An Introduction to Political Geography

Political geography is one of the branches of geographical sciences that examines all natural, cultural (human) and environmental effects on policies, military plans and combative / supportive operations at global, regional and local levels. Political geography is a science that expresses the effects of geographic factors of a country or area on military movements. Political geography is a part of military sciences that concerns environmental characteristics of the area of operation. Political geography includes application of geographic analysis method. It is worth noting that various definitions have been presented for political geography, but two major points are necessary to be considered in order to reach a comprehensive definition. A. Scale and application of military geography The application of military geography for political leaders, national security planners, commanders and military hierarchies that play major roles in formulation of military strategies, which has specific definition and a certain scope. B-The military geography has its own value against internal and external threats and various geopolitical conditions of any region. In fact, military geography faces threats by presenting their direction and exploitation of geographic factors against these threats. Military geography is an effective guide in national and macro planning in a country including land preparation and allocation, so that appropriate locating of development plans and constructive measures of the country such as infrastructure and industrial establishments take defense-security considerations into account in all circumstances.