MODULE 5: GEOPOLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

GEOPOLITICS

• Geopolitics is a framework that we can use to understand the complex world

around us. Global politics, or “getting what you want in the world” involves

thinking and acting geographically. But what does that mean? Geopolitics

explains how countries, businesses, terrorist groups, etc. try to reach their

political goals by controlling geographic features of the world. We call these

features geographical entities. Geographical entities are the places, regions,

territories, scales, and networks that make up the world.

• Geopolitics looks at a particular use of power: how countries and other groups

compete to control these entities within the international community. Controlling

these entities is seen to help countries and groups reach their goals. Geopolitics

is always looked at with an international and global dimension, meaning that the

issues being looked at are connected to the global scale.[2] Thus, geopolitics can

be defined as the struggle over the control of geographical entities with an

international and global dimension, and the use of such geographical entities for

political advantage

WHAT ARE GEOGRAPHICAL ENTITIES

• Geographical entities form the stage on which geopolitics takes place. By using

the entities, we mean that geography organizes the way people interact with each

other.

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CONFLICTS AND TENSION

• A specific example of a geopolitical risk is a conflict between two countries,

which could disrupt the flow of goods and services between them and cause

supply chain disruptions and cost increases for businesses.

CYBER ATTACKS

• Are a growing geopolitical risk, becoming a larger, more intricate and more

relentless. They are a significant threat to individual organizations and national

security. A cyberattack is any intentional effort to steal, expose, alter, disable, or

destroy data, applications or other assets through unauthorized access to a

network, computer system or digital device.

CROSS BORDER

• A cross-border region is a territorial entity that is made of several local or

regional authorities that are co-located yet belong to different nation states.

Cross-border regions exist to take advantage of geographical conditions to

strengthen their competitiveness.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• An international organization, also known as an intergovernmental organization

or an international institution, is an organization that is established by a treaty,

or is an instrument governed by international law and possessing its own legal

personality, such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization, Save the

Children International, and NATO.

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 • There are numerous international organizations around the world, each with its

own set of member countries. It's important to note that membership in these

organizations can change over time, with countries joining or leaving based on

various factors such as policy changes, economic considerations, or geopolitical

shifts.

• Here are a few prominent international organizations and the number of member

countries they had as of my last update in September 2021:

1. UNITED NATIONS

• United Nations (UN): As mentioned earlier, the UN has 193 member states.

• The work of the United Nations impacts people around the world on issues

related to peace and security, development and human rights; from disarmament

to efforts to combat terrorism and extremism; from conflict prevention to

peacekeeping and peacebuilding; from disease prevention to the promotion of

gender equality and universal education; from refugee resettlement to

humanitarian assistance; from the rule of law to the fight against transnational

crime.

• As of my last update in September 2021, the United Nations (UN) has 193

member states. This means that 193 countries are considered members of the

United Nations, making it nearly universal in its global representation.

• The most recent member state to join the United Nations is South Sudan, which

became a member on July 14, 2011, after gaining independence from Sudan.

• Please note that the status of UN membership might have changed since my last

update, and it's always a good idea to check the official United Nations website

or other reputable sources for the most current information.

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 • The Philippines is a member of the United Nations. It became a member on

October 24, 1945, which is the same day the United Nations was officially

established. As a UN member state, the Philippines participates in various UN

activities, including diplomatic initiatives, peacekeeping missions, and

international development efforts.

2. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO): The WTO had 164 member countries as

of my last update.

3. INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF): The IMF has 190 member countries.

4. WORLD BANK GROUP: The World Bank Group consists of 189 member countries.

5. NATO (NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION): NATO has 30 member

countries, primarily from North America and Europe.

6. EUROPEAN UNION (EU): The EU had 27 member countries as of my last update.

Please note that the number of EU member countries can change due to expansions

or exits.

7. AFRICAN UNION (AU): The AU consists of 55 member countries from the African

continent.

8. ASEAN (ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS): ASEAN has 10 member

countries from Southeast Asia the member countries are:

(Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia Indonesia, Lao PDR (Laos), Malaysia,

Myanmar (Burma) Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

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 9. OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries): OPEC has 13

member countries, primarily oil-producing nations.

10. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION

• The World Trade Organization is an intergovernmental organization that

regulates and facilitates international trade. With effective cooperation in the

United Nations System, governments use the organization to establish, revise,

and enforce the rules that govern international trade.

11. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible

for international public health. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and has six

regional offices and 150 field offices worldwide.

