Principles of Geo-Political Dynamics

A general set of theoretical principles on geo-dynamics is developed. This line of emphasis follows from a critique of current theories of globalization as emphasizing geo-economics over geo-politics and as positing a rather ideologically driven view of the future of globalism toward a world-level polity and socialism. In contrast, this chapter argues that, despite the dramatic globalization of markets in the modern world system, geo-politics is inevitably drawn into such geo-economic systems and that, moreover, the future of globalization will revolve as much, if not more, around geo-politics as northern powers increasingly come into conflicts over resources and hegemony. It is very likely, it is argued, that the northern part of the global system will evolve into very distinct geo-political formations in western Europe, eastern Europe and Soviet Union, China and upper south Asia at its borders, and the United States of North America. The fate of the southern half of the globe is more fluid and difficult to theorize, but it is argued that geo-politics as much or more than geo-economics will dominate the dynamics of India and South Asia (extending down to Australia and New Zeeland), sub-Saharan Africa, and South America.