Essential Geopolitics: A Handbook - Manuel essentiel de géopolitique

If geopolitics seeks to study the relationship between those who hold power in space and time, then it must take into account the entire system of relationships, overlooking none of the actors (states or otherwise), nor any of the elements that constitute power: the economy, demography, natural resources, armaments, and juridical and political forms. But it must also take into account a certain number of other factors that are immaterial, or difficult to measure, which also carry important weight in political life and international relations: the qualities of leaders, culture, traditions, habits, beliefs, hopes and fears.
At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, two major trends dominate international relations: competition between powers of continental size; and the rapid growth of the BRICS, China in particular. These trends are now well established, and projections for coming years assume they will continue, differing only on the date when China will become the world€s leading economic power.
The trend that seems most probable (although there is always some uncertainty) is an acceleration of the shift of power now under way. This shift will affect not only the United States and China, but the broader system of international relationships in its entirety.
Great changes await us. And those who prove capable of skillfully wielding the tools of geopolitics will be called to face tremendous challenges.