, in particular, the role of the EU and other International Organizations in attempting to solve the situation.
The document discusses US-India relations over time. It notes that Kashmir remains a dispute and that recent US presidents have called for an end to attacks there. It describes the US wanting to strengthen ties with India to counterbalance China's influence. Under Clinton, trade opened up between the countries. Bush signed a civil nuclear deal with India, while Obama praised India as the world's largest democracy. The document argues the US should continue building strong relations to counter China and help India develop its economy and democracy.
The document summarizes key events of the Second Sino-Japanese War from 1931 to 1945. It describes how the Japanese invaded Manchuria in 1931 and continued pushing into China over subsequent years, with major battles including the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, the Battle of Shanghai, and the Rape of Nanking. While inflicting heavy casualties on the Chinese, the Japanese also suffered increasing losses as the war progressed. By 1941 the Chinese army had been largely destroyed, leaving China occupied until the end of World War II in 1945.
The document discusses the foreign policy of the United States in three phases: before 1945, after 1945, and after 9/11. It outlines the major objectives and instruments of US foreign policy in each phase. Before 1945, the US pursued isolationism and focused on security, promoting ethical values, and individual liberty. After 1945, it abandoned isolationism due to the bipolar world, military developments, and ideological differences. It expanded alliances, provided foreign aid, used sanctions, pursued open markets and free trade. After 9/11, countering terrorism became a major focus, through objectives like bringing terrorists to justice and promoting democracy.
1. The Manchurian Incident began in September 1931 when Japanese military officers bombed a railway in Manchuria and blamed Chinese troops to justify invading and taking control of the region from China.
2. An international commission determined that Japan did not act in self-defense, leading Japan to withdraw from the League of Nations in 1933.
3. The incident allowed Japan to establish the puppet state of Manchukuo and marked the beginning of Japanese expansionism in China.
The Chinese Civil War began in 1927 after the Nationalist Party (KMT) turned on their former Communist Party allies and executed them in Shanghai. This led to a split between the right and left KMT factions, with competing governments based in Nanjing, Wuhan, and Beijing. The war continued during the Japanese invasion in the 1930s, as the KMT and CPC refused to ally against Japan. Ultimately, the CPC defeated the KMT in 1949 due to corruption within the KMT and the CPC's promises of land reform that made them popular with peasants.
intro duction of freign policy of pakistan,foreign policy of pakistan with u.s.a,foreign policy of pakistan with china,foreign policy of pakistan with russia,foreign policy of pakistan with central asian countries..
The 1962 Sino-Indian War was caused by a dispute over the Himalayan border between China and India. India claimed the Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh regions were part of Kashmir, while China saw them as parts of Xinjiang. In 1962, India's forward policy led its army to cut Chinese supply lines and occupy disputed border areas, prompting China to launch attacks. Though China proposed a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, negotiations broke down, and fighting continued until China achieved its objectives and withdrew from the contested regions.
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, crossing the 38th parallel. The United States aided South Korea while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea. The war lasted until July 27, 1953 and resulted in approximately 10 million deaths. It divided the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel and created lasting political and economic effects.
0 – Introduction
1 – Without an economy, there is no thriving military power
2 - US military proliferation on the planet
2.1 - East and Oceania
2.2 – Europe
2.3 - Middle East
2.4 – Africa
2.5 – America
3 – USA, a fated evildoer
A dangerous circus right next door, in the middle eastGRAZIA TANTA
The greatest danger is that decadent states tend to not accept this decadence and cause disasters, without, preferentially, opting for hara-kiri.
Contents
Introducing the clowns
An erratic, chaotic pecking
Persian Gulf - many attackers for one target
Where are the threats?
Following World War II, tensions rose between the Western allies and the Soviet Union. The Soviets set up communist governments in Eastern Europe and cut off access to West Berlin. In response, the Western allies launched the Berlin Airlift to supply West Berlin by air. Over two years, the airlift delivered over 2 million tons of supplies until the Soviets lifted the blockade. The blockade increased tensions and led to the formation of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, cementing Europe's division between the communist East and capitalist West during the Cold War.
The document summarizes key events and developments in Europe during the interwar period following World War 1. It discusses the global economic imbalances that emerged, with the US as the leading power and European nations indebted. The Great Depression started with the 1929 Wall Street crash and led to widespread unemployment and economic crisis. Totalitarian regimes arose in Germany and Italy as democratic governments struggled with unrest. Nazi Germany established a totalitarian state under Hitler focused on racial ideology and rearmament for expansion.
The document summarizes the origins and key events of the Cold War between the USA and USSR from 1945-1949. It provides context on the ideological differences between capitalism and communism. It also outlines four perspectives from historians on what caused the rivalry, including disagreement over whether the USA or USSR was primarily responsible. Key events that exacerbated tensions included the Soviet expansion in Eastern Europe, the Truman Doctrine, development of nuclear weapons, and division of Germany and Korea along ideological lines.
