Critical Minerals and Strategic Resources Introduction Critical minerals are minerals or mineral-based materials considered especially important to an economy, national security, technological development, energy systems, or industrial production because their supply may be vulnerable to disruption. The exact list of critical minerals differs among countries because criticality depends on national economic structures, industrial priorities, strategic…

Resources, Energy and Geoeconomics Introduction Natural resources and economic capabilities are important sources of international power. States depend on energy, minerals, food, water, technology and industrial inputs to sustain their economies and national security. Geoeconomics examines how economic instruments are used to pursue geopolitical and strategic objectives. It connects economic power with international competition. Energy…

Chokepoints, Corridors and Strategic Locations Introduction Some geographical locations have importance far beyond their physical size. A narrow strait can affect global energy markets, a canal can shorten major trade routes, a port can connect an entire region to international commerce, and a mountain pass can determine access between territories. These locations are commonly described…

Land Power, Sea Power and Air Power Introduction Land power, sea power and air power represent three traditional dimensions of military power. Each is associated with a distinct geographical domain and offers different advantages in the pursuit of national security objectives. Land power is primarily concerned with controlling territory and influencing events on land. Sea…

Geostrategy and Strategic Geography Introduction Geostrategy refers to the strategic use of geography in the pursuit of political, economic and military objectives. While geopolitics examines the relationship between geography and power, geostrategy is more concerned with how states use geographical advantages and manage geographical constraints. Strategic geography identifies geographical features that have importance for national…

Geopolitics: Core Concepts Introduction Geopolitics is the study of how geography influences international politics, state power, strategic behaviour and relations among states. It examines how factors such as location, territory, borders, population, resources, access to seas, mountains, rivers and strategic routes shape the interests and behaviour of states. Geopolitics does not mean that geography determines…