the.com/geopolitics
Countries arguing over maps, pretending it's about principles and not pipelines.
means The study of how geography, power, and resources shape the behavior and conflicts of nations.
from Built from Greek 'geo' (earth) and 'politika' (affairs of state), the word was coined around the turn of the 20th century as thinkers started arguing that maps—not just ideologies—drive national ambition. It later got dragged through some ugly territory, used to justify expansionist theories in the early 20th century, before settling into its modern, more neutral role as shorthand for 'why that country really cares about that strait, pipeline, or mountain pass.'
- core logic
- geography is destiny, borders are just arguments with armies
- favorite move
- calling your interests values and theirs aggression
- best predictor
- who controls the strait, river, or chokepoint
- dirty secret
- alliances are rentals, not marriages