Three Theoretical Approaches in Study of Geopolitics

¶ … geopolitics in today's world. Specifically it will discuss three theoretical approaches to geopolitics the class has studied. The three approaches are Makinder's approach to geopolitics in Eurasia and the "pivot principle," Harrison's theory of the polar-projection, globe vs. map theory, and the Thomas Barnett theory of the power of terrorism and fear and its effect on the world's cartography. Geopolitics has grown in importance and influence since the turn of the 20th century, and there are many theories and approaches to how the world interacts together, both politically and geographically.

Makinder's theory revolved around his idea of the "Heartland," an interior area in Eurasia dominated by Russia and Germany. He believed that rather than sea power, railroads would arm the armies and countries of the future, where they had relied on sea traffic before. He also believed that whoever controlled this "Heartland" had the potential to dominate the world's politics and future, and in this, his theory seemed to prove itself correct in the initial stages of World War II. The text notes, "Successive imperial entities had fought for control of this region, which would now be equated with modern-day Siberia and Central Asia" (TEXT AUTHOR HERE). He felt this area was a "geographical pivot," and that it would be an area of constant struggle for domination throughout history. He believed this pivot point dominated the entire world, which he called the "World Island," and that whoever controlled this area would dominate the world. The Frank Capra film The Nazi Strike used this theme in an attempt to convince Americans entry into World War II was necessary. Makinder's theory certainly had merit, and this was clear during World War II, when Germany sought to take over the Heartland and thus rule the entire globe.

Richard Edes Harrison was another influential geographer with his own important theories in geopolitics. His theory used polar-projection maps to create an idea that the world was interconnected because it was a sphere, and that countries "on the other side of the world," such as Russia, really were not all that far away on the map, especially utilizing routes over the poles that considerably shortened geographic distances. He was a great supporter of using globes rather than maps to educate and inform, and he helped shift mapmaking from the Mercator projection to the polar projection. The Arctic became the central landmass in European and American defense, and that is one reason radar defense facilities stretch around the globe in the Arctic Circle area (the DEW line). Again, Harrison's theory had merit, because it indicated the world was really a much smaller place than most people imagined, and that a threat from the Soviet Union was really not that far away.

Finally, Thomas Barnett developed a geopolitical approach to the post 9/11 world by creating a map that was divided simply between gap and core. His map, which appeared shortly after the September 11 terrorist attacks, indicated a world ruled by power and fear, and the growing importance of both cooperation and military might. This is a world of satellite mapping, political and geographical power. It is becoming increasingly dangerous, as the terrorist attacks clearly indicate. Barnett's is the least developed theory to be addressed, but it is a powerful theory because it is so relevant today, and many of the geopolitical concerns affecting the world today relate to it, from arms sales to oil prices and even global warming. These are all events that do not affect one country, they threaten all the countries, and that is an important element of geopolitics. The countries of the world are really not separate, although they might like to think they are. They are linked together through politics, geography, economics and society, and they need to learn to get along with each other, rather than remaining separatist and elitist.