And yet these same oceans, by separating America by thousands of miles from other continents, have given America a virulent strain of isolationism that has persisted to this day.
In his book "The Revenge Of Geography," Robert D. Kaplan explores how geography has shaped nations and their behaviors. He particularly focuses on the isolation of America, which is largely a result of its vast oceanic distances from other continents. This geographical separation has fostered a strong sense of isolationism within the country, profoundly influencing its foreign policy and attitudes towards international involvement.
Kaplan argues that this enduring isolationist mindset has continued to affect America's interactions with the global community. The physical barriers that the oceans create not only protect the U.S. but have also led to a reluctance to engage deeply with the rest of the world. This has implications for how America navigates conflicts and addresses emerging global challenges, suggesting that geographic factors continue to play a critical role in shaping national identities and strategies.