The breakup of the Soviet Union, the largest country in size, in 1991 was one of the top five news of the 20th century
Caused by multiple reasons, it resulted in multi-dimensional consequences, short term as well as long term
Some of the consequences we are still witnessing even in the 21st century, some may be witnessed by the coming generations
This presentation is an attempt to analyse the causes of this momentous event and assess its far-reaching consequences
The Cold War, United States, USSR, Vietnam War, Korean War, Space Race, Nuclear Arms Race, Cuban Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs, Berlin Wall, Iron Curtain, Containment Policy, Marshall Plan, John F. Kennedy, Nikita Khrushchev, Detente, Red Scare, Ronald Reagan, Perestroika, Glasnost
classical views and summarized theories of geopolitics- Ratzel, Alfred Thayer Mahan, Halford Mackinder and Nicholas Spykman with criticism and contemporary relevance.
The Postulates on Russia’s Foreign Policy developed with the participation of the Russian International Affairs Council’s members and experts discuss Russia’s position in the international arena, the role of global challenges in shaping the foreign policy agenda and outline foreign policy priorities for the period from 2012 to 2018. The main purpose of the Postulates is to encourage a public discourse about new contours and orientation of Russia’s foreign policy and to devise the solutions to be protected against traditional and emerging security challenges.
The Korean Peninsula is located in East Asia between the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. The Korean War was fought throughout this land from 1950-1953. The 38th Parallel originally divided North and South Korea, but North Korean forces crossed it on June 25, 1950 to invade the South and start the war. In September 1950, the Battle of Inchon was a major victory for UN forces led by General Douglas MacArthur that recaptured Seoul from the North Korean People's Army. During the war, the US Air Force bombed North Korean railroads and infrastructure to disrupt their logistics, while President Syngman Rhee's South Korean government assassinated around 10,000 to 100,000 suspected communist sympathizers. After the
Comparative analysis of Russian foreign policy concepts (1993-2013)George Krechunyak
The document analyzes and compares the evolution of Russian foreign policy concepts from 1993 to 2013 through 4 key documents. It finds that while priorities have remained consistent around relations with the CIS and customs unions with former Soviet states, Russia's attitudes towards threats and international organizations like NATO and approach to promoting its national interests have changed significantly over time as its power and influence has grown. The most recent 2013 concept reflects Russia's view of an increasingly multipolar world and desire to play a more prominent global role.
Presentation I made for a lecture, which summarizes the main events of the Crisis highlighting, in particular, the role of the EU and other International Organizations in attempting to solve the situation.
The document discusses US-India relations over time. It notes that Kashmir remains a dispute and that recent US presidents have called for an end to attacks there. It describes the US wanting to strengthen ties with India to counterbalance China's influence. Under Clinton, trade opened up between the countries. Bush signed a civil nuclear deal with India, while Obama praised India as the world's largest democracy. The document argues the US should continue building strong relations to counter China and help India develop its economy and democracy.
The document summarizes key events of the Second Sino-Japanese War from 1931 to 1945. It describes how the Japanese invaded Manchuria in 1931 and continued pushing into China over subsequent years, with major battles including the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, the Battle of Shanghai, and the Rape of Nanking. While inflicting heavy casualties on the Chinese, the Japanese also suffered increasing losses as the war progressed. By 1941 the Chinese army had been largely destroyed, leaving China occupied until the end of World War II in 1945.
The document discusses the foreign policy of the United States in three phases: before 1945, after 1945, and after 9/11. It outlines the major objectives and instruments of US foreign policy in each phase. Before 1945, the US pursued isolationism and focused on security, promoting ethical values, and individual liberty. After 1945, it abandoned isolationism due to the bipolar world, military developments, and ideological differences. It expanded alliances, provided foreign aid, used sanctions, pursued open markets and free trade. After 9/11, countering terrorism became a major focus, through objectives like bringing terrorists to justice and promoting democracy.
1. The Manchurian Incident began in September 1931 when Japanese military officers bombed a railway in Manchuria and blamed Chinese troops to justify invading and taking control of the region from China.
2. An international commission determined that Japan did not act in self-defense, leading Japan to withdraw from the League of Nations in 1933.
3. The incident allowed Japan to establish the puppet state of Manchukuo and marked the beginning of Japanese expansionism in China.
The Chinese Civil War began in 1927 after the Nationalist Party (KMT) turned on their former Communist Party allies and executed them in Shanghai. This led to a split between the right and left KMT factions, with competing governments based in Nanjing, Wuhan, and Beijing. The war continued during the Japanese invasion in the 1930s, as the KMT and CPC refused to ally against Japan. Ultimately, the CPC defeated the KMT in 1949 due to corruption within the KMT and the CPC's promises of land reform that made them popular with peasants.
intro duction of freign policy of pakistan,foreign policy of pakistan with u.s.a,foreign policy of pakistan with china,foreign policy of pakistan with russia,foreign policy of pakistan with central asian countries..
