Geopolitics & Strategy Vocabulary

distribution of power preventing any one state's dominance

“The alliance maintained the balance of power.”

Origin: Political theory concept from 17th century

a region where one power has dominant authority

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

Origin: Diplomatic term from 19th century imperialism

a neutral country between rival powers

“Belgium was designed as a buffer state.”

Origin: From buffer `cushion against shocks`

a conflict where major powers support opposing sides

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

Origin: From proxy `substitute, agent`

preventing the expansion of hostile power

“Containment defined Cold War strategy.”

Origin: From contain, US policy term from George Kennan

discouraging attack through threat of retaliation

“Nuclear deterrence prevented direct conflict.”

Origin: Latin deterrere `to frighten away`

pushing a dangerous situation to the edge

“Cuban Missile Crisis exemplified brinksmanship.”

Origin: From brink + -manship, coined 1956

fragmentation into smaller hostile units

“Critics warned of Balkanization of the region.”

Origin: From the Balkans, fragmented after Ottoman decline

forced neutrality under a powerful neighbor's influence

“Some feared Finlandization of border states.”

Origin: From Finland's Cold War neutrality under Soviet pressure

influence through culture and values rather than coercion

“Hollywood extends American soft power globally.”

Origin: Coined by Joseph Nye in 1990