New Developments in Geopolitics: A Reassessment of Theories after 2023

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This is an excellent paper, which can easily be published, after incorporating some important elements of clarification and completion. Obviously, the starting point is excellent, and the authors have engaged in a great synthesis operation to best summarise the perspectives of the discipline for the coming years.

A first point that is missing, however, is a comparison with macrosociology that is attentive to the political economy dimensions of territories, particularly in the strong version of Wallerstein, as well as in the more dynamic and multivariate version of Joseph Turner's theory of inter-societal relations. It is difficult to present the challenges of geopolitics without including the more refined theoretical work on mechanisms and processes in geopolitical relations. Not to include these authors, and in particular the most recent work, would be to deny the possibility of a more unified social science with an explanatory vocation in the analysis of geopolitical processes. In this direction in particular, the importance of Geo-Political Dynamics by Jonathan H Turner & Anthony J Roberts, in their Inter-Societal Dynamics: Toward a General Theory (pp. 123-165), is emphasised.

Similarly, the geopolitical dimension of border control seems to me to be given little consideration and instead needs to be named, due to its always both inter-societal and intra-societal dimensions. See in particular the works on the relationship between multilateralism and bilateralism in immigration and border control policy in the European Union (an important reference is King, Desmond, et al. "Assimilation, security, and borders in the member states." Reconfiguring European States in Crisis (2017): 428-450.

On page 3, line 132, Badie is spelled with an E at the end.

On page 6, lines 286 to 305 are too general about the role of civil society. Firstly, in no way can one reduce the active role of civil society to that exercised by NGOs. Trade unions are another major player alongside associations, cooperatives and NGOs. The geopolitical role of trade unions and their international networks is recognised for instance in the geopolitics of migration, as well illustrated by Giorgi A. et al., "Migrants in the public discourse: Between media, policy and public opinion." Trade Unions and Migrant Workers. New Contexts and Challenges in Europe (2017): 66-89. Similarly, recent literature in geopolitics has discussed and empirically documented the ability of cities to network, develop their own diplomacy, overcome simplistic forms of cooperation and play a strategic role in geopolitical dynamics. And this well beyond the north-south clivage (Le Galès et al. (2013) 'Governing the large metropolis. A research agenda', Working papers du Programme Cities are back in town, 2013-8, Paris, Sciences Po).

Still on the subject of the role that NGOs, but also trade unions, associations, cities and their networks play in geopolitics, it may make sense to mention the fact that more and more research in Political Geography speaks of polilateralism and not multilateralism to discuss the virtuous aspects of agreements and negotiations not only between states but between states and various other levels of government and civil society actors (not only ngo)

Line 330: I do not understand what human science is

Line 340, there seems to me to be no consensus in the literature on a shift from hard to softpower, but on a strategic articulation. It seems to me inaccurate and unrealistic to speak of a shift.

Line 374, it is more about theoretical frameworks than conceptual frameworks

Line 386. Perhaps paragraph 5 and 6 can be merged

Good article, useful, will have an impact. Can't wait to see it published.

Author Response

Thank you very mush for the comments, they were very constructive. I am sending you the necessary changes i made and i amwaiting for your opinion.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

This topic needs to be researched more thoroughly and greater conceptual clarity is required. See details in the written review doc.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Needs improvement.

Author Response

Dear reviewer. Thank you very much for the comments, they were very constructive. I am sending you the necessary changes i made and i am waiting for your oprinion.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

The manuscript "New Developments in Geopolitics: A Reassessment of Theories after 2023" presents a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of geopolitical theory in the context of the new global environment. The document is structured into six main sections, each discussing different facets of modern geopolitics.

1. References and Citations: The document includes a wide range of references, demonstrating extensive research and grounding in existing literature.

2. Originality: The paper provides original insights, particularly in its discussion of how modern geopolitical patterns are influenced by technological advances and global environmental changes.

3. Implications for Future Research: The conclusion offers thoughtful insights into future research directions, highlighting the need for continued exploration of geopolitical dynamics in the evolving global context.

4. 1. Scope and Objectives: The paper aims to synthesize traditional geopolitical theories with recent trends, emphasizing the shift from state-centric perspectives to global considerations, including non-traditional security threats, human rights, and virtual rights like carbon emission rights.

   2. Content and Structure: The article is systematically structured, encompassing the historical background of geopolitics, the influence of political realism, the transition to modernism and postmodernism in geopolitical thought, recent developments, and future research directions. This structure facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

   3. Research Depth: The paper shows depth in its exploration of geopolitics, encompassing a wide range of aspects including political realism, the impact of information technology, the role of non-state actors, and the emerging importance of virtual rights and environmental concerns in geopolitical considerations.

   4. Integration of Perspectives: The manuscript successfully integrates various disciplines and perspectives, including political science, economics, and technology, offering a multidimensional view of geopolitics.

   5. Theoretical Frameworks: The paper employs and critiques several geopolitical theories, effectively demonstrating the evolution of the field.

Language and Clarity: The language is academic and formal, suitable for a scholarly article. However, there are instances where the complexity of sentences could be reduced to enhance readability without compromising the academic tone.

Author Response

Dear reviewer. Thank you very much for your opinion. I am waiting and with your evaluation the article will be published and we will see the interaction it will cause

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

The revisions are fine. I am happy with this latest version.