Often underestimated, but of great importance: the geography of geopolitics. In fact, this underestimation is very striking, since “geo” in geopolitics refers to geography. Geographical factors have a huge influence on (geo)political developments. To gain more insight into this, our analysts Michaloliákos and Lachmipersad gave an interactive lecture to a very special audience: the Top Defence Training (TDV).
Top Defence Training (TDV)
The TDV is a postgraduate programme that teaches students to become aware of trends and developments in the world and their influence on and by the Defence organisation. This is done with the constitutional main tasks of the armed forces in mind. Eligible candidates are:
- Military personnel in the rank of colonel with a so-called appointability statement to flag or senior officer.
- Colonels who are expected to be nominated for this appointment decision in the near future.
- Civilian employees who work in other departments and who are expected to progress to scale 16 and above.
From map to conflict: the geographical dimension of geopolitics
Our analysts Lachmipersad and Michaloliákos raised the following issues, among others:
- Numerous current examples, conflicts and developments that clearly illustrate the influence of geography on geopolitics
- The geographical vulnerabilities of Europe
- How do geographical factors influence our perception of security and the Russian security doctrine?
- Geography as the basis and limitation of cultural-political developments and even state formation
- The influence of the “degree of mobility” on identity and state formation
- To what extent and, if so, how does geography influence the likelihood of democratisation in countries?
- The role and complexity of centre-periphery thinking and strategic depth as determinants of geopolitical decision-making
- Geopolitics is the weaponization of everything. What relatively new danger looms with the “weaponisation” of trade routes?
Interested in a lecture or masterclass on the “geography of geopolitics” or another geopolitical topic? Feel free to contact us without obligation.