Geografiese determinante van die Wêreldpolitiek

Abstract

The present energy crisis has emphasized anew the influence and significance of geographical factors in international relations. The physical‐geographical structure of earth is the structural stage where the dramas of world politics are enacted. Political development through the ages has given rise to the crystallisation of a diversity of national territories that differ geographically. The development of geographical phenomena stands in close relation to the political powers of the state and determines, in part, the status and influence of states in world politics. The part played by geographical factors in politics has often been absolutized and this has led to the formulation of the theoretical bases of geopolitics. This scientific discipline reached its acme in Nazi Germany, in particular in the political school of Haushofer with its search for “Lebensraum”. But geography cannot be the sole determinant of international relations; this view fails to appreciate the objectification of human cultural activity. As subjective phenomenon it nevertheless remains an important factor.