political geography and geopolitics in the world

This PPT is about geopolitics and its importance

1. political geography and geopolitics

2. topics to be covered : Introduction Definitions Nature of Geopolitics Concepts in Geopolitics Purpose of Geopolitics Geopolitics – Present and Future

3. INTRODUCTION Charles Darwin’s book “ Evolution of Species ” talks about the principle of “survival of the fittest”. It implies that only powerful and competitive species can survive. British geographer Herbert Spencer and German geographer Albert Schaffle accepted and applied this principle on society. They introduced a new term “social darwinism ”. Fredrick Ratzel’s book “ Political Geography ” (1897) gives an idea of Organic State i.e state is like a living being. In Germany, Rudolf Kjellen introduced Geopolitik . Karl Houshafer became leading advocate of geopolitics [1930s].

4. DEFINITIONS : Renner – The strategy among people, place and natural resources is geopolitics. Wegert – Geopolitics is application of geographical principles and concepts for competition and extension of states. Rudolf Kjeller – The study of interaction between political places and political processes is known as geopolitics.

5. Nature of geopolitics Idea of geopolitics developed after world war 1 . According to D. Whittelesy the emergence of geopolitics lies in the supremacy of military power. German government used this ideology to fulfill their aims and objectives. WW 1  Defeat of Germany  Imposition of humiliating treaties and laws  German territory taken away which resulted in small German state  Rise of Hitler  Military and economic power increased. In this way, german geographers used the ideology of geopolitics to fulfil the purpose of political aspirations.

6. Concepts in geopolitics Organic State – State is like an organism. It should grow and develop like a living being in order to survive. Example- Germany Lebenstraum – Living place. Any place should have appropriate area to sustain its population. To become a powerful state, we should have bigger area under our control. Example- India. Autarky – State should be self-reliant in production of various goods. A state should not rely on other states. However, it is not practical due to geographical, technological, human factors. Example – situation of India during 1960s. Superiority of German Race – According to this ideology, german is superior in the world and has God gifted right to rule the world. This ideology was used by Nazis to exploit the jews and attain their goals.

7. Pan Regions – In order to be self reliant, state should possess huge area so that it can have large resources at its disposal. Karl Housheffer has divided world into following pan regions – Pan America, Pan Russia, Europe-Africa, East Oceania, Japan. These regions have favourable climate and huge natural resources which makes them self reliable. Frontier – According to this ideology, states who want to dominate the world can use their frontiers as rest place where they can come together and gain power and complete their military preparation. Then only state can attack one another. Land Power VS Sea Power – Karl Housheffer was influenced by Heartland theory put forwarded by a British geographer Mackinder . This theory focuses on land power. But after some time, Japan abd Britain emerged as sea powers. According to Karl , the conflict between land and sea power is inevitable.

8. Purpose of geopolitics This ideology focuses on man, area and natural resources. It provokes states to gain its standard of life. It studies all sides of any political issue. It provides for solutions to controversial international issues as most of them are related to areas and resources.

9. Geopolitics – present and future Change in the geopolitical arena due to – Collapse of USSR, unification of Germany, emergence of Japan and China. Presently, it is a era of globalization, privatization and liberalization. Hence, the world is coming closer and each state is having economic interest with the neighbouring state. Developing countries like India, Brazil, South Africa are gaining importance in geopolitics.

10. Thank you...!!!