There are several definitions, but there is one who acquires a relevant character, Dr. Gyula Csurgai, Director of theICGS (International Centre for Geopolitical Studies), in Geneva :
"The study of geopolitics can be defined as a multi-dimensional method that analyses the conflicting strategies of the different competitors (state and non - state) for the control of a given space at a given time in historical evolution." These strategies are often influenced by geopolitical representations ("mental maps") "."
The definition of contemporary geopolitics is known, it is fromto highlight the different concepts necessary to the understanding and the essay in geopolitics.
- The pluricausalité
It comes to detach the monocausale analysis of a historical situation. Like the doctor or the police officer, the géopolitologue must take into account a multitude of factors, "Symptoms", "indices". Geopolitical analysis can respond to this need for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach given that it takes into account strategic, historical, geographic, demographic, cultural and economic contexts.
- Constants and change
Throughout history, human space Exchange report. In the geopolitical essay, is whether "identify stealth changes (…)". "of the sustainable changes" (Chauperade, 2001; 16). This is important where, to analyze contemporary conflict, must constantly be round-trip in the very distant past to explain any one current phenomenon.
Permanent factors refer to the geographical position, the configuration of a given territory and elements of cultural identity, language and religion. The variables, they are to see internally (within the State borders) and the external level (inter-State, global level). These factors of change refer to demography, socio-political structure, systems of alliances, strategic motivations, economic interests, technological factors
- The State
It is necessary to have a blanket reference point. In the geopolitical framework, it's the State, in all its forms, as long as it produces the politicaland there a capacity of power. Geopolitical analysis is therefore " stato-centered ", but not "stato-exclusive" (Chauperade, 2001; 18). Indeed, it is tostrike a balance between a realistic and global analysis, advocating the exceedance of the State. Because even those who challenge the State refer to to support their speech, as is the case for Al-Qaida.
The geopolitical factors
An essay in geopolitics is conceived as a Cabinet, in which drawers represent the geopolitical factors. These drawers must be "filled" with time, which means that the geopolitical analysis is never exhaustive.
has) Characteristics of the territory
This was to observe the physical geography of a given territory. The advantages and disadvantages are to analyze: access to the sea, climate, natural resources, etc. The position and the configuration of a country influence the perception of a nation, hence a subjective dimension of the territory. This contributes to the construction of geopolitical representations of a nation: the perception of "us and them", the acceptance or the challenge of borders, the status of minorities, etc.
b) Ethno-cultural structure
It noted the geographical distribution of ethnic groups: where are minorities?How are they integrated? How to perceive between them?
c) Historical factors
It is to analyze the reports of force behind the geopolitical changes in a period of time; losses or territorial gains in a certain historical period often refer to the geopolitical representations and play an important role in national identity. It's therefore also analyze demographic changes.
d) Identity factors and geopolitical representations
Cultural identity has a major impact on the self-perception of the analyzed group and other groups ("we and them"), as well as the perception of the world. In the geopolitical analysis, the géopolitologue must exceed his own cultural perceptions to arrive to "skin" of the different actors that it scans. It must seek to understand the impact of these performances on the strategies of the players and not justified.
e) Influence of socio-economic factors
"The attitude of the States, their ability to evolve in their geopolitical environment is constrained by the strategic forces of the economy required to them" (Lorot, Thual, 1997; 113).
f) Strategy of the actors
The strategies of the players are often influenced by the geopolitical representations. In the geopolitical analysis, the study of the strategies of the players is a key element. It is to analyse the combination of all means (military, diplomatic, economic, financial, cultural, etc) required for the completion of a goal defined by a human group.
Blog de géostratégie et de géopolitique en rapport avec les problèmes sécuritaires des nations, le développement économique, l'Actualité, l'Histoire du monde, les conflits en l’Europe, Amérique, Asie, Afrique, et leurs enjeux stratégiques.
