understanding geopolitical imagination
TRANSCRIPT
1UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
School of Multidisciplinary Studies
Consular and Diplomatic Affairs Program
The Countries of Israel and India as an Interpretive Guide in
Understanding the Concept of Geopolitical Imagination
Christelle M. Jovenir
Student of Consular and Diplomatic Affairs
May, 2013
2UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
Table of Contents
List of Tables and Figures...............................................................................................................3
I. Abstract........................................................................................................................................4
II. Introduction.................................................................................................................................5
III. Case Description .......................................................................................................................6
IV. Review of Related Literature ....................................................................................................9
The Geopolitical Imagination and the Enframing of Development Theory................................9
Geopolitics and the International Relations
Geopolitical Imagination: The Importance of Maps.................................................................11
The Emigration State and the Modern Geopolitical Imagination..............................................12
Theorizing Religious Nationalism: The Case of American Christian Zionist
National Allegiance to Israel.....................................................................................................13
The Pattern and Causes of Economic Growth in India..............................................................14
V. Discussion.................................................................................................................................15
Israel’s Contrasting Geopolitical Imaginations.........................................................................16
Geopolitical Possibilities: India, the Next Economic Superpower?..........................................19
VI. Conclusion...............................................................................................................................22
VII. References..............................................................................................................................23
3UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
List of Tables and Figures
Figure 1: McArthur’s Universal Corrective Map
Figure 2: Map of Israel Showing the Occupied Palestinian and Syrian
Territories
Figure 3: Bilateral Trade between U.S. and Israel
Figure 4: U.S. Trade Deficit with Israel
Figure 5: Israel and Part of Europe at the Edge of the Mediterranean Sea
Figure 6: India’s GDP Growth
Figure 7: India’s Stock Index Has Outperformed Chinese and U.S. Markets
Table 1: Structure of Indian GDP
4UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
Abstract
Put the paper’s abstract
write a concise summary of the key points of your research. (Do not indent.) Your abstract should contain at least your research topic, research questions, participants, methods, results, data analysis, and conclusions. You may also include possible implications of your research and future work you see connected with your findings. Your abstract should be a single paragraph double-spaced. Your abstract should be between 150 and 250 words.
You may also want to list keywords from your paper in your abstract. To do this, indent as you would if you were starting a new paragraph, type Keywords: (italicized), and then list your keywords. Listing your keywords will help researchers find your work in databases.
Israel has five contrasting geopolitical imaginations; 1. Geographically, it is located in the Middle East, however, it feels disoriented in the region due to different acts of discrimination and condemnation that it is receiving from its neighboring countries; 2. Israel sees itself as a geographical extension of Europe at the verge of the Eastern Mediterranean; 3. Other states perceived Israel as the “Fifty First State” of the United States of America; 4. Israel is executing its “ethnocentric version” against the Palestinians; and 5. Israel has a geopolitical position of being at the center of the world.
Keywords: ? Geopolitical imagination,
5UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
INTRODUCTION
After long years of being neglected due its previous incorporation with the policies of
Nazi Germany, the notion of the importance of Geopolitics in understanding the fast political
changes in this cotemporary world had returned. This restoration and recovery of Geopolitics led
the politicians and scholars to critically analyze the fast changing world map (Newman, 1998).
According to analysts, the rapid changes in the context of politics between states are brought
about by the phenomenon of Globalization. This present trend which greatly varies between the
relationships of states was further utilized and initiated by the notion of speed rooting from the
improved technologies. Amplified mobilization due to the impacts of cyberspace technology
made the people from different states more connected, thus, giving an impression that the world
is shrinking in size. In this course of events, states are starting to ask of what is their
contemporary position in the world system. This question was raised due to the fact that states
are starting to realize that their own physical geographical location is inadequate to aid their
inquiries. Hence, due to the increased connection, the more important factor is the geopolitical
imagination of a country, which refer to its own picture of where it suit into the international
system and, identically, how other states in that similar system looks at it.
According to John Agnew’s formal definition of the concept, Geopolitical Imagination
refers to the varied actions of states which are not only confined within the idea that they need to
compete over territories, but, in this contemporary world system, states do certain actions
because it is how and where it perceives itself and how other states assessed or view the latter’s
position. The geopolitical imagination of states greatly affects foreign policy. This concept can
be seen in every sovereign state which performs actions upon their perceived geopolitical
imagination. Two of the best areas to analyze Geopolitics in today’s world are the countries of
Israel and India. The concept of geopolitical imagination in Israel is diverse, having five different
perceived situations which will be enumerated and analyzed in this paper. One of which is
Israel’s own perception of being a geographical extension of Europe. Another case example is
the current geopolitical imagination of other states in relation to India, wherein world leaders see
this country as the world’s fastest growing economy by 2014 (Lubin, 2011). Considering the
emergence of issues in the countries of Israel and India, this paper will focus in these two states
to fully understand the concept of geopolitical imagination. After the series of information and
6UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
testimonies, this paper will try to present that despite the established geopolitical perception and
imagination by these two states and other states towards them, what will be the possible reasons
that will make these countries’ own geopolitical imagination turn out to be just momentary?
