Quote Originally Posted by metrodorus View Post
With so much talk these days about globalization, interconnectedness, and the importance of ideology, I think Kaplan is just saying that we need to recognize we are still constrained by the concrete realities of good old-fashioned terrain. In a sense this is in agreement with your statement that "geography just is", but I think he finds it necessary to point this out because many policymakers are so concentrated on religion, political ideology, and other more abstract forces.
Actually, I think that he's pointing out the opposite. My take on the piece, at least the little I've had time to read, is that geography - terrain, climate, culture - are what will dominate our understanding and frame our approaches to problems. He seems to be asserting the same thing as for Ralph Peters' concept of "Wars of Blood and Faith."

BTW, welcome aboard.