The 1962 Sino-Indian War was caused by a dispute over the Himalayan border between China and India. India claimed the Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh regions were part of Kashmir, while China saw them as parts of Xinjiang. In 1962, India's forward policy led its army to cut Chinese supply lines and occupy disputed border areas, prompting China to launch attacks. Though China proposed a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, negotiations broke down, and fighting continued until China achieved its objectives and withdrew from the contested regions.
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea, crossing the 38th parallel. The United States aided South Korea while China and the Soviet Union supported North Korea. The war lasted until July 27, 1953 and resulted in approximately 10 million deaths. It divided the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel and created lasting political and economic effects.
0 – Introduction
1 – Without an economy, there is no thriving military power
2 - US military proliferation on the planet
2.1 - East and Oceania
2.2 – Europe
2.3 - Middle East
2.4 – Africa
2.5 – America
3 – USA, a fated evildoer
A dangerous circus right next door, in the middle eastGRAZIA TANTA
The greatest danger is that decadent states tend to not accept this decadence and cause disasters, without, preferentially, opting for hara-kiri.
Contents
Introducing the clowns
An erratic, chaotic pecking
Persian Gulf - many attackers for one target
Where are the threats?
- China has been building artificial islands in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea and claiming territory far beyond what international law allows. This has angered other countries that border the sea like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines.
- The South China Sea is a critical global trade route and may contain significant oil and gas resources, giving China strategic and economic incentives to control the area. However, its aggressive actions are exacerbating tensions.
- By ignoring international laws and treaties, China seeks to dominate the South China Sea, but its actions undermine stability in the region and its relations with neighbors. Investors would be wise to avoid the area due to these legal and political risks.
Heartland theory
History of Heartland Theory:
Theory of Heartland
1919 modifications
1943 modification and concept of Midland Basin
Why Eastern Europe
Importance
Success and failures
Containment
Criticism
RIMLAND THEORY
THEORY
Spykman’s division of the world
Mackinder vs Spykman
Criticism
Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in .docxhanneloremccaffery
Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in American History.
(Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1894).
I
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE FRONTIER IN AMERICAN HISTORY 1
In a recent bulletin of the Superintendent of the Census for 1890 appear these significant words:
"Up to and including 1880 the country had a frontier of settlement, but at present the unsettled area
has been so broken into by isolated bodies of settlement that there can hardly be said to be a frontier
line. In the discussion of its extent, its westward movement, etc., it can not, therefore, any longer
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/turner/chapter1.html#foot1
have a place in the census reports." This brief official statement marks the closing of a great historic
movement. Up to our own day American history has been in a large degree the history of the
colonization of the Great West. The existence of an area of free land, its continuous recession, and
the advance of American settlement westward, explain American development.
Behind institutions, behind constitutional forms and modifications, lie the vital forces that call
these organs into life and shape them to meet changing conditions. The peculiarity of American
institutions is, the fact that they have been compelled to adapt themselves to the changes of an
expanding people--to the changes involved in crossing a continent, in winning a wilderness, and
in developing at each area of this progress out of the primitive economic and political conditions
of the frontier into the complexity of city life. Said Calhoun in 1817, "We are great, and rapidly--
I was about to say fearfully--growing!", 2 So saying, he touched the distinguishing feature of
American life. All peoples show development; the germ theory of politics has been sufficiently
emphasized. In the case of most nations, however, the development has occurred in a limited area;
and if the nation has expanded, it has met other growing peoples whom it has conquered. But in
the case of the United States we have a different phenomenon. Limiting our attention to the
Atlantic coast, we have the familiar phenomenon of the evolution of institutions in a limited area,
such as the rise of representative government; into complex organs; the progress from primitive
industrial society, without division of labor, up to manufacturing civilization. But we have in
addition to this a recurrence of the process of evolution in each western area reached in the process
of expansion. Thus American development has exhibited not merely advance along a single line,
but a return to primitive conditions on a continually advancing frontier line, and a new
development for that area. American social development has been continually beginning over
again on the frontier. This perennial rebirth, this fluidity of American life, this expansion westward
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/turner/chapter1.html#foot2
...
The document discusses several Second World and developing countries/regions including Russia, Ukraine, Central Asia, Mexico, and the Arab world. It describes Russia's weakened economy and declining population despite its large energy exports. Ukraine struggles with defining its identity and improving its economy. Central Asia remains an area of geopolitical competition due to its location along the Silk Road and oil/gas resources. Mexico has struggled to develop into a First World country due to issues like poverty, drug trafficking, and economic dependence on the US. The Arab world also grapples with development challenges while dealing with tensions between Western influence and local political/cultural movements.
The Heartland Theory proposed by British geographer Halford Mackinder divided the world into three zones: the Heartland (Eurasia), the Inner Crescent (coastal regions surrounding the Heartland), and the Outer Crescent (remaining landmasses). Mackinder argued that whoever controlled the Heartland would control the world, and predicted power struggles between land and sea powers, with land powers ultimately prevailing. While the theory helped predict World Wars I and II, it oversimplified geopolitics and did not anticipate many later geopolitical developments.
