Geopolitical conflict and Sudan's north-south division

¶ … geopolitics" refers to the influence of factors such as geography and the economy on the political paradigms of an area. This particularly concerns the foreign policy of a country.

Friedrich Ratzel, a German geographer, is credited with the development of the concept of geopolitics. He developed ideas around the frontier that suggested it as a zone of transition rather than a definitely defined boundary. He also contributed the concept of "life-space." Related to the idea of the frontier, this concept relates to the infinite movement of life within the borders of the country. According to this idea, the most powerful species, individuals, or groups will enlarge their life-space by absorbing the life-space of others within the boundaries of the territory.

Ratzel also addressed expansionism in terms of the sea. According to Ratzel, the sea can only be used for expansion by a people with a culture that is truly magnificent. In this way, Ratzel's contribution to geopolitics related to the ability of nations to invade and dominate each other. His extensive works drew heavily on Darwinism and the idea of German superiority. His work influence the leading schools of geography that were established after his time.

Although South Sudan has seceded from the northern part of the country as a measure to resolve the dispute between the two, the countries continue to be fraught by conflict as a result of unresolved issues. The country was divided in 2011 after a majority vote for independence in the South. There are, however, several secession issues that remain outstanding and the source of conflict in the country.

Past conflict in Sudan took the form of two civil wards between the north and south, in which some 1.5 million people were killed. In the western region of Darfur, two million people were displaced a further 200,000 were killed.