School of War
Ep 174: Hal Brands on the Long Struggle for Eurasia
Feb 4, 2025
Hal Brands, a distinguished global affairs professor and author of The Eurasian Century, dives deep into the complexities of geopolitics. He explores the strategic significance of Eurasia and the historical rivalries between land and sea power theories. The conversation touches on the rise of authoritarianism, the burdens of defense, and the ongoing struggle for power in the region. Brands also analyzes the implications of China’s nuclear aspirations and compares them with historical context to understand current dynamics.
38:09
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Quick takeaways
- The power struggle in Eurasia shapes global dominance, highlighting the necessity for U.S. engagement to combat authoritarian expansion.
- Geopolitical theories, particularly those of Halford Mackinder, illustrate the enduring significance of geography in modern power dynamics between land and sea strategies.
Deep dives
The Significance of Eurasia in Global Power
Eurasia is positioned as the central stage in the ongoing power struggle that determines global dominance. The competition for control over this vast region has historically involved powerful aggressive nations vying for resources and strategic advantage. This contest has led to major global conflicts such as World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, where the U.S. played a critical role in balancing power to prevent any single aggressor from asserting control over Eurasia. The discussion emphasizes the need for the U.S. to remain engaged in Eurasian geopolitics to ensure stability and prevent authoritarian regimes from expanding their influence.
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