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SUMMARY

Geopolitics and International Relations play crucial roles in shaping the global landscape
and influencing the behavior of nations. Here are their important roles:

Geopolitics:

1. Resource Allocation:

• Geopolitics assesses the distribution of resources like oil, gas, minerals, and
water across the world. Access to and control over these resources can
significantly impact a nation's economic and political power.

2. Strategic Location:

• Geopolitical factors consider the strategic importance of a nation's location.

Countries located at key crossroads or with control over vital waterways
(such as the Strait of Hormuz or the South China Sea) hold significant
geopolitical influence.

3. National Security:

• Geopolitical analysis is essential for national security planning. It helps

nations understand potential threats and challenges from neighboring
countries, enabling them to formulate defense strategies.

4. Global Power Dynamics:

• Geopolitics shapes the balance of power among nations. It influences

alliances, conflicts, and cooperation between countries on the global stage.

5. Infrastructure Development:

• Geopolitical considerations influence the development of infrastructure,

including ports, roads, and railways. Infrastructure projects often serve both
economic and strategic purposes.

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International Relations:

1. Diplomacy:

• International Relations (IR) provides the theoretical framework for

diplomatic relations between nations. It helps countries engage in dialogue,
negotiate treaties, and resolve disputes peacefully.

2. Conflict Resolution:

• IR theories offer strategies for conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Understanding different international relations paradigms can aid in finding
peaceful solutions to disputes.

3. Global Governance:

• IR examines the role of international organizations like the United Nations,

World Bank, and IMF. These organizations facilitate cooperation on issues
such as climate change, poverty, and human rights.

4. Trade and Economics:

• International trade agreements and economic policies are deeply influenced

by IR theories. Trade relations between countries impact economies,
employment, and overall standards of living.

5. Cultural Exchange:

• IR fosters cultural exchange programs and people-to-people diplomacy.

Understanding different cultures and promoting mutual understanding can
mitigate cultural conflicts.

6. Human Rights:

• IR principles underpin international efforts to protect human rights. Treaties

and agreements are often based on these principles, ensuring basic rights
and freedoms for people globally.

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 7. Globalization: IR theories analyze the complexities of globalization, including its
economic, cultural, and political implications. Understanding globalization helps
nations adapt to its challenges and leverage its benefits.

In summary, geopolitics focuses on the strategic and geographical factors influencing

international relations, while international relations provide the framework for
understanding and addressing the complexities of interactions between nations in the
global arena. Both fields are essential for maintaining global stability, fostering
cooperation, and addressing shared challenges.

Every country in the world engages with Geopolitics and International Relations in
various ways, whether through diplomacy, foreign policy, trade agreements, international
alliances, or participation in international organizations. Scholars and practitioners from
all countries contribute to the theories, policies, and practices of these fields.

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 Learning Tasks 5.1

Topic: Geopolitics and International Relations

1. What does the term "geopolitics" refer to?

a. Understanding global economics

b. Controlling geographic features for political goals

c. Studying human geography

d. Analyzing weather patterns

2. What are geographical entities in the context of geopolitics?

a. Political organizations

b. Physical landmarks

c. Places, regions, territories, scales, and networks that make up the world

d. Cultural artifacts

3. What is a specific example of a geopolitical risk mentioned in the text?

a. Economic recession

b. Cyber attacks

c. Climate change

d. Technological advancements

4. What is the primary purpose of international organizations like the United

Nations and NATO?

a. Promote global trade

b. Enhance cultural exchange
c. Maintain international peace and security
d. Provide humanitarian aid

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5. How many member countries are there in the United Nations, as stated in
the text?

a. 155

b. 193

c. 210

d. 245

6. Which organization regulates and facilitates international trade according

to the text?

a. United Nations

b. World Bank Group

c. World Trade Organization

d. NATO

7. Where is the World Health Organization headquartered?

a. New York, USA

b. Paris, France

c. Geneva, Switzerland

d. London, UK

8. What does a cyber-attack involve, as per the text?

a. Unauthorized access to a computer system

b. Peaceful negotiations

c. Environmental conservation efforts

d. Technological innovations

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9. Which organization is primarily focused on public health worldwide,
according to the information provided?

a. World Trade Organization

b. North Atlantic Treaty Organization

c. World Health Organization

d. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

10. What does a cross-border region consist of, based on the information
given?

a. Multiple countries with different languages

b. Areas governed by different political entities but located in close proximity

c. Regions divided by natural barriers like mountains

d. Areas with similar cultural practices

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