Using different analysis from different geopolitics experts, I will try to justify and rationalize the
presence of geopolitical imagination in the countries of Israel and India and how these perceived
ideas affected their foreign policies and relationship with other states. This paper also detailed
the varied actions by other states which will change the perceived ideas of these two countries,
thus, answering the target question.
CASE DESCRIPTION
One of the best areas to observe and analyze Geopolitics in this contemporary world
system is Israel. This is not only due to the reason that Israel’s citizens struggle to determine
their identity in a dominant post-Zionist society, but also the state’s struggle to know its role in
the world system. This country has five different and to some instances, contrasting geopolitical
imaginations. First, geographically, Israel is located in the Middle East. As a common position,
other states would want to integrate itself with its neighbors, and this can be attained if they
make peace with them. But, average Israelis felt disoriented with the cultures binding the region.
This reaction of disorientation has rooted historically from the anti-Israel propaganda from
certain Muslim countries who happened to be the country’s neighbors. The perception of Muslim
opposition to Israel is motivated by the idea of anti-Zionism which is a worldwide Jewish
movement that resulted into the establishment and development of the Israeli state. As a result,
Jews under Muslim rule faced systematic discrimination, persecution, and at times, violence
(Karsh, 2006). These opinions by the neighboring Muslim countries towards Israel even found
their own reason to execute such actions on the grounds of believing that the Israeli people do
have a different type of culture and therefore as what these neighboring states believe, it is
justified to maltreat them.
On the other hand, Israel also sees itself as the geographical extension of Europe at the
edge of the Eastern Mediterranean, where cultures, religions, and continents meet.
7UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
This perception of Israel regarding their geographical position was not only due to the reason
that the country was created by Europeans, maintaining institutions and structures which have
transformed and evolved as a result of the European experience, but, also it was brought about by
the similarity of cultures of these two entities, considering the connection of their geographical
location at the verge of the Eastern Mediterranean. There has even been a study which presented
the strong link and association of the Israelis to the European culture. The latter found out that
Israelis would rather choose not to forfeit their membership on the European Soccer Leagues
wherein they have struggled so long to gain entry or even at the Eurovision Song Contest than
picking the exchange of it for their Middle Eastern equivalents (Newman, 1998). Throughout
history, the relationship between Europe and Israel is complex, tense, and loaded. Though there
are established gaps between their perspectives, many observers believe that their relationship is
still present. The European-Israeli relations in the areas of trade, science, culture, and sports have
evolved, expanded, and has only been partly affected by the political divergence happening in
each of the two regions. The relationship between Israel and the European countries requires
assessment from different angles. From the angle or aspect of territory and population, Europe
and Israel are not comparable entities, considering that the latter is smaller in size and number of
people partly surrounded by mortal enemies, while the European Union consisting of several
states with hundreds of millions of citizens. The other reason to look at the relationship between
these two regions at different angles is the ongoing discriminatory criticism by the European
Union and many of its member states against Israel in recent years which appears to be stemming
primarily from Europe’s characteristics, history, and worldview (Gerstenfeld, 2005). Thirdly is
the appearance of Israel as the “Fifty First State” of the United States of America. This idea was
established by the fact that Israel still continues to greatly depend on the American financial and
political aid. This can be seen in the current news affairs of the country wherein the United States
is strongly reaffirming its support to Israel against its neighboring Muslim countries. The Israelis
have also become highly Americanized in their consuming orientations. Due to the proliferation
of cyberspace and cable television, it has been implicitly implied that the borders of the state of
Israel has not been considered as a hindrance in order for the American ideas to enter and be
8UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
adapted. The latter situation can be seen into the houses and homes of all Israelis which has
American touch into their every salon. This situation is not different to the impact of
globalization which is present everywhere in the contemporary world, making the United States
the single largest superpower in every aspect achieved by its military force. Implicitly, this is the
bona fide meaning of the global village of which the Israeli society has become a member. Next
is the ethnocentric version of Israel against the Palestinians and how it is perceived by these
people fighting for international recognition. In this situation, Israel’s perception does not rest
within its borders. One would argue that it is a state without borders for its citizens are the whole
Jewish community. In this image, a Jewish family has more rights to buy their own land in a
certain place than a Palestinian family who have resided there uninterruptedly for years. The
Israelis have regarded these people within their state as different, wherein the latter’s situation is
the same with the perception of other Arab countries towards Israel. Lastly, there is an
established notion of Israel’s geopolitical position as being located at the very center of the
world. This is not only based on the Judaism point-of-view, but, even the groups of Christianity
and Islam view this country as an important part of the globe, a place to which all eyes are
turned. The activities of the neighboring states do not necessarily depend on the idea of it as the
“Holy Land”, the “Promised Land”, or the “Jerusalem of Above”, but, it is due to the fact that
Israel remains to be the center of world attention. The conflicts within their country receive more
media attention than anywhere else in the world. Referring to media attention alone, an observer
can articulate and believe that Israel is the world’s only mega-state, and not just a plain land
territory which stretches a mere 75 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan Valley
(Newman, 1998).