The document summarizes key points from Parag Khanna's book "The Second World" about geopolitics and various countries and regions. It discusses how the book uses history to understand the present and future. It then provides highlights about the European Union as a powerful superstate, Russia's vulnerability due to its size and fragmentation, Turkey's strategic location and relations, and China's controversial occupation and control over Tibet and Xinjiang for their natural resources, which is akin to the US losing territory west of the Rockies.
The document summarizes key points from Parag Khanna's book "The Second World" about geopolitics and various countries and regions. It discusses how geopolitics looks to history to improve the future. It then summarizes Khanna's views on the EU as a rival superpower to the US. Next it discusses Russia as a fragmented state vulnerable to exploitation. It also briefly outlines Khanna's perspectives on Turkey, China's occupation of Tibet and Xinjiang, and includes the work cited.
- China views dominance over the South China Sea as strategically important for gaining access to the wider Pacific and Indian Ocean, allowing it to influence global trade routes and project power.
- If China gains control over the South China Sea, it could "Finlandize" countries like Vietnam and the Philippines by constraining their foreign policies to be more favorable to China's interests through economic and military pressure.
- The US faces the challenge of enforcing costs on China to prevent aggression in the South China Sea, while avoiding a direct military conflict that could damage the important US-China relationship.
Conceptual development of Heartland and Rimland theories with special referen...ZenicaBarnwal
Rimland and Heartland theories relevance in today's world with a case study of south china sea. With objectives of to provide a brief overview of the Heartland and the Rimland Theory and to highlight their key differences with a perspective of Eurasia.
To discuss relevance of Rimland in the present world with the help of a case study.
The document discusses the Civil War blockade established by the Union navy around Confederate ports. It was initially ineffective with only 36 ships but grew to include 150 ships added weekly. Some blockade runners were able to get supplies through for the Confederacy, but they could not destroy the expanding Union navy blockade. Later, the Confederacy built ironclad ships like the Virginia but the Union Monitor defeated it in battle, maintaining the blockade. Ultimately the blockade cut off much of the South's international trade and supply lines, weakening the Confederate war effort over time.
- War clouds are gathering as Russia threatens to invade Ukraine and China flexes its muscles on the Indian border. Both countries have rebuilt their economies and militaries while Western powers have aging equipment.
- China and Russia want to show strength domestically and see Western treaties as having truncated their nations. They have penetrated infrastructure overseas and tested new weapons.
- The global power balance has shifted eastward as Western nations ceded manufacturing and technology to Asia. A future world war would likely be in Asia between East and West. India would struggle to fight on multiple fronts against China and Pakistan.
- War clouds are gathering as Russia threatens to invade Ukraine and China flexes its muscles on the India-China border. Both countries have rebuilt their economies and militaries while Western powers have aging equipment.
- China and Russia want to show strength domestically and see Western treaties as having truncated their nations. They have penetrated Western systems through cyber and economic means.
- The global power balance has shifted eastward as Western nations ceded manufacturing and technology to Asia. A future world war would likely be in Asia between East and West. India would struggle to fight on multiple fronts against China and Pakistan.
This is presented during a session "Strategic cultures" at the symposium “Lessons of 1914 for the future of Asia” on 14-15 July 2014 held at Temple University Japan Campus. This symposium is organized by Andreas Herberg-Rothe, Faculty of social and cultural studies, University of Applied Sciences Fulda, Germany and supported by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Japan.
This document provides background information on the conflict between China and Vietnam in 1979. It discusses the long history of conflict and domination between the two countries dating back thousands of years. China occupied Vietnam for 1,000 years and was the greatest threat to Vietnam's sovereignty and identity. There were many Vietnamese rebellions against Chinese rule led by heroes like Trieu Da and the Trung sisters. The document then discusses how the two countries formed an alliance in the 20th century against Western colonial powers, but that their alliance was abnormal and tensions remained based on historical geopolitical and racial animosities. It sets up how these tensions would later erupt into the brief Sino-Vietnamese war of 1979.
UC at Boulder the Significance of The Frontier to American.pdfsdfghj21
This document discusses Frederick Jackson Turner's 1893 paper on the significance of the American frontier to history. It provides excerpts from Turner's paper describing how the frontier shaped American development and institutions as settlers moved westward across North America. Turner argues that the frontier was the most effective force in Americanizing immigrants and that each new frontier area served as a guide for those following, with settlements evolving in similar ways. The availability of free land on the frontier promoted rapid growth and the formation of a unified American nationality and culture.
Discussion Board description (500 Words)· In the readings thusLyndonPelletier761
Discussion Board description (500 Words)
· In the readings thus far, the text identified many early American interests in the Middle East from geopolitical to missionary.
· Using the text and your own research, compare these early interests with contemporary American interests in the Middle East.
1. In particular, how has becoming 1) a global hegemon after WWII and 2) the concurrent process of ‘secularization’ transformed American foreign policy thought and behavior toward Israel and the Middle East region generally?
