Meaning & use
geopolitically
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Meaning
adverbnot comparableformal
In a way that relates to how geography, such as location and resources, affects the power and politics of countries.
Grammar: Often opens a sentence or modifies an adjective: geopolitically important.
Patterns
- geopolitically important
- geopolitically sensitive
The strait is geopolitically important because so much oil passes through it.
Geopolitically, the small island sits between two rival powers.
The region has become geopolitically sensitive since the discovery of gas reserves.
Common combinations
- geopolitically significant
- The port is geopolitically significant for trade.
- geopolitically sensitive
- Troop movements in the area are geopolitically sensitive.
- geopolitically unstable
- Analysts describe the region as geopolitically unstable.
- geopolitically speaking
- Geopolitically speaking, the alliance has changed little.
- geopolitically strategic
- The base occupies a geopolitically strategic location.
Synonyms and how they differ
- strategically
- Strategically is broader and applies to any plan, while geopolitically ties the idea to countries and geography.
- politically
- Politically covers all politics, whereas geopolitically focuses on the role of place and power between states.
- internationally
- Internationally means between nations in general without the focus on geography and power.
Word family
- geopolitics noun
- the study of how geography affects politics
- geopolitical adjective
- relating to geography and politics together
- geopolitician noun
- an expert in geopolitics
- politics noun
- the activity of governing
Commonly confused: geopolitically or geographically?
geopolitically vs geographically
Geographically refers only to location or physical features, with no suggestion of political power.
Practice
The canal is ____ vital because it controls a major shipping route between continents.
Choose one answer.
Geopolitically vital means important for the power and politics of states, which fits a shipping route. Geometrically, genetically and gradually do not make sense here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “geopolitically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.