geopolitikát

Geopolitika, a compound of "geo" (earth) and "politics", refers to the study of the influence of geography on international politics and international relations. It examines how physical features such as landmasses, coastlines, climate, and natural resources shape a state's foreign policy, its military strategy, and its relationships with other nations.

The concept gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with thinkers like Halford Mackinder and Alfred Thayer Mahan. Mackinder's "Heartland theory" suggested that control over Eastern Europe and Central Asia was key to global domination, while Mahan emphasized the importance of naval power and control of sea lanes. Geopolitics considers factors like strategic locations, access to trade routes, and the possession of vital resources as significant drivers of state behavior and power dynamics on the global stage.

In contemporary times, geopolitics continues to be a relevant framework for understanding international affairs. It helps analyze conflicts, alliances, and the distribution of power, taking into account not only physical geography but also economic geography, demographic trends, and environmental concerns. The study of geopolitics seeks to explain why states act as they do, considering their geographical context and its implications for their interests and survival in an interconnected world.