West/Non-West: Funhouse Mirror of World Politics

... of the Land/Sea Dichotomy There exists another dichotomy that has taken roots in western geopolitics, namely Land vs Sea. In fact, it represents a continuation of the same opposition between colonial Empires of the West and continental powers of the East. This distinction implies the world division into maritime-based powers (Thalassocracy which domination is ensured by the Navy and merchant fleets) and land-based powers (Tellurocracy that relies upon the army and control over land-locked resources). Although there exist pure types like 1) pure Thalassocracy (British Empire) and 2) pure Tellurocracy (Mongolian Empire), most countries fall into the category of mixed types ...