Another case example is the current observation and assessment of other states towards
India. Despite the fact that about 42% of the world’s poor lives in India as recorded by an
information from the World Bank, at present, world leaders perceived this country as the world’s
fastest growing economy by 2014. In the same year, it is also stated that up to 25% of the
world’s new workers will be Indian. This is brought about by their growing population which
ranks second in the world ranking of countries (CIA, 2012). Its Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
per capita quadrupled from 2007 and presumably up to 2020. The country’s technology capital
Bangalore has now more Grade-A offices than Singapore. According to Reuters, property prices
in Mumbai and Delhi have quadrupled in the past one year. Considering the importance of
9UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
technology and the emergence of Information Technology (IT) workers and services, half of the
world’s outsourced IT services come from India which then amounts to a $47 billion dollar
industry. Despite the issues of possible instant downturn of India’s economy due to a large
percentage of contribution coming from Multinational Corporations (MNCs) specifically from
Wal-Mart, it is undeniable that by maintaining the demand for the services of the latter, it was
able to outsource $1 billion from IT contracts to India. The country is also the world’s second
largest importer of arms and has spent $50 billion on defense purchases alone in the last decade.
Its entertainment sector, particularly in the aspects of movie production, was able to compete
with America and Canada combined. In the year 2010, it was able to sold $3.2 billion movie
tickets, even bigger than the movie market of the two previous countries. In terms of the aspects
of politics, India has 568 million more registered voters than the U.S. and according to reports; it
has a better turnout ratio. As an overall assessment of its economy, it used to account for 33% of
the world’s GDP and despite the decreased by 3% in its economic growth for the past years, it
may now rise to 25%. According to Goldman Sachs’ future outlook for the country of India, it
sees the country surpassing the U.S. economy in 2050, trailing only China (Lubin, 2011). In the
Indo-Pacific region, the country was also able to develop a good relationship with Australia.
These two countries have discussed matters about Nuclear Energy and Regional Cooperation,
continuing the sales of uranium from Australia to India. This intensified cooperation and
connection between these two key Indo-Pacific States, resulted into the amplification of the
influence by the United States towards the region, in order for the latter to secure its power
(Stratfor, 2012).
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
The Geopolitical Imagination and the Enframing of Development Theory
By David Slater, 1993
10UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
All the major changes in the developmental concepts in the realm of geopolitics took
place in the post-war period. The theory of modernization which started from the developing
countries reflected the will of every state in attaining geopolitical power. This desire of every
state was brought about by their own respective geopolitical imagination, which had varying
effects on the enframing or covering of the meanings and relations of development among states.
The established geopolitical imagination or perception of a State upon itself and other States
towards the latter, gives legitimization or approval on their actions that is the series of needed or
practical interventions to the perceived subordinate States or countries of the Third World. This
idea was supported by related liberal readings of development in the 1980s that discussed about
the rapidly changing geopolitical conditions. One of which is the connection between
Geopolitics and the North-South relations which cannot be separated from a series of
geopolitical events such as the Cuban Revolution, nor from the perceived need on the part of
critical Latin American intellectuals to question and challenge the importance of modernization
for the periphery. In the course of events covering the disintegration of the Second World
countries and the sudden disappearance of the “Soviet Threat”, a new presence is threatening the
West. Emerging unpredictable regimes and non-Western religions are starting to occupy the
West’s sphere of influence. Another factor are the moral questions raised by Hosle (1992) about
the increasing gap between the First and Third World countries, especially the unequal
distribution of income which became the central issue during the post-war period. Also, due to
this new trend of dominance, scholars have linked “geopolitics” to “imperialism” as a central
feature of the contemporary global power. One example of which is an article written by
Mohanty (1992) referring to the United States of America as a geopolitical power during the
1990s seeing that the latter had dominated the space territory due to their advanced technology.