2. What themes have remained constant and what appear new?
3. Would you attribute changes more to America’s new geopolitical role after WWII, or to the increasing secularization of American society?
Explain carefully and think critically.
Chapter 13
EMPIRES AT DAWN
AWAKENING AT SUNRISE ON JULY 11, 1882, THE INHABITANTS of Alexandria, Egypt, could see an ominous line of silhouettes stretched across the Mediterranean’s horizon. Word of the mirage-like sight filtered quickly through the city and soon throngs of curious citizens gathered on the docks. Peasants, clerks, and merchants gazed wordlessly out at the specter hovering just beyond the harbor, while platoons of anxious artillerymen scurried around their guns. Many of them understood that the history of their nation, if not that of the entire Middle East, was about to be altered. The political upheavals that had long shaken Egypt, fracturing its pride and its dreams of independence, were erupting.
The tremors had intensified over a three-year period, during which the European powers declared Egypt insolvent, ousted Khedive Isma’il, and installed the more malleable Tawfiq. This flagrant interference in Egyptian affairs sparked opposition from the swelling ranks of Egyptian nationalists led by a charismatic colonel, Ahmad ‘Urabi. Of peasant stock and a strict Islamic background, the brawny, broad-nosed, and mustachioed ‘Urabi was Egypt’s highest-ranking native officer. Vowing “Egypt for the Egyptians,” he sought to oust the Turkish elite that still controlled the army and free Egypt of all its foreign debts. The khedive and his European creditors consequently conspired to have ‘Urabi arrested. The colonel would not be silenced, however, and by 1882, he was threatening to unseat the khedive. Riots in support of ‘Urabi broke out in Cairo and Alexandria and spread toward the Suez Canal. Fearing for the safety of its nationals in Egypt and, above all, for the security of its precious canal, Britain resolved to intervene.
The phantomlike forms aligned off Egypt’s coast that July morning gradually came into focus: British battleships. At precisely 6:50 a.m., blinding flashes suddenly illuminated their decks. Seconds later, with deafening shrieks and numbing explosions, salvos of large-caliber shells smashed into the twisting alleys and elegant parks of Alexandria. The spectators on the docks instantly scattered and the city’s famously bustling streets emptied. But the Egyptian ar ...
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4. Author
Timothy John Marshall (born 1 May 1959) is a British journalist, author
and broadcaster, specializing in foreign affairs and international
diplomacy.
He has written seven books including Prisoners of Geography.
Other titles include The Power of Geography a #2 Sunday Times
bestseller; Shadow play: The Inside Story Of Europe's Last War,
And 2018 Sunday Times bestseller Divided: Why We’re Living In An Age
Of Walls.
Marshall is founder and editor of news web
platform thewhatandthewhy.com, a site for journalists, politicians,
foreign affairs analysts and enthusiasts to share their views on world
news events.
4
5. Introduction
Tim Marshall begins his article by stating that “the land on which we live
has always shaped us.”
He explains how the geography of a place affects politics and warfare.
The book describes how geography—mountains, plains, rivers, coastlines,
climate and natural resources—shape the fate of nations.
It also considers how other influences—religion, culture language and
ethnicity–interact with local geography.
5
6. Cont.
For example, Russia is worried about Ukraine because
it’s mostly flat and open; this allows for enemies to
attack from any direction.
In contrast, China and India have never fought each
other because they are separated by high mountains.
Tim Marshall has identified the key geopolitical issues
facing all the world's key continents and regions.
Only the Antarctica and Oceania are not discussed.
6
7. Chapter 1 ( Russia)
Russia is the vastest expanse of land constituting a
state making up 11 time zones and roughly more
than twice the size of the United States.
Russia can be dissected into two parts; European
Russia separated by Ural mountains and Siberia or
Asian Russia.
Most of the Russian population lives in the European
side, more densely congregated around the city of
Moscow.
Russia is hostile in the Baltics due to the fear of
Western assault.
If Putin is worried about western Europe coming in
through flatlands because of the limited capability
Russia has to push them back.
7
8. Cont.
The author argues that Russian geography is a double-edged sword,
pointing specifically to the Northern European point between Poland and
Moscow
And presents Poland as a narrow corridor in which Russia could drive its
armed forces to prevent any enemy advancing towards Moscow.
Russia has never been conquered since the Northern European gap begins
to expand beyond a certain point
And it becomes difficult even for a large army to efficiently execute their
actions out in the wide open terrain
Example: Germany and Napoleon attack failed to conquer Russia.
8
9. Cont.
Author points out Russia’s major weakness in the form of not
having a warm water port.
That is primarily why Russia annexed Crimea to have access to the
port of Sevastopol.
But even if Russia takes Sevastopol, they need to go through
Bosphorous strait which is controlled by Turkey to reach Aegean
Sea to reach the strait of Gibraltar which is controlled by Spain.
Both Turkey and Spain are members of NATO and EU so this
option adds to the difficulties of Russia.
