1POL PGC Online Lecture - Geopolitics and Political Geography

This supplements basic knowledge of PGC for Political Science Majors by intensifying political content skills.


When the disciplines of political science and geography meet, their sub-disciplines are

• Geopolitics and
• Political Geography.

Geopolitics is studies how the contours of the earth and other geographic variables affect the relationships between states (international relations).  One example can be the existence of islands west of the Philippines.  These islands are being claimed by China.  Thus it creates conflict or dispute in the relationship of these states.  Not all geopolitical factors lead to conflict.  Some factors can create alliances too.

Another use of geopolitics is on strategic interaction between states and within states.  An example is the use of guerrilla tactics.  Using the environment for advantage.

In terms of Political Geography, this studies how people group themselves based on the contours of the earth or based on geographic factors.  It also studies how the contours of the earth and such other factors affect management or governance.  One example is how do you manage a country with separated ethnic groups based on their geography?

I hope this is able to supplement your assignment.

But I know some might still have questions, so please feel free to post questions on the comments, let's make this online topic interactive.  I might even give recitation points for raising relevant questions.

Research well, and don't forget to cite from where you took the information.  So when you discuss, you cite, "as i've read from or researched from the (book source), (internet source), (resource person).

CITING WIKIPEDIA IS ANATHEMA!

Why?  Because it is either easy answer source, or some data were not properly cited also within the wiki article.  Be safe than sorry.

You may read it, but don't cite it.  Use it to help you understand, then use a better source.