Through the series of events, a line has been drawn between global capitalism, also known as the
exploitation in economics and nation-state alliances which led to dominance in geopolitics.
Several researchers’ ideas had been integrated into this article regarding the shift of
attention of the world into the importance of geopolitical imagination among States. The
definition of the concept made by Slater is based on the grounds of John Agnew’s own
explanation of the idea. Considering the presence of other factors other than the competition over
territories to ensure a State’s influence which was aided by the phenomenon of globalization, the
information in this article is inclined with the idea of Agnew that geopolitical imagination is the
11UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
own perception of a State on where it thinks it fit in the world system and how other States
perceived the resulting actions. It has been indicated that countries are attaining their perceived
position in a new trend, that is, through developing and boosting their economy, improving their
technological capabilities, and settling the established opinions about the existence of
subordinate States or poor countries. The latter had been perceived as experiencing inequality
when it comes to economic distribution and political alliances. It has been internationally
received that strong states will incorporate themselves to another strong state to create a balance,
thus, avoiding each other from attaining the peak of geopolitical dominance.
Geopolitics and the Study of International Relations
Geopolitical Imagination: The Importance of Maps
By Semra Rana Gokmen, 2010
Geopolitics became possible when seeing the whole world became viable. Thus, from
this statement, the field of geopolitics largely relied on geography. On the other hand, Agnew
suggests that “the history of modern world politics has been structured by practices based on a
set of understandings about the way the world works that together constitute the elements of the
modern “geopolitical imagination”. Though the players which are the States and the power
balances between them have changed, the modern geopolitical imagination still remains
dominant in framing or creating the conduct of foreign policies of every State in this current
world politics. It focuses on the global visualization which became possible with the
development of modern maps. All special and grand strategies depend on world maps; therefore,
the map is the main source of a State’s basic assumption. But, David Stephens, writer of the
article “Making Sense of Maps” and is also a cartographer, labeled maps as not a commonplace
and it needs to be questioned. He proposed that if we are to study geopolitics and international
relations, it is necessary to have a closer look at maps and the assumptions built upon them, for
these can affect international politics and in conceptualizing decisions. Thus, if we are to study
the relations of States, we need to know how to read “their” maps. Modern maps of certain States
cater not the literal land location of a State, hence, the position of being in the North or up, South
or down, East or right, and West or left of the globe is not important, but, it is the “orientation”
executed and decided upon by its people. Stuart McArthur’s “Universal Corrective Map” is an
12UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
important example for this situation. He generated an “upside-down” map version of the world,
putting Australia, his homeland, at the top. In the past, religion has also played a significant role
in map orientations. Early cartographers often placed Jerusalem at the center of their maps, due
to the notion of it being a Holy Land. On the other hand, Islamic maps has been oriented at the
south to Mecca, thus, in their maps, south was shown at the top of the world.
Figure 1: McArthur’s Universal Corrective Map
Source: McArthur, S. (2006). McArthur’s Universal Corrective Map. ODT Maps. Retrieved November 28, 2012 from http://odtmaps.com/detail.asp_Q_product_id_E_McA-23x35
Maps are also incorporated with power. German cartographers presented an example of
the use of map for their own propaganda of territorial expansion. Geopolitical Imagination has
been an invisible force that guided mainstream international decisions.
The Emigration State and the Modern Geopolitical Imagination
By Alan Gamlen, 2008
13UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
This article presented how a large number of states relate to their diasporas or the
dispersion of people from their respective homelands. It shows how States constitute different
extra-territorial groups as part of their original group, through a set of diverse institutions and
practices. It presented two types of diaspora mechanism: the first recognize their community of
origin, and the other which puts the people into a deep connection from where they came from. It
is normal for States to have such mechanisms traversing beyond their borders and affecting
certain other groups. It is proposed that it is more valid to view these institutions and practices
collectively as “the emigration state”. This article argues that the emigration state has been
ignored by what John Agnew’s modern geopolitical imagination is proposing, wherein territorial
nation-state units are locked into an international competition and are thought to be the highest
form of political organization. Transferring from a state into another has been a new trend of
strategy to create an influence within a sphere. A key factor in this tactic is the population of a
State. Having a large population requires extra land masses to cater the needs of its citizens’
respective families. This necessity can be supported by the idea of emigration into other States.
This large group of people can have a large impact into their respective host countries. They can
serve as part of the host country’s largest percentage of work force, thus, diverting large amounts
of international income to their countries of origin.