Russia approached Afghanistan in 1979, most probably to have a
warm water port.
The author also stated that Gas and Oil are the real weapons of
Russia and not nukes since most Central European some West
European states are reliant on Russia for energy sources.
Lastly, author states that there is a sharp decline in Russian
population and Putin is facing the same challenges of frozen
ports.
9
10. Chapter 2
china
China’s borders are delineated by its natural formations such as the Tibetan
Plateau, Himalayas jungles deserts and Pacific Ocean even while it is able to
reach out to other parts of the world through trade and military might.
China is country both blessed and cursed by its waste geography
China is a civilization pretending to be a nation.
China is afraid of India and water shortages, so they keep a hold on Tibet.
If China allows Tibet independence, India could easily invade China and lose a
major water supply.
The Yellow River is to China what the Nile is to Egypt – the cradle of its
civilization, where its people learnt to farm, to make paper and gunpowder.
To the north of this proto-China were the harsh lands of the Gobi Desert in
what is now Mongolia.
To the west the land gradually rises until it becomes the Tibetan Plateau,
reaching to the Himalayas. To the south-east and south lies the sea.
10
11. Cont.
If we look at China’s modern borders we see a great power now confident that it is
secured by its geographical features, which lend themselves to effective defense and
trade.
In the north we see the 2,906-mile-long border with Mongolia. Gobi desert provides a
defensive line to china.
Next door, to the east, is China’s border with Russia, which runs all the way to the
Pacific Ocean – or at least the Sea of Japan subdivision of it.
Continuing clockwise, we come to the next land borders: Vietnam, Laos and Burma.
Vietnam is an irritation for China.
Vietnam is only a minor threat and a problem that can be managed.
The border with Laos is hilly jungle terrain, difficult for traders to cross – and even more
complicated for the military.
As they move clockwise to Burma, the jungle hills become mountains until at the
western extreme they are approaching 20,000 feet and beginning to merge into the
Himalayas.
11
12. Cont.
This brings us to Tibet and its importance to China. The Himalayas run the length of the
Chinese–Indian border before descending to become the Karakorum Range bordering
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
This is called the natural great wall of china.
Very little trade has moved between China and India over the centuries, and that is
unlikely to change soon. Of course the border is really the Tibetan–Indian border – and
that is precisely why China has always wanted to control it.
Tibet is a bulwark for china against Indian attack.
This would give India the commanding heights of the Tibetan Plateau and a base from
which to push into the Chinese heartland, as well as control of the Tibetan sources of
three of China’s great rivers, the Yellow, Yangtze and Mekong, which is why Tibet is
known as ‘China’s Water Tower’.
12
13. Cont.
Finally the clock hand moves round past the borders with Pakistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan (all
mountainous) before reaching the border with Kazakhstan, which leads back round north to
Mongolia.
This is the ancient Silk Route, the trade land bridge from the Middle Kingdom to the world.
it’s a weak spot in China’s defence, a gap between the mountains and desert; but it is far from the
heartland, the Kazakhs are in no position to threaten China, and Russia is several hundred miles
distant.
In the case of China's giant northwest Xinjiang Province, the geographic factor is focused outward.
Here, the emphasis is not on how geography has shaped the local Muslim Uighur population and
their landscape
The external dynamics generated by Xinjiang's location bordering eight other nations, and as an
unruly Province of Han dominated China.
Therefore, Xinjiang is disintegrated with center and descended into chaos.
13
14. Critique on chapter 2
The US-China relations have been looked at through traditional lens of
security. The dynamics of 21st century go beyond the arms race and power
struggle.
Despite the argument that the western democratic norms do not
essentially comply with the Chinese civilization, the western narrative has
been implied while looking at the conflict state in East Asia. (Incoherence)
The concluding argument “China is danger to itself” is weak, obscure and
not supported with facts.
14
15. (Chapter 3) US
Chapter 3 examines the United States, a nation with many
resources and good geography. It has generally enjoyed stability
because of its common language and heritage.
50 states but one nation; owing to the historical reasons and
geographical realities.
Divided into three parts;
East coast plain leading to the Appalachian mountains, great plains
stretching all the way to the rocky mountains and over the mountains
lies the desert leading to the Sierra Nevada mountains and then to the
shores of Pacific ocean.
Geographically invulnerable
Has an access to the Pacific (transcontinental treaty 1819)
and Atlantic.
Mighty blue water navy adds to the strength.
15
16. cont.
Guns and good geographical locations make the United States untouchable.
With only two friendly countries bordering it, the US is in a good geographical
location. Any invasion from Canada or Mexico would mean long supply chains for
those countries.
In world war 2 the US finally claimed its position on the global chessboard.
The US took control of almost all the British naval bases in the western hemisphere.
Replaced the great Britain as the great power.
Nationalistic Europe and Soviet defeat in the cold war left US as the sole world power
with only China to tackle.
It will take a whole century for China to surpass US. (Tim Marshall)
The assumptions on the decline of US are factually incorrect. (Marshall)
16
17. Critique
The historical reasons for geographical make-up of the
modern United states are comprehensively explained.
