Strategic Geography. The Relationship between Geographical Space and National Power

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to determine the subject of study of strategic geography as a geographic subdiscipline and to define its theoretical concept within the context of the interdisciplinary field of geography. The emphasis is placed on defining the significance of geographical space in the function of the synergy of national power as well as on formulating national interests and their strategic operationalization in the process of achieving national goals in an international environment. The paper presents a theoretical and methodological concept of studying geographical space which implies an interdisciplinary approach and comprehensiveness of the study of an interactively and functionally interconnected living environment. The aim of the study of strategic geography is scientific knowledge and an evaluation of the role of geographic factors in the modification of spatial and functional dynamics. Its singling out as a separate scientific subdiscipline is the result of an internal subject of study based on the analysis and singling out of dominant geographic characteristics relevant from the point of view of the analysis and synthetic judgement of the geographical sources of potential national power. Geographical space, i.e. geographic factors, processes, connections and relations as potential sources of comparative advantages in the process of defining national interests, and in the formulation and implementation of national strategies, represent strategic geography's subject of study. The most important study procedure of strategic geography is directed at geographic and resource advantages of national space and human potential in the international context.