WorldJuly 4, 2026

geopolitics

/ˌdʒiːoʊˈpɒlɪtɪks/

Definition

The study of how physical geography, natural resources, and territorial factors influence international political relations and global strategy.

Etymology

The term is a combination of the Greek 'geo' (meaning earth) and the English 'politics.' It was coined in the early 20th century to describe the analysis of how geographic environments impact state power.

In the news

Although the word does not appear in the provided text, it is frequently used in the field of international affairs to describe how geographical factors, such as borders and territory, influence the interactions and conflicts between nations described in the article.

What is international affairs? Understanding a global field of study

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University of Cincinnati

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