What does "geopolitics" study?

Geopolitics is the study of how geographic factors such as location, natural resources, physical terrain, and climate influence political power dynamics, international relations, and the behavior of states in the global arena. It examines how geographical elements affect political decisions, conflicts, alliances, and foreign policies, thereby shaping the way nations interact with one another.

For instance, a country that has abundant natural resources, such as oil or minerals, may have a certain level of geopolitical power over others that lack these resources. Additionally, geographical barriers like mountains or oceans can impact trade routes, defense strategies, and political relationships. Understanding these geographical influences provides key insights into international politics and helps explain why certain regions experience conflicts or cooperation.

While history of wars and conflicts, distribution of resources and demographics, as well as the negotiations of treaties and agreements are all important aspects of international relations, they are more specific subfields or outcomes influenced by the broader concepts studied within geopolitics. Geopolitics encompasses these factors but focuses specifically on the geographical context that helps shape political phenomena on a global scale.