Deck 31: The Revenge of Geography

Question 1

What does Robert Kaplan mean by "realism"?

Answer 1

RK is a contributor to the Atlantic, chief geopolitical analyst at S, and an author of several books, consisting of Asia's Cauldron and Balkan Ghosts. He is a veritable fountain of insights, ideas as well as observations. Apart from this, he mixes sharp geopolitical analysis with meticulous reporting.
Realism
According to RK, realism is about identifying and embracing those forces which are beyond the control of an individual and that restrict human activities. Furthermore, realism mostly works on a sadder and more limited reality in overseas matters as compared to it works in native matters.
Moreover, realism is about interests overvalues, as although nation-states might regularly work from a point of view of humanism or love as well as from an idealist point of view yet most of the time they, are worried about their naked self-defense.
To recapitulate it can be said that realism doesn't define all in human political conditions.

Question 2

According to Kaplan, what role does geography have in understanding global issues?

Answer 2

Any issue that negatively influences the global community and environment, probably in a disastrous way, consisting of political crisis, environmental issues, economic crisis, and social issues, is known as a global issue. There is a need to have cooperation among countries to reduce global-issues.
Role of Geography in global issues
According to K, the role of geography in global issues is explained as follows:
1. Earthquakes enhance global issues.
2. Tsunami not only affects the global environment but also affect the economic status of affected people.
3. Climate change also plays a significant role in uplifting global-issues.
4. Pollution, resource depletion, and environmental degradation also increase global issues.
5. Plastic pollution and air pollution also increase global issues.
To recapitulate it can be said that various elements of geography have uplifted the global issues.

Question 3

Identify Mackinder's "heartland" and what its modern implications are.

Answer 3

HJM was an English geographer, politician, and academic. He is regarded as one of the founding fathers of geostrategy and geopolitics. While completing his academic career, he was also a Member of Parliament from 1910 to 1922. Apart from this, he also worked as a Professor of Geography.
Heartland
In 1904, HJM published the Heartland theory. This theory stated that whoever manages Eastern Europe manages the Heartland. The concept of world dominance is also supported by it. Apart from this, it also states that whoever controls the Heartland controls the World Island, and will eventually rule the world. It also depicts political history as a constant struggle between sea and land powers with the eventual win going to the continental power.
Modern implications of Heartland
The modern implications of Heartland are explained as follows:
1. Due to the continuous struggle between country R and country U to control strategic impact over Central Asia and parts of Eastern Europe, the Heartland is gaining importance.
2. The increase in the influence of country C, especially through Eurasia, which can be viewed as the advancement of large infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road initiative, has changed the geopolitical power structure of the Heartland.
To recapitulate it can be said that Heartland is a big area of Arctic and Interior drainage surrounded by mountains of three sides and the Arctic in the north.

Question 4

What are the main reasons that the "map of Eurasia is more claustrophobic"?

Question 5

What are some of the most important "shatter zones"?

Question 6

How does this article complement/contradict articles 1, 4, 21 and 25?