Geopolitical Theories AP Human Geography GEOPOLITICS The power

Geopolitical Theories AP Human Geography

GEOPOLITICS * The power of the state to control space or territory and shape foreign policy of individual states and international relations.

ORGANIC STATE THEORY * Founded by Friedrich Ratzel • The state is an organism conforming to natural laws and forced to grow & expand into new territories in order to secure resources needed for survival. • The state has a life cycle (birth to death) * Adolf Hitler used this theory to invade surrounding countries and build German nationalism.

Friedrich Ratzel • Organic Theory of States • “lebensraum”

HEARTLAND THEORY • Founded by Sir Halford Mackinder • World power is based on the assumption that the land based state controlling the EURASIAN heartland has the key to world domination.

DOMINO THEORY Cold War and Eastern Europe – Destabilization from any cause in 1 country can result in the collapse of order in a neighboring country leading to a chain of events that affect adjoining states in turn. Cold War • Korea (1950) • Vietnam (1964) • Afghanistan (1980)

Bush Doctrine • Two main pillars are identified for the doctrine: – 1. preemptive strikes against potential enemies, and – 2. promoting democratic regime change.

Bush Doctrine • preventive war, • depose foreign regimes that represented a potential or perceived threat • a policy of spreading democracy around the world, especially in the Middle East