Re-interpretation of the classical geopolitical theories in a critical geopolitical perspective

doi:10.1007/s11442-016-1357-1

Abstract

Abstract:

Struggling for supremacy between great powers and the rise or fall and regime change of great powers are all subject to the Geopolitical Law. Geographers should keep in step with the times, accurately grasp the national interests, and seize the opportunity to contribute to the great rejuvenation of our nation. However, due to lack of criticism on the history and philosophy of geopolitics, we can neither accurately understand the geopolitical theory, nor effectively put the geopolitical theory into practice. This paper introduces the development of critical geopolitics, summarizes the three characteristics of critical geopolitics, and interprets the four classical geopolitical theories accordingly. In order to simplify the interpretation process, this paper firstly presents an analytical framework for interpretation of four classical geopolitical theories; secondly, focuses on interpretation of “The Geographical Pivot of History” put forward by Mackinder according to the analytical framework; finally, critically summarizes the four classical geopolitical theories. Through the critical interpretation, this paper draws a conclusion that there are the scientific, hypothetical and conceptual classical geopolitical theories. The construction of classical geopolitical theories is based on the international geopolitical structure, spatial distribution of national interests and inter-state spatial conflict, in order to show the identity of theoretical constructor, so as to reflect the historicality, sociality, situationality and geographical knowledge - power structure of geopolitical theories.

Key words: critical geopolitics, geopolitics, national organism theory, sea power theory, land power theory, edge district theory

Zhiding HU, Dadao LU. Re-interpretation of the classical geopolitical theories in a critical geopolitical perspective[J].Journal of Geographical Sciences, 2016, 26(12): 1769-1784.

Figures/Tables 5

Figure 1

Table 1

Table 2

Figure 2

Table 3

Summary of classical geopolitical theory based on a critical perspective"

	Land power theory	Sea power theory	National organism theory	Edge district theory
Time of proposal	1904	1898	1896	1944
Author / country	Mackinder / UK	Mahan / US	Ratzel / Germany	Speakman / US
Background of author Discipline background	Geographer Political scientist	Naval historian Navy strategist	Geographer Having received specialized training in biology	Geopolitical strategist International relation scholar
Viewpoint / concept	Political geography is based on the natural geography.	Might is right.	The social organic system is similar to the biological organism, subject to the laws of nature.	Geographical determinism
Scientificity	The sea power is subject to the land forces.	The improvement of naval strength will contribute to the improvement of national strength and the protection of overseas trade security.	Along with the economic development and population growth, the country needs more land to maintain the economic and population growth.	A great naval power needs to fight against land powers with the help of land bridgehead countries.
Hypothesis	On account of its expansion to the edge zone of Eurasia, the pivotal country can create a fleet by taking advantage of the huge continental resources, so that then the world is in sight.	In the final analysis, since it has secured the absolute command of sea and has built the most powerful navy, the state will become stronger and more prosperous.	There are seven laws of national spatial growth.	Whether in wartime or in peacetime, the US must prevent several power centers from uniformly linking up against its interests.
Historicality	Hundred Years’ Great Cold War between Britain and Russia Russian expansion in Europe and Asia	Surge in overseas trade; interception of the US Merchant Marine by British Royal Navy in the early days; trade embargo during the Napoleonic Wars;	National united war, instability of economic growth and continuous growth of population	Experiences of the United States in entering the World War I & II
Sociality / situationality	The Great Britain was actively expanding overseas, establishing its colonies, and striving for hegemony all over the world.	The United States was wandering between conservative isolationism and aggressive overseas expansion.	The unstable economic growth and continuous population growth of Germany would put the tremendous pressure on its living space.	The America’s GDP share of the world’s total GDP was up to nearly 30%. The United States completely dominated the world in the economy and military.
Political pursues Value targets	Serve the British overseas colonial expansion and world hegemony.	Enhance the naval strength; expand the overseas trade and colonies; ensure the maritime transport security;	Enhance the international status of Germany; implement the imperialism and “world politics”.	Adapt to the American strategic vision of postwar world hegemony.
Geographic knowledge - power	The pivotal country has its nature of overseas expansion and aggression as described above. All other countries should be united against the pivotal country.	The United States has the basic conditions for building up a strong navy.	The national system is similar to the biological organism, subject to the laws of nature. Therefore, the nation’s expansion is inevitable.	The great power in the Eurasian region has its nature of expansion and control of marginal regions.

Table 3

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Year	1700	1820	1870	1913	1950	1973	1998	2009
France	5.7	5.5	6.5	5.3	4.1	4.3	3.4	3.0
Germany	3.6	3.8	6.5	8.8	5.0	5.9	4.3	4.0
Italy	3.6	3.8	6.5	8.8	3.1	3.6	3.0	2.5
The United Kingdom	2.9	5.2	9.1	8.3	6.5	4.2	3.3	3.1
The Former Soviet Union	4.4	5.4	7.6	8.6	9.6	9.4	3.4	-
The United States	0.1	1.8	8.9	19.1	27.3	22.0	21.9	20.4
Japan	4.1	3.0	2.3	2.6	3.0	7.7	7.7	6.0
China	22.3	32.9	17.2	8.9	4.5	4.6	11.5	12.6
India	24.4	16.0	12.2	7.6	4.2	3.1	5.0	5.1

Time	Sailing boat	Steamship	Total shipping capacities	Sailing boat	Steamship	Total shipping capacities
	UK			World
1780	1000	0	1000	3950	0	3950
1820	2436	3	2448	5800	20	5880
1850	3397	168	4069	11400	800	14600
1900	2096	7208	30928	6500	22400	96100
1913	843	11273	45935	4200	41700	171000

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