# geopolitics

/ˌdʒioʊˈpɑɫətɪks/ (US) · /dʒˌiːəʊpəlˈɪtɪks/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/geopolitics
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

the study of how countries' political power and geography affect their relationships with other countries. It looks at how physical locations and natural resources influence international politics.

For teachers: the study of the effects of geography on international politics and foreign policy. It examines how the distribution of natural resources, physical borders, and strategic locations influence the behavior of states and the likelihood of conflict.

## Examples

- The conflict is a classic example of geopolitics.
- The new trade agreement was driven by geopolitics, as both nations sought to secure their energy supplies from different regions.
- Scholars of geopolitics often argue that the strategic placement of military bases along the equator provides a significant advantage in global logistics and rapid response times.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
