In 2015, British journalist Tim Marshall published Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics. This book breaks the globe into ten regions, analyzing how geographical features like rivers, mountains, and seas influence political decisions, military strategies, and economic development. Tim Marshall is praised for making a complex topic accessible and engaging. However, his book also faces criticism for certain omissions. Critics point out that by focusing solely on geography, Marshall sometimes neglects other significant factors in political decision-making. In any case, it is useful to learn from the ideas in Prisoners of Geography.
Below, there is a summary of the fourth chapter of the book, which focuses on Western Europe. You can find all available summaries of this book, or you can read the summary from the previous chapter of the book, by clicking these links.
Europe, a western extension of the Eurasian landmass, has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. Its geographical location, blessed with a favorable climate due to the Gulf Stream, has been instrumental in its development. This climate allowed for year-round agricultural productivity — even in winter when lower temperatures helped control disease spread —, leading to agricultural growth and population increases.
The region’s geography, marked by a lack of extreme natural barriers like deserts or large frozen areas, and its rarity of major natural disasters, created an environment conducive to human settlement and development. Its rivers, long and navigable, facilitated trade and helped in the formation of major cities, many of which developed into today’s capital cities. These geographical advantages contributed to Europe being the birthplace of the first industrialized nation-states and the center of industrial-scale warfare.
Europe’s landscape, characterized by mountains, rivers, and valleys, explains the diversity of its nation-states. Unlike the United States, which expanded rapidly under a dominant language and culture, Europe developed organically over millennia, resulting in a mosaic of countries defined by geographical and linguistic boundaries. The Iberian Peninsula, for example, evolved into Spain and Portugal, influenced by natural barriers like the Pyrenees. Similarly, France’s formation was influenced by its natural borders.
The separation of Europe’s major rivers also plays a role in the continent’s political geography. These rivers, acting as natural boundaries, have fostered economic spheres of influence and led to the emergence of major urban and capital cities. The Danube River is a prime example, influencing multiple countries along its course and serving as a crucial trade route and border through various historical empires.
The economic disparity between northern and southern Europe can be traced back to their respective geographies. Northern Europe, having industrialized earlier, benefited from more prosperous trade opportunities and economic success. This contrast is further highlighted by the challenges faced by southern European countries like Spain and Greece, hindered by geographical barriers and less favorable agricultural conditions.
France’s unique position as both a northern and southern power, with extensive fertile land and interconnected rivers, facilitated its unification and centralization of power. This contrasted with countries in southern Europe, like Italy and Spain, where geographical challenges have perpetuated economic and developmental disparities.
Spain’s struggle for economic stability is rooted in its geography, with limited fertile plains and challenging internal trade routes. Its isolation during the Franco dictatorship further delayed its integration into modern Europe. Despite joining the European Union and initial progress, Spain continues to face economic challenges.
Greece faces similar geographical limitations, with a rugged coastline and limited agricultural land, constraining its economic development. Its strategic location, while beneficial for maritime trade, has also necessitated significant defense spending due to historical conflicts with neighboring Turkey. The Greek mainland, shielded by mountains, is part of a nation with around 1,400 islands, of which 200 are inhabited. The vastness of this territory demands a strong navy for patrolling, leading to military expenses that strain Greece’s finances. This financial burden was somewhat alleviated during the Cold War when the U.S. and the UK helped fund Greece’s military to counter Soviet influence in the Aegean and Mediterranean. However, this support ceased with the end of the Cold War, yet Greece continued its heavy military spending.
The financial crisis that struck Europe in 2008 further highlighted the geographical divide within the Eurozone. Northern European countries, primarily Germany, led the call for austerity measures in the bailout plans, triggering a backlash from southern nations like Greece. This situation reignited stereotypes and historical tensions, with Greek media often portraying Germany in a negative light, rooted in historical conflicts.
In Greece, there is a sense of resistance against austerity measures imposed by northern countries, with many viewing them as an infringement on national sovereignty. This sentiment reflects the growing cracks in the concept of a unified Europe, especially as financial crises have left countries like Greece feeling semi-detached from the rest of Western Europe.
