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Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World

Tim Marshall

4.19(103108 readers)
All leaders are constrained by geography. Their choices are limited by mountains, rivers, seas and concrete. Yes, to follow world events you need to understand people, ideas and movements – but if you don’t know geography, you’ll never have the full picture.

If you’ve ever wondered why Putin is so obsessed with Crimea, why the USA was destined to become a global superpower, or why China’s power base continues to expand ever outwards, the answers are all here.

In ten chapters (covering Russia; China; the USA; Latin America; the Middle East; Africa; India and Pakistan; Europe; Japan and Korea; and the Arctic), using maps, essays and occasionally the personal experiences of the widely travelled author, Prisoners of Geography looks at the past, present and future to offer an essential insight into one of the major factors that determines world history.

Publisher

Scribner

Publication Date

10/27/2015

ISBN

9781501121487

Pages

320

Categories

History

About the Author

Portrait of author Tim Marshall
Tim Marshall
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Tim Marshall was Diplomatic Editor and foreign correspondent for Sky News. After thirty years' experience in news reporting and presenting, he left full time news journalism to concentrate on writing and analysis.

Originally from Leeds, Tim arrived at broadcasting from the road less traveled. Not a media studies or journalism graduate, in fact not a graduate at all, after a wholly unsuccessful career as a painter and decorator he worked his way through newsroom nightshifts, and unpaid stints as a researcher and runner before eventually securing himself a foothold on the first rung of the broadcasting career ladder.

After three years as IRN's Paris correspondent and extensive work for BBC radio and TV, Tim joined Sky News. Reporting from Europe, the USA and Asia, Tim became Middle East Correspondent based in Jerusalem.

Tim also reported in the field from Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia during the Balkan wars of the 1990s. He spent the majority of the 1999 Kosovo crisis in Belgrade, where he was one of the few western journalists who stayed on to report from one of the main targets of NATO bombing raids. Tim was in Kosovo to greet the NATO troops on the day they advanced into Pristina. In recent years he covered the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria.

He has written for many of the national newspapers including the Times, the Guardian, the Daily Telegraph, and the Sunday Times.

Bio photo credit © Jolly Thompson.

Questions & Answers

Geography significantly shapes geopolitical decisions and international relations by imposing physical constraints and opportunities that influence state behavior and international interactions. Physical features like mountains, rivers, and seas create natural barriers that can limit military movements and influence defense strategies. For instance, the Himalayas have historically deterred military invasions in the region, shaping India and China's foreign policies.

Similarly, geographical resources like oil and minerals can drive competition and cooperation. The Middle East's oil reserves have been a major source of conflict and alliances. Rivers and seas, like the Nile and the Suez Canal, have facilitated trade and influenced economic power dynamics.

Moreover, cultural and demographic distributions, shaped by geography, can lead to ethnic tensions and conflicts. The artificial borders drawn by colonial powers in Africa and the Middle East, ignoring local ethnic and cultural divisions, have contributed to ongoing conflicts.

Lastly, geography influences strategic planning and international diplomacy. The Arctic's opening due to climate change presents new opportunities and challenges, prompting competition over resources and routes. Overall, geography is a fundamental factor that underpins the complex tapestry of international relations and geopolitical decisions.

The consequences of artificial borders and colonial legacies on contemporary geopolitical dynamics are profound and multifaceted. Artificial borders often do not align with ethnic, linguistic, or cultural groups, leading to internal conflicts and tensions. For instance, in Africa, colonial borders have contributed to ethnic conflicts and civil wars, as seen in Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These divisions can lead to weak states, as in the DRC, where artificial borders have hindered development and stability.

Colonial legacies also influence political and economic structures. In the Middle East, colonial borders disregarding geographical and cultural realities have led to ongoing conflicts and the rise of radical groups like the Islamic State. In Asia

Technological advancements and economic interests challenge traditional geographical constraints by expanding human capabilities and reshaping global dynamics. Technological progress, such as satellite communication and advanced transportation, allows for overcoming physical barriers like mountains and oceans, enabling global connectivity and trade. Economic interests, particularly in energy and resources, drive the development of infrastructure like pipelines and ports, circumventing geographical limitations. However, these advancements can also exacerbate environmental issues and geopolitical tensions, as seen in the Arctic's opening due to climate change and the competition over resources. Additionally, technology can create new geographical challenges, such as space debris and cyber threats, that were previously unimaginable.

The "revenge of geography" implies that despite advancements and global interconnectivity, geographical factors continue to significantly influence global politics and cooperation. This has several implications for the future:

  1. Increased Regional Tensions: Geographical boundaries and resources can exacerbate tensions between nations, as seen in the Middle East and Africa. This could lead to more conflicts and hinder international cooperation.

  2. Shift in Power Dynamics: Geographically advantageous regions, such as those with valuable resources or strategic locations, may gain more influence. This could shift the global balance of power, potentially leading to a multipolar world.

  3. Resource Competition: As resources become more scarce or valuable, competition for them could intensify, leading to geopolitical conflicts and environmental degradation.

  4. Climate Change Impact: Geographical factors, like climate change, can displace populations and lead to migration, affecting global security and cooperation.

  5. Strategic Alliances: Geographical proximity and shared interests can lead to the formation of strategic alliances, potentially changing the dynamics of international relations.

  6. Development Challenges: Geographically isolated or resource-poor regions may face development challenges, requiring international cooperation to address.

Overall, the "revenge of geography" suggests that while human ingenuity can overcome many geographical constraints, the fundamental physical realities of the planet will continue to shape global politics and cooperation.

The book's perspective on geopolitics differs from traditional realist and idealist approaches in several key ways:

  1. Geographical Determinism: Unlike traditional realism, which emphasizes the role of power and self-interest in international relations, the book emphasizes the role of geography as a fundamental determinant of state behavior and international relations. It argues that physical landscapes, climates, and resources shape the strategic interests and capabilities of states, influencing their foreign policies and interactions.

  2. Historical Context: While idealism focuses on norms, values, and shared beliefs as driving forces in international relations, the book integrates historical context, demonstrating how geography has shaped the past and continues to influence current geopolitical dynamics. It shows how historical events and decisions, often influenced by geographical factors, have shaped the modern world.

  3. Balance Between Realism and Idealism: The book does not strictly adhere to either realism or idealism but instead takes a more nuanced approach. It acknowledges the role of power and self-interest (realism) while also highlighting the impact of geography and historical context (a more holistic view).

  4. Focus on Physical and Human Geography: The book combines physical geography (landscapes, resources, and natural barriers) with human geography (demographics, cultures, and languages) to provide a comprehensive understanding of geopolitical dynamics. This differs from traditional realism, which often focuses solely on state power and interests.

  5. Global Scope: The book takes a global perspective, examining the impact of geography on various regions and countries, including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This contrasts with idealism, which may focus more on the role of international organizations and norms in global politics.

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