Geopolitics is the study of how the projection of power (ideological, cultural, economic, or military) is effected and affected by the geographic and political landscape in which it operates. Despite the real world relevance of geopolitics, a common understanding of what classical geopolitics is and how it works still lies beyond the reach of both researchers and practitioners. In Classical Geopolitics , Phil Kelly attempts to build a common theoretical model, incorporating a host of variables that reflect the complexity of the modern geopolitical stage. He then analyzes thirteen pivotal but widely differing historical events stretching from the Peloponnesian War to World War II, from the fall of the British and Soviet empires to the contemporary diplomacy of South America. Through this analysis, Kelly tests the efficacy of his model as a comprehensive geopolitical analytical tool that can be used across a broad spectrum of geopolitical contexts and events. "This book makes an important contribution to the current literature on geopolitics. The theoretical approach it takes is both innovative and stimulating, and it displays an impressive synthesis of existing theoretical ideas. A milestone reinterpretation of geopolitical theory." -- Geoff Sloan ― University of Reading "This is an important work. Many teachers of IR tend to dismiss geopolitics as having been overtaken by technology, but Phil Kelly's analysis shows how mistaken they are. He makes a strong case for the applicability of geopolitical analysis to the study of IR, foreign policy, and strategic analysis. A very worthy contribution to the study of IR and security affairs in general." -- Mackubin Owens ― Institute of World Politics Phil Kelly is the Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Emporia State University. Classical Geopolitics A New Analytical Model By Phil Kelly STANFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS Copyright © 2016 Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8047-9664-4 Contents Preface, 1. Introduction, 2. Model and Theory, 3. Several Geopolitical Approaches of the Recent Past, 4. Classical Geopolitical Assumptions, 5. Classical Geopolitical Theories, 6. Applications of the Model, 7. Setting the Course for a Rejuvenated Geopolitics, Appendix: Classical Geopolitical Concepts/Theories, Notes, Index, CHAPTER 1 Introduction Several motivations prompt the writing of this book about formulating a geopolitics model. First, it is felt by the author that a strong potential for contribution exists in geopolitics as an international-relations practice and theory, despite its occasional capture by various factions intent on attaching to it their own ideological designs that have at times tarnished its reputation. The concept does not deserve a tarnished reputation, and correcting this image is desired so that geopolitics may be seen in a positive way as a separate and legitimate international-relations model. Second and related to the first, the term "geopolitics" itself has not been well defined, or not defined at all, in common as well as in scholars' usage. The true nature of the model should not be equated with the often pejorative expressions of Darwinian "science," fascism, power politics, hegemonic domination, economic instability, or some of its other negative depictions. Rather, the best and most accurate description of "geopolitics" should be based upon its geographic heritage, that being, states' and regions' unique spatial positions and locations as impacting upon their foreign relations. Geopolitics must be kept objective and neutral to any ideology or partisan viewpoint, being instead a reliable tool for states persons and academics in their attempts to design some order to the usual complexity of foreign affairs. As long as the term suffers from the abuse of distorted images, its contribution can never be utilized fully. Possibly, part of this fault of lacking clear definition may stem from the often, but erroneous, connection made between the model of geopolitics and the model of realism. Many students of international affairs commonly place geopolitics as a theory within realism, but to this author, this is not a correct placement. Realism tends to focus upon power as a protector of nations in an anarchic or lawless world. The problem of containing chaos and violence induced from radical threats may be resolved within a stable balance of power configuration and within a consensus for moderation among the larger countries. None of these traits can be affixed to geopolitics. Geopolitics rests upon the relative spatial positions of countries, regions, and resources as these may affect their foreign policies and actions. Such terms as states' and regions' locations, topography, distance, shape, and size will accompany these geographic features. And within these spatial structures, we may see certain patterns as depicted in shatterb