Geopolitics & Strategy Vocabulary

distribution of power preventing any one state's dominance

“The alliance maintained the balance of power.”

a region where one power has dominant authority

“Eastern Europe was in the Soviet sphere of influence.”

a neutral country between rival powers

“Belgium was designed as a buffer state.”

a conflict where major powers support opposing sides

“The civil war became a proxy war between superpowers.”

preventing the expansion of hostile power

“Containment defined Cold War strategy.”

discouraging attack through threat of retaliation

“Nuclear deterrence prevented direct conflict.”

pushing a dangerous situation to the edge

“Cuban Missile Crisis exemplified brinksmanship.”

fragmentation into smaller hostile units

“Critics warned of Balkanization of the region.”

forced neutrality under a powerful neighbor's influence

“Some feared Finlandization of border states.”

influence through culture and values rather than coercion

“Hollywood extends American soft power globally.”