In "The Revenge of Geography," Robert D. Kaplan emphasizes the significance of the Oikoumene, a region formed by the convergence of the Eurasian and African continents. This area holds immense strategic importance due to its multiple access points to the Indian Ocean, particularly through the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Kaplan illustrates how the geographic features of this region contribute to complex migration patterns.

Furthermore, the Oikoumene is depicted as a melting pot of diverse ethnic and sectarian groups, leading to potential conflicts. The blend of different cultures and identities heightens the chances of clashing interests, which can result in significant geopolitical tensions in the area. Kaplan effectively argues that geography plays a vital role in shaping future conflicts and the ongoing battle for dominance in this strategically critical region.