Geopolitical Determinants of the Relative Power of States: A Model of Spatial Relationships

Abstract

Based on historical evidence and on verbally presented analyses scholars studying geopolitical relationships have proposed several hypotheses of general interest, namely: 1. Centrally located countries are at a disadvantage compared to those at the periphery. 2. Multipolar Systems of states are unstable. 3. Balance of Power Systems containing three to seven "Great Powers" are stable for long periods. 4. Bipolar systems are inherently unstable. 5. Bipolar systems and "Universal" or "World" Empires are established by peripheral countries. The present article examines whether and how far these hypotheses can be derived solely from the different location of countries in space by assuming some initial distribution of their powers and further, that only the size of their territories resulting from their location and this initial distribution determine their subsequent powers and territories.

Keywords: International Relations, International System, Balance of Power, Empires, Geopolitics, Spatial Theory