The theoretical currents of geopolitics depicted through the conflict between Turkey and the North-Syrian Kurds

Abstract

The main aim of the study is to clarify the meaning of the term geopolitics, and to introduce the two epistemologically and methodically different schools within the discipline. Through the reviewal of the theories created by some of the most important geopolitical thinkers, the author portrays the evolution of geopolitics, and identifies the distinguishing factors between the two theoretical currents of the discipline. The chapter on classical and neoclassical geopolitics incorporates the theories of Halford Mackinder, Karl Haushofer, Nicholas Spykman, Samuel Huntington, Zbigniew Brzezinski and Michael Klare among others. Besides their depiction, the section evaluates the relevance of classical theories in the 21^st century. The chapter on critical approach describes the post-modern deconstruction of the traditional doctrines of geopolitics, and analyses the theories of Yves Lacoste, Gearóid Ó Tuathail, John Agnew and Manuell Castells. The differences between the two analytical approaches is then demonstrated with the two-directional analysis of Turkey’s military activity in northern Syria. In this section the author analyses the background of the Turkish interventions against the People’s Protection Units (YPG) first from a classical, then a critical perspective. According to the final conclusion of the author, understanding the complexity of international relations requires the combined usage of the two approaches. The objective geographical factors, emphasised by the classical school have an undeniable impact on the course of international affairs. However, the analysis which neglects the role of perceptions, identities and the connection between foreign and domestic politics – emphasised by the critical approach – will be flawed and deterministic. The last section of the study therefore provides a potential synthesis of the two theoretical currents.