This article is inclined with the purpose of studying geopolitical imagination and its
connection with the concept of emigration, wherein, one of the case examples is the country of
India. Certain information and factors about their possible dominance in the world system was
affected by the fact regarding the country’s diaspora of citizens rooting from its large and
increasing population.
Theorizing Religious Nationalism: The Case of American Christian Zionist National
Allegiance to Israel
By Tristan Sturm, 2010
This article contributed recent literature on theories under the field of sociology and
anthropology in discussing the topics relating religion and nationalism. Explicit and well-known
examples of these functional, instrumental, and facilitative uses of religion are currently applied
in Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States among many others. Such a tally is clearly not
14UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
exhaustive of the ways religion and nationalism is fused, but it is this taxonomy that illustrates
the American Christian Zionist case study for this article. Christian Zionists, in brief, are made
up of socially conservative evangelicals and Pentecostals who believe the wars in the Middle
East threatens an imminent “End Times” scenario which will be centered in the modern state of
Israel where a clash between Satan’s Russian and Arab led armies meet those Westerners who
are non-Christian but, nevertheless, serve Christ’s army. As John Agnew notes, “much
nationalism and imperialism have found purpose and justification in religious difference and in
proselytizing.” Nationalism is comprised of many sentiments of devotion, but territory and a
geopolitical imagination of it is a key, especially in contrast to common enemies and neighboring
territories. Because of the nationalist identification of “internal” and “external”, “our nation” and
“their nation”, Agnew argues that these binaries make nationalism the most territorial of all
major ideologies among socialism, liberalism, and nationalism. Herb and Kaplan argue that
“territory becomes a vital constituent of the definition and identification of the group living
within it” (Herb & Kaplan, 1998; Sturm, 2010). The belief of the majority of Christian
Americans coincided with Israel’s sentiments and the established belief towards them from the
international community.
It has been presented that alliances between States are also affected by “religious
nationalism” among their respective citizens. Different ideologies can result to conflict within a
region that is the Middle Eastern countries having a sensitive Islam faith, surrounding Israel. The
latter finds refuge to a large country having the same political and religious ideology, and this
can be seen in the presence of the United States of America seeing Israel as a tight ally and
supporting it through its established principles.
The Pattern and Causes of Economic Growth in India
By Kaushik Basu and Anemie Maertens, 2007
World leaders have perceived India as one of the fastest growing economies by 2014.
This article has presented the broad parameters of the Indian economy’s growth since its
independence. Certain evaluations about where the country is positioned were also presented,
supported by a series of statistics. The components of the Indian growth which greatly rely on
technological services and the relative importance of different policies in the 1980s and 1990s
15UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
were also obtained. The country’s savings rate was also largely affected by the growth and
development it has attained for the recent years. On the other hand, the nature of their labor
market was evaluated by analysts as effective due to its large rate.
The country was perceived as a large basket of Multinational Corporations (MNCs) due
to the economy’s high dependence in Wal-Mart. Observers also perceived that a large possibility
of an economic breakdown is possible, due to the principle of non-permanency of these MNCs
within the country, especially if the latter has faced low demands from the people for their
services. The emigration of its population is in connection with the series of diasporas presented
in the previous research. These series of migration can result into the establishment of Indian
domination in each of their host States, especially in the latter’s work force. The pattern of their
economic growth has been cyclic, since the outpour of their local citizens into other States brings
back an increase in the national income of the country.
The inclination of this journal to the conducted study is present, especially its allocated
focus centering on the emergence of India as an economically developed State which may
surpassed the economic capabilities of the United States of America and other economically
stable countries.
DISCUSSION
Throughout history, the primary strategy to acquire power geopolitically is through the
idea of conquest. Competing over territories served to be the grounds of each state in making
decisions regarding the invasion and intervention upon other states. For the past recent years,
Geopolitics is back and in a big way. In this revival of the use of the field of geopolitics, it was
accompanied by a series of rapid changes in the world system which was brought about by the
phenomenon of Globalization. The latter had changed the phase of speed, reaching and covering
the borders of states, thus, providing an avenue for the deeper connection of their respective
groups of people. Due to this amplified connection, states began to ask if where it now fits itself
in the world system, and of how other states perceive this current position of the country in the
map. In this course of changes and diversions, the physical geographical location of a state is not
16UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
enough to articulate whether a country is internationally active, centered, or destabilized. Today,
the most important thing to consider is the geopolitical imagination of a state.
