This paper examines the relationship between geography and international relations, using Spain as a primary case study. It begins by defining geography and its two main branches — physical and human — before demonstrating how geographical factors such as location, natural resources, and climate influence a country's behavior in the international arena. Drawing on examples from the Gulf states and Russia, the paper illustrates how geography can generate leverage in foreign policy. It then applies this framework to Spain, analyzing how its Atlantic and Mediterranean access, proximity to Africa, Pyrenean border, climate, arable land, and population size collectively shape its economic, political, and security role in Europe and beyond.
Ranging from the geographically strategic location of a country to its presence along energy transport or key commercial routes to the presence of natural resources, geography influences the way a country is likely to act in the international environment, the positions and alliances it will form, and the leverage it will benefit from in its relations with other actors. The geography of a country forms the basic characteristics for that country and the profile it can and will adopt in the international arena.
Geography is "the science of place and space" (AAG, 2006) and can be split into two main branches: human geography and physical geography (AAG, 2006). These two branches are strongly interconnected in that the latter is the premise for the former. Important elements of physical geography — such as geomorphology, hydrology, and landscape ecology — determine relevant aspects of human geography, such as economic geography, demography, and tourism geography. What the Earth offers in a given country or territory is likely to determine the behavior of the population settling there, the direction of development it will pursue, and the branches of the economy in which it will be able to specialize.
Geography therefore plays an essential part in international relations and, by extension, in international studies. The examples in the 21st century are numerous. Much of the external policy of the Gulf states, as well as the positions of other states (notably the United States) toward these countries, is shaped by two important issues — both components of human geography: the strategic location of these countries and their natural resources, primarily oil.
The first factor is related to the presence of these countries in an area with a constant potential for conflict: the Middle East. Their presence there assures participation in the peace process, as well as a potential role as mediator — one that is likely to raise their country profile and increase their capacity to use this mediating role as leverage for securing and supporting other national interests.
The second factor raises their profile in the international arena to an even greater degree. Their capacity to set and regulate oil prices and, especially, oil supply, leads other countries to seek them as allies. This is a clear example of how geography shapes international relations and why it must be a component of international studies.
On the other hand, geography also sometimes dictates or helps sustain the international politics of a country. Russia is perhaps one of the best examples in this regard. Its enormous reserves and potential in gas, oil, and other natural resources allow it to adopt a hawkish posture in international politics and, at times, simply use these resources as a bargaining tool in its relationships with other countries. The gas crises of 2006 and 2009 are relevant examples, as is Russia's effort to maintain its monopoly over gas transport routes to Europe. Again, this illustrates the close relationship between international studies and geography.
Following these two examples, one can conclude that geography and international studies are closely connected because the former provides some of the instruments necessary for defining a country's international presence, the positions and coalitions it will enter, and its general behavior in international relations.
This discussion applies directly to Spain and its standing in the international arena. First, one must consider Spain's geographical location as an important factor shaping its international presence. Historically, Spain has occupied a strategically important position in Europe for two reasons: (1) its presence on the Atlantic Ocean, providing immediate access to maritime transportation, and (2) its location at the entrance to and exit from the Mediterranean, a major commercial route. Both of these advantages remain relevant today, although the 21st century has somewhat diminished their relative importance.
"Climate and land resources diversify Spain's economic exports"
"Spain's population boosts its EU parliamentary representation"
As this analysis shows, the study of Spain's geography is closely correlated with an analysis of the Spanish position in the world and its international relations. To summarize, its geographical location in Europe means that it will be part of European institutions such as the EU and the Council of Europe. At the same time, its position at the southern border of the EU increases its cooperation with partners to combat different forms of trafficking and other asymmetrical threats. Furthermore, its diversified economic geography allows it to maintain a strong commercial and economic profile in the world.
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