Post-World War II generations in Europe have grown accustomed to peace, often finding it hard to imagine the opposite. However, the region is not immune to conflicts, especially with underlying tensions between Europe and Russia. Poland, for instance, is a country shaped by its history and geographical location. It sits on a narrow corridor between the Baltic coast and the Carpathian Mountains, a strategic military location historically prone to invasions and shifting borders. Poland’s uneasy relationship with Germany and Russia influences its foreign policy, and recent conflicts like the crisis in Ukraine have reignited old fears.
Poland’s alliance with Britain and the United States, particularly after World War II, highlights its strategic decisions in foreign policy. After joining NATO in 1999, Poland, along with other former Warsaw Pact countries, brought the Alliance closer to Moscow, marking a shift in the balance of power in Europe.
The Balkan region, free from the constraints of empire, is characterized by its mountainous terrain and diverse small states. The area has historically been a hotspot for conflict and remains an arena for international influence, with EU, NATO, Turkey, and Russia all vying for control. Countries like Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia have chosen to align with NATO and the EU, while Serbia still feels the pull of Russia due to shared religious and ethnic ties.
In Scandinavia, the resurgence of Russia has sparked debates about military alliances. Sweden, traditionally neutral, faced a wake-up call when Russian jets staged a mock attack, leading to discussions about joining NATO. This debate is influenced by Russia’s aggressive stance towards potential NATO expansion in the region.
The unity of the European Union (EU) and NATO is crucial in addressing the challenges they face, with the relationship between France and Germany being particularly vital. France’s strategic location, with its natural borders and access to trade routes, has historically been an advantage. However, the emergence of a unified Germany changed the dynamic. Previously, France’s main geographic vulnerability was the North European Plain towards the northeast, bordering Germany. This area became a focal point of contention in subsequent years.
The concept of a unified Germany dates back centuries, evolving from the Holy Roman Empire and then the German Confederation formed at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. This process culminated in the unification of Germany in 1871, dramatically altering the balance of power in Europe. Germany’s unification, announced in the Palace of Versailles, signified a breach in France’s previously impenetrable defense along the North European Plain. This area would become a recurrent point of conflict in the years to follow.
Germany’s geographic position presented its own challenges. Situated on the flat North European Plain, Germany was sandwiched between France to the west and Russia to the east. This vulnerable position fueled fears of a two-front attack, a concern that influenced German military strategy and contributed to the onset of catastrophic conflicts.
The intricate interplay of fears and alliances in Europe, particularly following the formation of the Triple Entente in 1907, further complicated the situation. Germany’s response to its geographic dilemma and perceived threats often involved pre-emptive strikes, particularly against France.
The resolution to what was termed ‘the German Question’ came after the devastating effects of the Second World War. The presence of a dominant power, the United States, through NATO, and the establishment of the European Union, marked a shift in strategy. War-weary Europe embarked on a novel experiment in trust and cooperation. The EU was designed to bind France and Germany together so closely that conflict between them would become unthinkable. This approach has been largely successful, creating a peaceful and economically powerful union.
Germany, in particular, has thrived in this new environment. The country that once feared its geographic position has transformed it into an advantage. Germany has become a manufacturing powerhouse, replacing military conquests with commercial expansion. German products, renowned for their quality and bearing the label ‘Made in Germany,’ are transported across Europe and the world via efficient trade routes. This shift from military to economic power has not only benefited Germany but has also contributed to the stability and prosperity of the entire European region.
The European Union, which started as the six-nation European Steel and Coal Community in 1951, has expanded to a twenty-eight-nation bloc with the ideology of ‘ever closer union’. However, this ideology faced challenges following the first major financial crisis that hit the Union, revealing underlying tensions and fraying ties among member states. This situation echoed Robert Kaplan’s notion of ‘the revenge of geography’, highlighting the enduring impact of geographical factors on political alliances and conflicts.
The adoption of the euro by nineteen of the twenty-eight EU countries further complicated matters. While all members, except Denmark and the UK, committed to adopting the euro when they met the necessary criteria, it became evident that many countries were unprepared for the transition at its inception in 1999. Issues like debt, unemployment, and inflation were supposed to be within certain limits, but some countries, notably Greece, misrepresented their economic situations. Despite these issues being known, they were overlooked due to the ideological significance of the euro.
