A Peek into the War Council Series
International Strategy Meeting Discussing Traditional Political Strategies and the Conflict in Ukraine
Hang out with us as we dive into the thrilling War Council Series, brought to you by the generous patrons of the Class of 1992 to our beloved website (MWI) at West Point. On a chilly October night in 2024, MWI hosted an exhilarating panel discussion focused on classical geopolitics and its role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This educational bash was graced by experts from the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, a think tank known for shedding light on geopolitical issues. The evening was expertly moderated by Dr. Charlie Faint, our resident managing editor at MWI.
Image credit: United States Military Academy at West Point
The Lowdown on Classical Geopolitics
Ever wondered how the big powers play chess on the global stage? That's the key idea behind classical geopolitics. It's all about where states are located, how they interact, and how these interactions shape the balance of power.
In the context of the Ukraine war, classical geopolitics comes into play as the experts from the New Lines Institute evaluate the competition between the superpowers through their geographical positions and cultural traditions.
The Experts Weave Their Magic
If we were to imagine the discussion that took place, the New Lines Institute experts would've likely highlighted these points:
- Russia's Motives: Russia's moves in the Ukraine war are seen as a response to its own perceived encirclement and a quest to regain its lost great power status. The annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion are viewed as attempts to reassert dominance and secure strategic depth against NATO's eastern expansion.
- NATO's Response: NATO's support for Ukraine is framed as both a defensive strategy and a means to strengthen its eastern frontier. NATO's actions are seen as crucial in deterring further Russian aggression and safeguarding the territorial integrity of states bordering Russia.
- The Risk of Escalation: The proximity of the conflict to NATO's borders and the potential for direct engagement between Russia and NATO increase the risk of miscalculation and potentially catastrophic escalation.
- Global Impacts: The war's repercussions have extended far beyond Ukraine, impacting global alliances, energy security, and supply chains. It has become a flashpoint for widespread geopolitical competition and serves as a focal point for disagreements over the future of international order.
A Quick Rundown
Here's a snapshot of the classical geopolitical analysis of the Ukraine war:
| Aspect | Classical Geopolitical Analysis ||-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Territorial Control | Crucial for state survival and power projection || Buffer Zones | Ukraine as a contested space between powers || Great Power Rivalry | Russia vs. NATO/Euro-Atlantic alliance || Escalation Risk | High due to proximity and miscalculation || Global Impact | Shifts in alliances, energy, and supply chains |
The Big Picture
Though there is no official record of the New Lines Institute's panel in 2024 at West Point, you can imagine the discussion focusing on territorial competition, buffer state dynamics, and the risk of great power conflict. These themes align with broader expert commentary from leading think tanks and are consistent with the core principles of classical geopolitics. Let's keep in mind that this is an imaginative overview, though, based on the institute’s typical analytical approaches.
- The War Council Series, hosted by MWI at West Point, delved into the strategic implications of military involvement in war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, using the lens of classical geopolitics.
- Moreover, the discussion highlighted the geopolitical maneuvering between superpowers like Russia and NATO, emphasizing their military strategies and political positions in the context of the Ukraine war.
- Apart from the Ukraine conflict, classical geopolitics is also relevant in general-news and politics, as it helps understand the mainstream political landscape by analyzing the geographical positions and cultural traditions of states.
