George Friedman on Geopolitics The news from Ukraine and Russia remains tinged with a sense of déjà vu. Within the past few days, there has been talk of Washington sending additional troops to Poland and the Baltics – on the front lines of the former Soviet periphery – for NATO exercises. A politician from the ruling party in Kiev has been found dead, allegedly tortured, in pro-Russian eastern Ukraine. And officials on both sides remain alert to potential provocateurs and propaganda. Ukraine may be the most obvious example, but history is ever-present in global affairs and conflicts in every region. Events don’t just happen without rhyme or reason. They’re rooted in larger narratives of imperatives and constraints that determine tomorrow’s outcomes. Diplomats may enforce sanctions or sign treaties; maps may be periodically redrawn; but geography remains a silent, ever-present force that drives the needs and behaviors of nations. It is, in essence, the rule-book of history.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:15:40 +0000
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