The economic crisis of 2008 tested the Eurozone severely, with wealthier nations having to bail out the less affluent ones, leading to significant internal strife. This crisis brought to light the deep divisions within the European Union, particularly along the north-south divide, and raised questions about the feasibility of an ever-closer union. Concerns have been raised that if the European Union were to fragment, it could reignite old fears about Germany’s role in Europe, especially given its status as the most populous and economically dominant nation in the EU.
Germany, aware of its critical role in Europe, is keen on maintaining the unity of the EU. Any fragmentation of the Union could lead to a resurgence of historical fears about Germany and would be detrimental to its economy as the world’s third-largest exporter. The country has become an indispensable power in Europe, particularly in economic matters, where it wields significant influence. However, Germany is much more reserved in global foreign policy, still deeply conscious of the shadows cast by the Second World War.
Germany’s military involvement has been cautious and restrained post-World War II, participating only minimally in international conflicts. Its most notable diplomatic engagement in recent times was in Ukraine during the crisis of 2014. Germany played a key role in the events leading to the ousting of Ukraine’s President Yanukovych and was critical of Russia’s annexation of Crimea. However, Germany’s response was more restrained compared to other countries like the UK, partly due to its reliance on Russian energy.
While Germany is firmly anchored in Western Europe through the EU and NATO, its geographical position allows for a potential shift in focus towards Eastern Europe, particularly in forging closer ties with Moscow. This possibility highlights the continuing influence of geography on Europe’s political landscape, with Germany at the center of these complex dynamics.
The United Kingdom has historically played a crucial role in European politics, often engaging from its position across the English Channel to ensure that no other European power surpasses its influence. This involvement has been consistent, from historical battlefields to the diplomatic arenas of the European Union. The UK often tries to balance the power within the EU, either by inserting itself into Franco-German alliances or by forming alliances with smaller EU states to influence policies.
Geographically, the UK’s position as an island has provided numerous advantages, including fertile farmland, navigable rivers, and rich fishing waters. This separation from continental Europe has historically protected the UK from the full brunt of continental wars and revolutions. The UK’s relative security over the centuries is thought to have fostered more freedom and less despotism compared to its European neighbors, contributing to earlier forms of democracy like the Magna Carta and the Provisions of Oxford.
The UK’s geographic advantages were pivotal in building a powerful navy and sparking the Industrial Revolution, leading to the expansion of the British Empire. While Britain’s global influence has declined, its strategic location continues to offer advantages, such as control over the GIUK gap, a strategic maritime choke point. The 2014 Scottish independence referendum raised concerns about losing strategic advantages in the North Atlantic, highlighting the UK’s ongoing concern about maintaining its global status.
As for NATO and the EU, both organizations are showing signs of strain. If they fail to adapt, the future could see a return to a Europe of sovereign nation states seeking alliances in a balance of power system. This scenario could reignite historical fears of encirclement and rivalry, particularly for countries like Germany and France.
France, in particular, faces a dilemma. Having worked to contain Germany within the EU, it now finds itself the junior partner in the relationship. France is capable of independent foreign policy and maintains a significant military presence, but its power is intricately tied to the stability of the EU and its relationship with Germany. Germany, on the other hand, has a potential alternative in Russia as a partner.
The end of the Cold War led to reduced military spending across Europe, but recent conflicts like the Russian-Georgian war and the annexation of Crimea have refocused attention on military preparedness. European nations are now reconsidering their military budgets amidst renewed geopolitical tensions.
Robert Kagan, in his book “Of Paradise and Power”, argues that while Western Europeans may live in a relatively peaceful paradise, they must not forget the realities of power politics outside their borders. The lessons of history and the constant influence of geography remind us that peace and stability require continual effort and vigilance.
Helmut Kohl, reflecting on his experiences of World War II, emphasized the importance of nurturing the post-war experiment in European trust. In 2012, he expressed concerns that the current generation of leaders might lose sight of the value of European unity, emphasizing that the primary benefit, despite all challenges, is peace. This sentiment highlights the ongoing necessity of maintaining and fostering the unity and cooperation that has been established in post-war Europe.
You can read the summary of the next chapter of the book by clicking this link.
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