GEOGRAPHY AND

STRATEGY

GEO-STRATEGY

Definition of Geo-strategy
A

subfield of geopolitics, is
a type of foreign policy
guided
principally
by
geographical factors as they
inform, constraint, or affect
political
and
military
planning.

Definition of Geo-strategy

Geopolitics = each event is different and

politics is the expression of the humans wish
to live together.

Politics takes place among time and space

How territories got influence on men and how

men can transform their territories ?

For geopolitics, understanding politics requires

a collection of data such as territories, natural
resources, distances, needs.

To realize a geo strategy

A mix

The Concept of Geo-strategy

The Concept of Geo-strategy

The concept of geo-strategy has long been central to

political and military strategy.

Nowadays, geo-strategy is an often used term in

international relations, stressing the combined factors
of strategic goals and geographic considerations.

Chinese and Western definitions of geo-strategy have

one obvious difference.

The Chinese view geo-strategy as comprehensive, long

term, and righteous. Chinese President Xi Jinping
emphasizes that the basic tenet of diplomacy with
neighbours is to treat them as friends and partners, to
make them feel safe , and to help them develop.

The Concept of Geo-strategy

Many Westerners emphasize the military and political

aspects of geo-strategy.

USA through Jakub J. Grygiel defines geo-strategy as a

situation in which a state concentrates its efforts by
projecting military power and directing diplomatic
activity.

EU through James Rogers and Luis Simon hold that geostrategy focuses on the military control of key locations
with the support of an alliance system.

While definitions and concepts may vary, ALL AGREE ON

THE CENTRALITY OF NATIONAL INTERESTS AND
CAPABILITIES.

National interests serve as the basis for geo-strategy

around the world.

The Four Forces of Geo-strategy

Geo-strategy involves power

struggle

Fighting legitimates mens power.

Conquest of territory is sign of power.

Are all power the same?

Why US is a big power ? Why USSR was a

poor power?

To elaborate geo-strategy

Power depends on two factors:

Independent factors : quality of territory, climate, natural

resources, quality and number of men;

Dependent factors : role of elites, economical structures,

and social structures.

To understand the mechanism of power, we need to evaluate

situation.
Each situation is unique.
Why USSR collapsed in 1991, France in 1940 or US in Vietnam
in the 60s
and 70s?

Power struggle process

Elements of power struggle process

Men

Money: how much it costs ? Who pays? How?

Ideas, religion, cultures.

Main Trends

International Relations;

Military Dimension;

Resources and Environment;

Economy;

Demography;

Health;

Cultural and Societies.

International Relations

1- Multipolarity and high diversity of players;

2- International system;

3-Political fragmentation;

4-Interstate conflicts should not be ruled out;

5-The United States will maintain their

prominence in all fields: military, economic and
technological;

6-The relatively weight of the EU in the world

will weaken due to the rise in power of other
players and internal factors (low economic
growth and population increase)

Military Dimension

1- Conflicts;

2- Regional troublemakers;

3- Terrorists;

4- Beyond their defence and security

role, armed forces will be called upon
for actions of all natures;

5- The US hegemony;

6- China, Russia and India.

Resources and Environment

1-Population
2-Food

increase;

crises;

3-Energy;
4-Control

of energy sources;

5-

Secure access;

6-

Extreme natural phenomena.

Economy
1-

The second wave of

globalization;

2-

The growth of world economy;

3-

The developing countries;

4-

Inequality;

5-

The super powers.

Health
1-

Health expenses;

2-

An increase of degenerative
illness;

3-

The appearance of pandemics

4-

The bioterrorist threat

Technologies
1-

As instruments of power;

2-

The US will try to maintain

their technological
supremacy;

3-

To develop military-type
applications

Cultural and Societies

1-Europe;
2-

Structuring of the world space;

3-State;
4-

Religions;

5-

National identity; and

6-

The rise of multiple identities.

Thank You