ABSTRACT

This chapter argues that a much more acute and incisive geopolitical judgement was demonstrated by the United States decision makers, in particular the speed with which it was recognized that a new trans-Atlantic geopolitical structure had to be created if the allied geostrategy was to be successful. It analyses the concept of isolationism and its importance prior to the entry of the United States into the Second World War. The chapter examines the way in which the geographical scope of United States political objectives and strategy expanded after the beginning of hostilities in Europe and up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. It explains the impact of the geopolitical theories of Sir Halford Mackinder and Nicholas Spykman. The chapter describes the manner in which geopolitics was developed and utilized by a series of institutions, both civilian and military. Dramatic changes in the geographic distribution of power require a geographic framework that offers tools to understand them.