Israel’s Contrasting Geopolitical Imaginations
One of the countries that receive more media attention than anywhere else in the world is
the country of Israel. It has been perceived to be lying at the center of the globe; hence, its
internal conflicts receive more media attention. There have been reports and studies about a
possible war within the region of the Middle East. This is due to the anti-Zionist values of its
neighboring Muslim countries causing conflict and unrest in the region. The hatred was further
amplified due to Israel’s independence and occupation of certain territories that were formerly
owned by its neighboring Muslim countries. There has even been an independent perception of
the country of Iran which believes that Israel must be “wiped-off” the map. This conflict was
further exacerbated by the internal Palestinians residing just within its borders, being
Figure 2: Map of Israel Showing the Occupied Palestinian and Syrian Territories
inclined with the belief of the neighboring
countries, which has a stance that the Israelis
do have a different type of prevailing culture
and religion. The latter, in the Muslim
countries’ perception, must be eradicated
within the Middle Eastern map to counteract
the country’s sphere of influence within the
region. Last November 2012, there was a
resumption in the conflict between the
Israelis and Palestinians, though condemned
by the international community, the attacks
made by Israel against the Palestinian people
in the Gaza Strip seemed to be justified by
the U.S’ backing, which is a superpower. On
the other hand, the country of Iran seeing that
17UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
Source: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2004.the Palestinians are being restricted to their right of self-determination, had decided to extend its
financial and political aid to the Hamas group, considering them as a political nation which was
conversely perceived by Israel and the United States as a terrorist group. These different ideas
had greatly affected the foreign policy of each state, thus, affecting its people. Through these
struggles of the Israelis, the United States of America has always been present in supporting the
country against its mortal enemies. There has been an exchange of arms, political ideas, aid, and
investments between the two countries to secure the dominant State’s influence over Israel,
seeing that the latter possesses a huge sphere of influence within the region. Due to this
occurrence, the country had been labeled as the “Fifty First State” of the U.S. Israel was the 24 th
largest exporter, as well as the 23rd largest importer of the U.S. in 2011. Israel’s top export
categories were precious stones (diamonds), electrical machinery, and medical instruments.
American foreign direct investments in the country primarily concentrate in the manufacturing
sector. In view of this, U.S. goods experience a trade deficit with Israel amounting to about $9.1
billion in 2011, a 6.4% decrease from $617 billion over 2010 (U.S. Trade Representative, 2013).
Figure 3: Bilateral Trade between U.S. and
Israel
18UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
Source: Israel Export Institute
Figure 4: U.S. Trade Deficit with Israel
Source: Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy
Another geopolitical imagination of Israel is its perceived position of being an extension of
Europe, which was brought about by the disorientation of the Israelis in the Middle Eastern
region. At the edge of the Mediterranean, culture, religion, and tradition meet, hence, opening a
connection between the peoples of these two regions.
Figure 5: Israel and Part of Europe at the Edge of the Mediterranean Sea
19UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
Source: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
However, what hinders this geopolitical imagination of Israel is the negative reaction of the
Europeans towards them. Throughout history, the treatment of the European populace towards
the Israelis has been discriminatory. One example of which can be seen in historical records, that
is the ethnic cleansing of the Jews by the Germans, which saw themselves as the Aryans or the
supreme race. However, despite these reactions, the Israelis would still choose to strengthen their
European connections through sports and tradition rather than establishing a bridge between its
Middle Eastern neighbors (Newman, 1998). In this situation, it can be seen that the orientation of
a state’s citizens, as according to the study conducted by Gokmen, seems to be more important
than its local and physical regional location, thus, affecting its relations with other states.
Geopolitical Possibilities: India, the Next Economic Superpower?
Today, the context of multi-polarity among the powers of states can be seen. In recent
history, it has only been the United States which acquired the position as the only economic
superpower, but, in this fast changing world system, this position can be seen in different states
having a consistent development upon its capabilities. A best example would be the country of
20UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
India. World leaders have perceived this country as one of the world’s fastest growing economy
by 2014. This is due to its large work force, wherein it is also perceived that 25% of the world’s
new workers will be Indian in the same identified year. From 2007 and presumably by 2020, the
GDP per capita of the country had quadrupled.
Figure 6: India’s GDP Growth
Source: CEIC, EFIC
Table 1: Structure of Indian GDP
Source: Ministry of Finance, India
This is brought about by the country’s advancements in technology, specifically in its technology
capital Bangalore which now has more Grade-A offices compared to Singapore. It is also
considered as the world’s largest importer of arms (Lubin, 2011). On the category of importing
precious metals, India is considered to be the largest importer of gold and silver. The Minerals
and Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC), a government-owned company, is the country’s
largest importer of gold which is also dealing with agro-commodities and in the production of
fertilizers. On the other hand, in view of the country’s large import rate in gold, India’s Finance
Minister Pranab Mukherjee articulated that the 50% increase in imports of gold and other
precious metals has been one of the proximate causes of the current account deficit. Therefore,
21UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
the government revealed in its 2012-2013 budget that the country will increase its import duty
and taxes in gold (Badkar, 2012). It can be perceived that the future demand of the country’s
citizens for gold will decrease and it now seems that China is more likely to take over India’s
position as the world’s biggest gold market.
