If there is a field of political knowledge that is still not well understood, it is geopolitics. This discipline examines international power relations (domination and resistance, colonization, imperialism, war) and the strategies that actors deploy to preserve or strengthen their dominance and exert control over territories, resources, or strategic spaces (buffer zones, zones of influence, ideological penetration). Conversely, it integrates strategies of opposition to these policies.
Obstacles to Overcome
Research in this field is often subsidized by states. Think Tanks that support this research have immense resources, but they are often at the service of the states that fund them. Many similar organizations are also dependent on their funders.
Another obstacle hindering the understanding of geopolitical reality is the lack of investigative journalism in international politics. The traditional mainstream media no longer provide investigative journalism in this field. They rely on foreign correspondents who only report events without much analysis.
A Fertile Ground for Conspiracy Theories
The shortcomings of traditional media have fueled the development of social networks where various individuals deliver their opinions and analyses on government strategies. While some provide insightful analyses, others develop fanciful opinions or so-called conspiracy theories.
A Pseudo-Geopolitics
In addition to allowing the creation of conspiracy theories, the poverty of geopolitical knowledge on social networks is measured in several other ways. One common mistake is to project the characteristics of internal political regimes onto external political reality, assuming that all geopolitical facts can be explained from domestic situations.
The Iranian Issue
When facing imperial aggression, the priority is to push it back as its success would guarantee the strengthening or establishment of the worst evils one fears for a country. Whether one agrees with its regime or not, an imperialist takeover can only worsen its situation.
Conclusion
To understand imperialism and nationalism in our time, it is essential to grasp the dynamics of power. The only imperialist state at present is the United States of America. It confronts all those who oppose nationalist resistance, including the Russian, Chinese, and Iranian states. Understanding this geopolitical context is crucial for navigating the complexities of international relations.