The US adventures on the world stage are projected in the
light of Democratic peace theory which reflects a biased
approach to the debate.
The future of US-China rivalry is understood through
conventional approach. (Flawed)
The non-traditional domain has been overlooked.
17
18. Chapter 4 ( western Europe)
Chapter 4 looks at Europe, which is divided by
mountains and rivers, contributing to separate
nations with different languages and cultures that are
prone to war.
Europe’s major rivers do not meet. This partly
explains why there are so many countries in what is a
relatively small space.
Therefore, rivers acts boundaries between many
countries.
Northern Europe is better located geographically
than southern Europe.
18
19. Cont.
Southern countries do not have fertile lands and rely heavily
on trade to maintain their food supply.
Due to geography, however, some areas of Europe have
thrived more than others
The Northern European Plain gifted France, Belgium, the
Netherlands, and Germany with good soil and a wealth of
crops.
Because of the surplus of crops and goods, northern
Europe was associated with hard work and developed big
cities of commerce.
19
20. Chapter 5 ( Africa )
Chapter 5 discusses the many challenges that Africa has
faced, such as geographic barriers and political borders.
The north is covered with a desert, while the south is full of
jungles.
There are also mountains in the middle of the continent.
A home to one of the beautiful coastline and beaches, as well
as legendary rivers, African geography has stunning yet
impractical waterways.
With limited scope to develop these shores into economic
hub, as they sharply turn into waterfall, divided the land of
Africa into sub- sections.
The magnificent Zambezi river, the largest river in the region
connecting six countries, gradually punctuated into
breathtaking waterfall.
These factors have made it hard for Africans to develop their
land and prosper economically.
20
21. Cont.
Africa’s waterways, while gorgeous, are simply not efficient.
Contact between countries is limited because of the lack of efficient water
systems.
Geography has given Africa beautiful but impractical waterways.
The relationship Africa has with its oceans and waterways is a complex and
frustrating one, and this isn’t just as a result of its vast deserts.
The impracticality of Africa’s rivers as useful trade routes has made both
trade and contact between the continent’s different regions very limited.
In turn, significantly hindered economic development across the continent
and prevented major trade routes from forming.
21
22. Cont.
The unwieldiness of African rivers as useful trade routes made both trade and
contact between the continent’s different regions restricted. This has, in turn,
significantly hindered economic development across the continent and
prevented major trade routes from forming.
But with the globalized world order, and European engineered projects, the same
rivers are converted into hydropower mega projects.
The mining of minerals and oil production further enriches the regions.
Nevertheless, corruption along with miss governance remains the eminent
reason for limited development of the region.
The regions also faced some of the hot-bed conflict zone areas including
Somalia, Nigeria and Sudan.
22
23. Chapter 6 ( Middle East )
Chapter 6 explores the Middle East, where
mountains and deserts alternate. Borders also
create conflict in this region.
The Political and Domestic condition of the
Middle East, simply be summed-up into
following lines, “The Europeans used ink to draw
lines on maps; they were lines that did not exist
and created some of the most artificial borders
the world has seen. An attempt is now being
made to redraw them in blood”
The colonial powers drew artificial borders on
paper, completely ignoring the physical realities
of the region.
23
24. Cont.
The geographical landscape of the region consist of vast desserts, oases, snow-covered mountains,
long rivers, great cities and coastal plains
The region gained importance mainly due to very two reasons; oil and ethnic violence
Birthplace of three monotheist religions, the region now host most Muslims, with limited population
of Jews and Christians.
Perhaps the greatest division within the region is between the Muslim community, i.e., Sunni
Muslims and Shia Muslims.
This ethnic division shapes the demography's of the regions and play a larger role in the greater
game of politics and power.
Separatist movements within the region further harbor the war-prone elements, including Kurdish
issue and Palestine issue.
International involvement within the region, also makes it a part of larger global game.
24
25. Chapter 7(Pakistan and India)
Chapter 7 focuses on Pakistan and India, which have fought
over the Kashmir region for decades whereas other internal
pressures are present as well.
Writer describes both states as prisoners of geography
because of dysfunctional and false boundary lines and
disputes between them by colonial power.
Pakistan is geographically, economically, demographically and
militarily weaker than India. Its national identity is also not as
strong.
India, despite its size, cultural diversity, and secessionist
movements, has built a solid secular democracy with a unified
sense of Indian identity.
25
26. Cont.
Pakistan is an Islamic state with a history of dictatorship and populations
whose loyalty is often more to their cultural region than to the state.
India and Pakistan can agree on one thing: neither wants the other one
around” aptly pointed out by Marshall
This chapter was filled with Pak-India Relationships with their neighboring
countries, major wars, comparison of both, Formation of Dhaka, Secularism of
India and democracy in Pakistan and Kashmir issue.
This chapter describes the past, present and future rivalries between these two
states, and refers to the involvement of China and the United States in the
region.