Figure 7: India’s Stock Index Has Outperformed Chinese and U.S. Markets
Source: Bloomberg, U.S. Global Research
From an economic improvement recorded by India’s stock market Bombay Exchange
Sensitive Index (SENSEX) which surpassed Chinese and American markets, the country also
faced severe economic downfalls and a possible political collapse last 2011 which led the
government into a huge economic decision to finally open its retail sector to global behemoths
like Wal-Mart and Ikea last September 2012 (Harris, 2012). Wal-Mart is an American
multinational retail company that centers on chains of department stores and warehouse stores
that offers low prices. This corporation led to the inflow of multiple foreign direct investments
(FDI) opportunities into the country, thus, creating more employed citizens. However, according
to Pravakar Sahoo, an Associate Professor at the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), the
government’s politically sensitive decision to allow FDI from foreign corporations sparked
22UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
commotion among the right-wing political parties and left-wing Communist parties, due to the
inappropriate timing of the decision especially that the opposition is challenging the
administration over the issues of corruption, continuous high prices, “black” money, and lack of
policy formulation on important reforms. He also mentioned about the initial impact of multi-
brand retailers entering the country’s market which is expected to have a negative impact on
about 12 million unorganized shops, as they lack the capability to challenge prominent retailers
in terms of variety, quality, and other factors (Luthra, 2012). The government also seems to be
automatically turning its head on Wal-Mart in times of deficiencies in supplies, thus, forgetting
to find alternatives. According to critics, “poverty” is the main contribution of Wal-Mart
wherever it operates, just like in India. The Indian economy is partly relying on Wal-Mart’s
presence, however, one can articulate that a possible downfall of this market’s demand from the
people might cause a reciprocating impact towards the Indian market, thus, hampering its
growth.
This country has also made steps to establish an influence in the Indo-Pacific region, and
one of which is the reaffirmation of its relationship with other economically stable countries in
the region. Last October 17, 2012, the Prime Ministers of India and Australia had a meeting after
the latter’s state visit, wherein they have discussed matters regarding Nuclear Energy and
Regional Cooperation, this has also resulted into the resumption of Australia’s sales of uranium
to India. As a result of the intensified cooperation between these two key Indo-Pacific states,
countries from the West, particularly the U.S. has perceived this as a threat to its hegemony,
therefore, it has also execute steps to contain India’s influence over the region (Stratfor, 2012).
CONCLUSION
The revival of political geography brought forward the revival of geopolitics. This
utilization of geopolitics is more of a practice and perceptions among states, which can be seen
23UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
through their geopolitical imagination, which was formally defined by John Agnew. In history,
competition over territory has been the basis of geopolitical power. But, due to the rapid changes
brought about by globalization and improved technology, the trend for geopolitical power has
also changed. The foreign policy of a state is not only defined by its physical geographical
location, but, also it is more defined by its own perception of itself on its position in the current
world system. The notion of “modern maps” is now in used, every state has currently preferred
maps wherein they are the center of the plot and the other states are defined on how they see or
assessed each other. This assessment or perceptions are bounded within categories where a state
feels oriented that makes it a part of a certain group or region which is originally not its real
faction; categories of identical culture, religion, politics, and economy. The notion of geopolitical
imagination as a concept of geopolitics is important in studying international relations. The
perceived assumptions of states upon themselves and to other countries define their foreign
policies. These perceptions are not permanent and these can change over the course of events
especially that it is bounded under the principle of globalization; therefore, the current
assumptions of states towards Israel and India, as well as their own perceptions headed for
themselves may still change and vary.
24UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
REFERENCES
Badkar, M. (2012). The World’s Largest Gold Importer Wants to Slam on the Brakes. Business
Insider. Retrieved May 9, 2013 from
http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-03-16/markets/31199453_1_demand-for-gold-
jewelry-import-duty-india
Basu, K., & Maertens, A. (2007). The Pattern and Causes of Economic Growth in India. [PDF
File]. Oxford Review of Economic Policy. Retrieved November 28, 2012 from
http://oxrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/2/143.short
CIA. (2012). Country Comparison: Population. The World Factbook. Retrieved November 30,
2012 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/
2119rank.html
Cora, O. (2013). U.S. Accounts for Quarter of Israel's Exports, with 7% Increase Expected this
Year. Haaretz. Retrieved May 8, 2013 from http://www.haaretz.com/business/u-s-accounts-
for-quarter-of-israel-s-exports-with-7-increase-expected-this-year.premium-1.510894
Dittmer, J., & Sturm, T. (Eds.), Mapping the End Times: American Evangelical Geopolitics and
Apocalyptic Visions. UK: Farnham, Ashgate. pp. 133-154
EFIC, Export Finance & Insurance Corporation. (2012). Country Profile: India. Overcoming
Financial Barriers for Exporters. Retrieved May 9, 2013 from
http://www.efic.gov.au/country/countryprofiles/Pages/india.aspx
Gamlen, A. (2008). The Emigration State and the Modern Geopolitical Imagination. Political
Geography. [PDF File]. Retrieved November 28, 2012 from
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0962629808001005
25UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
Gerstenfeld, M. (2005). Israel and Europe: An Expanding Abyss?. Retrieved November 30, 2012
from http://www.jcpa.org/israel-europe/ier-gerstenfeld-05.htm
Gokmen, S. (2010). Geopolitics and the Study of International Relations. [PDF File]. Retrieved
November 28, 2012 from https://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12612289/index.pdf
Harris, G. (2012). India Backs Foreign Investment in Retailing. The New York Times. Retrieved
May 9, 2013 from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/business/global/india-backs-
foreign-investment-in-retail-sector.html
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. (2013). The Eastern Mediterranean. The Metropolitan
Museum of Art. Retrieved May 9, 2013 from http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/ht/?
period=04®ion=wae
Herb, G.H., & Kaplan, D. H. (Eds.) (1998). Nested Identities: Nationalism, Territory, and Scale.
Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield.
Holmes, F. (2010). India: Land of Hope and Economic Growth. The Market Oracle. Retrieved
May 9, 2013 from http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article24639.html
Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy. (2012). National Summit to Reassess the US-Israel
“Special Relationship”. Retrieved May 9, 2013 from
http://www.irmep.org/uifta/myths/default.htm
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (2004). Modern Israel. Retrieved May 8, 2013 from
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/aboutisrael/maps/pages/modern%20israel%20-within
%20boundaries%20and%20cease-fire%20li.aspx
Jha, G. (2010). Can India Achieve Double Digit GDP Growth Rate? TI Corridors. Retrieved
May 9, 2013 from http://ticorridors.com/India-US/Economy/Can-India-achieve-double-
26UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF GEOPOLITICAL IMAGINATION
digit-GDP-growth-rate.html
Karsh, E. (2006). The Long Trail of Islamic Anti-Semitism. [PDF File]. Retrieved November 30,
2012 from https://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/mems/people/staff/academic/karsh/
articles/TheLongTrailofIslamicAnti-Semitism1.pdf
Lubin, G. (2011). 15 Facts About India That Will Blow Your Mind. Business Insider. Retrieved
October 26, 2012 from http://www.businessinsider.com/amazing-facts-about-india-2010-
12?op=1
Luthra, S. (2012). Determining India’s Economic Trajectory: The Role of Foreign Direct
Investment. The National Bureau of Asian Research. Retrieved May 9, 2013 from
http://nbr.org/research/activity.aspx?id=204#.UY2AYKLvuGM
McArthur, S. (2006). McArthur’s Universal Corrective Map. ODT Maps. Retrieved November
28, 2012 from http://odtmaps.com/detail.asp_Q_product_id_E_McA-23x35
Newman, D. (1998). The Geopolitical Imagination. Jerusalem Post. Retrieved October 26, 2012
from http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/ibru/publications/full/bsb6-1_borderlines.pdf
Slater, D. (1993). The Geopolitical Imagination and the Enframing of Development Theory.
[PDF File]. Retrieved November 28, 2012 from
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/622559?
uid=3738824&uid=2&uid=4&sid=21101442884351
Stratfor. (2012). Nuclear Energy and Regional Cooperation. Retrieved October 26, 2012 from
http://www.stratfor.com/search/site/india%27s%20percent%20global%20prime
Sturm, T. (2010). Imagining Apocalyptic Geopolitics: American Evangelical Citationality of
Evil. UK: Farnham, Ashgate. pp. 136-141
U.S. Trade Representative. (2013). U.S.-Israel Trade Facts. Retrieved May 9, 2013 from
http://www.ustr.gov/countries-regions/europe-middle-east/middle-east/north-africa/israel