Space Is Power

Reviews / Votes

John Hickman's engaging and historically rich treatment of state survival, sovereignty, and competition for territory is a blow to all who predict the demise of the state. In the tradition of Raymond Aron, Hickman delivers an international relations primer built on the understanding that the state is rooted in human nature and the exercise of power over territory is a political universal that endures throughout human history, a fact that has made relative peace possible for much of the world over long stretches of time. Certain to leap to the forefront of the literature on geopolitics, Space Is Power also provides excellent background and lessons for policymakers intent on 'solving' global or regional issues in the 21st century. -- Steven Lambakis, National Institute for Public Policy In an overpopulated and increasingly consumeristic world violent or peaceful competition over scarce resources, and by implication territory, is unavoidable. Writing from the tradition of political realism, one of Hickman's main points is that territoriality is not only a basic political behaviour but an innate form of human behaviour. Hickman's book is a relevant and timely addition to the literature. The book is clearly structured and written in a conversational style that is easily accessible without sacrificing erudition. A pleasure to read. -- Eleni Panagiotarakou, Lecturer of Philosophy and Political Science, Concordia University Penetrating, wide-ranging, deeply learned, and accessible, Space is Power should be read by all those who want to learn how space and territory have shaped-and will continue to shape-global geopolitics and human fates. A timely and provocative book. -- Pekka Haemaelaeinen, University of Oxford, author of "The Comanche Empire"