ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Strategic geography

Strategic geography is like playing a game of "Where's Waldo" but on a much larger scale!

Imagine a big map of the world where different countries and cities are represented. Strategic geography is all about figuring out the best places for a country to be located on that map so that it can be strong and successful.

Just like in the game of "Where's Waldo," some spots on the map are better than others. For example, a country that has a lot of coastline and is surrounded by oceans might be better off than one that is landlocked, or surrounded by other countries. This is because being near the water can make it easier to trade with other countries and expand their economy by shipping goods.

But it's not just about having a good location on the map - it's also important for a country to think about other countries that are nearby. Some countries might be friendly and helpful, while others might be competitors or even enemies. A country that is surrounded by other friendly countries might have an advantage over one that is constantly dealing with threats from its neighbors.

Another thing to think about is resources. Some countries might have lots of oil, for example, or fertile land for growing crops. Having access to these resources can be a big advantage for a country, because they can use them to grow their economy and build up their military.

In summary, strategic geography is all about figuring out where a country should be located on the world map, based on factors like access to natural resources, proximity to friendly neighboring countries, and other advantages that can help it be strong and successful.
Related topics others have asked about: