A Comparative Analysis of Geopolitics

Here is an essay that was too short to be accepted as a regular article, but the writer granted us the right to publish it for free. If you have a short essay that you would you would like to give to us to publish for free, please send it to bill@bkserv.com. Thanks!

A Comparative Analysis of Geopolitics
by R. Lincoln Browning

If two or more individuals, organizations or other entities are involved in a conflict in an established democracy, there are many means available to accomplish resolution. Typically, there are long-standing institutions which operate under a system termed "the rule of law" and can be applied locally or nationally. They contain provisions for each party in the dispute to list their grievances before an authorized magistrate or arbiter. They also contain the right of appeal. Enforcement and protection against retribution round out the system.

However, when conflict rises to the international level, each sovereign nation has its own power and authority. Other than the United Nations, which has been almost totally ineffectual, no organization exists to aid the world's nations in conflict resolution. The task has fallen essentially to the sole remaining superpower, the United States of America. Since 9/11, the U.S. with the help and support of its allies has been forced to move on a large scale into the geopolitical arena, which is bereft of "the rule of law" and the accompanying institutions necessary to apply and enforce it.

An objective analysis of the subject of geopolitics must conclude that on the international level, the problems must be addressed entirely differently from those locally or nationally. Without established agreed-upon laws and institutions, involved nations should first use diplomacy to deal with situations threatening their national security. Failing in that attempt, they should use the "carrot and stick" method, and if that is not successful, military action is the only remaining option. This later move is harsh, but considering the threat to national security, it is imperative.

Please read these two articles by R. Lincoln Browning:

The War On Terror
Bush and the Presidency