Geopolitics in the 21st Century
Page 6 – Case Studies + Map Practice + Strategic Flashpoints

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 Case Study 1 – South China Sea Dispute

• Competing territorial claims by multiple countries.
• Importance of freedom of navigation.
• Strategic maritime and trade significance.

Analytical Insight: Maritime disputes influence regional power balance and global trade stability.

 Case Study 2 – Taiwan Strait Tensions

• Strategic sensitivity between China and the United States.
• Global semiconductor supply chain implications.
• Risk of escalation affecting Indo-Pacific stability.

Exam Focus: Link between technology, geopolitics and economic security.

 Case Study 3 – Arctic Geopolitics

• Melting ice opening new sea routes.
• Competition for natural resources.
• Strategic interest of major powers.

Why It Matters: Climate change is creating new geopolitical frontiers.

🗺 Map-Based Practice

• Locate South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
• Mark Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab-el-Mandeb.
• Identify Arctic Circle and Northern Sea Route.

Tip: 5 minutes daily map practice improves retention and Prelims accuracy.

 Contemporary Strategic Flashpoints

• Cybersecurity and digital warfare.
• Space militarization.
• Energy supply disruptions.
• Sanctions and economic coercion.

Insight: Modern geopolitics operates across land, sea, cyber and space domains.

“Geopolitics in the 21st century extends beyond borders into cyberspace and outer space.”

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Prepared by Shaktimatha Learning
Applied Analysis | Map Mastery | Strategic Excellence