Robert D. Kaplan
While globalization makes the world feel smaller, mountains, oceans, and borders still silently dictate the rise and fall of nations.
The physical features of our planet continuously limit the ambitions of political leaders and shape the long-term foreign policies of every nation.
Russia is driven by a historical paranoia and a constant need for territorial buffers because its vast flatlands lack natural defensive borders.
China leverages its natural resources and strategic coastal access to build immense economic power without needing continuous military conquest.