26
27. critique
Marshall has made several statements on historical events, however, he
seldom explains them.
His historical narrative often dilute the geographical narrative he wishes to
deliver in the chapter.
The maps in the chapter have not been marked in detail to clearly explain the
author’s narrative.
27
28. Chapter 8
Chapter 8 discusses Japan. North and South Korea.
Geography has gifted North Korea with hills, while
there’s flat land in South Korea all the way to Seoul.
Therefore, if North Korea were to launch a surprise
attack, their army could move quite easily over the
flat terrain and into the heart of the enemy’s capital
city.
On the other hand, if South Korea were to launch a
surprise attack, it would immediately hit a series of
geographical speed bumps that would slow down
ground troops and make them vulnerable to attack.
28
29. Cont.
Tim Marshall drew a comparison between North and South Korea, and he also tells the reason why
America threw bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Moreover, relationships between Tokyo and Seoul are also explained.
Korea was divided after World War II, but they rely on alliances with larger nations to preserve a precarious
peace.
Tension between the Koreas is well known to the world and the author describes the origins of the Hermit
kingdom and the lack of strategy from the USA in dealing with the problem
The author notes that the geographical barriers of Japan caused it to militarize in the first half of the
twentieth century.
Consequently, Japan was punished by the Western world, which brought its economy and industrial
development to its knees.
The Japanese post-war stance is described in detail and the author contends the increasing Japanese
defense budget displays the intent of resolve against Chinese threats.
29
30. critique
Concerning Korea and Japan, not much reference is made to
the geographical layout and characteristics that shape this
region, as in the other chapters
The chapter lacks an in-depth analysis of major conflict events.
30
31. Chapter 9 ( Latin America)
Chapter 9 covers the difficulties of Latin America.
The Amazon rainforest is not being conserved,
and land for farming has been limited because of
a growing population.
The River Amazon may be navigable in parts, but
its banks are muddy and the surrounding land
makes it difficult to build on. This problem, too,
seriously limits the amount of profitable land
available.
To top it off, there’s also political neglect in this
region.
31
32. critique
Apart from geographical factor, writer has missed to mention
that the sole cause of Latin America disparity is US role to
marginalize them wholly.
US fear and counter measures to mitigate threats from Latin
American countries is also one of the major cause of decline
which writer has missed.
32
33. Chapter 10
Artic
This chapter focus on another region that’s important to global
warming: the Arctic Ocean.
Global warming has melted ice caps, opening up new areas for
mining and drilling.
This area is now becoming a point of conflict over resource
extraction as well.
The word ‘arctic’ comes from the Greek artikos, which means
‘near the bear’.
The Arctic is a global, not just a regional, issue.
The Arctic Ocean is 5.4 million square miles; this might make it
the world’s smallest ocean but it is still almost as big as Russia,
and one and a half times the size of the USA.
33
34. Cont.
Arctic region includes land in parts of Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden
and the USA (Alaska)
The effects of the melting ice won’t just be felt in the Arctic: countries as far away as the Maldives,
Bangladesh and the Netherlands are at risk of increased flooding as the ice melts and sea levels rise.
There are twelve other nations with Permanent Observer status having recognized the ‘Arctic States’
sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction’ in the region, among other criteria.
There currently are at least nine legal disputes and claims over sovereignty in the Arctic Ocean, all
legally complicated.
Russia, meanwhile, is building an Arctic Army. Six new military bases are being constructed and
several mothballed Cold War installations.
Perhaps the Arctic will turn out to be just another battleground for the nation states.
34
35. Personal opinion
The book has profoundly explained the tens maps.
I would call Prisoners of Geography both essential reading for beginners and
veterans of the geopolitical, international relations and military history world.
However, Due to emerging role of global agents like youth culture, technological
advancement and mega urban culture has surpassed nations' landscape.
The writer has not blamed great powers for geographical asymmetry and down
fall due to great powers interest.
Somehow, writer has provided shallow view to geopolitics because the geography
can’t be the sole cause of rise and fall of nations after all.
Moreover, writer has presented a neoliberal and pro-US narrative.
He has denied the down fall of US and declared US a kind of never-ending
empire.
35
36. Conclusion
Geography has always been a prison of sorts – one that defines what a nation
is or can be, and one from which our world leaders have often struggled to
break free.
As the twenty-first century progresses, the geographical factors that have
helped determine our history will mostly continue to determine our future.
Societies are inevitably shaped by the land upon which they exist.
Of course geography does not dictate the course of all events. but
Geography will determine the nature of the fight. Whether to go over the
mountains or to launch nuclear weapons.
36
37. Cont.
Natural resources and geographic features can provide safety and prosperity or leave
a country’s citizens exposed and struggling.
Although modern technology now allows us to bend the rules of geography.
It still remains crucial to understanding why nations have turned out the way they are
today.
New geographical realities such as climate change present new opportunities and
challenges.
despite of new technologies and control of outer space. Geography remains the
salient factor for a country to rule and survive.
37