In geopolitical and geographical studies, one of the aspects under discussion is the issue of scale. One key example of how scale is still important (both horizontal and vertical) in the global political game is the discussion of drone use, where a precise, planned attack on a specific target can be carried out from a second location on Earth. (Matthew Rech, Daniel Bos, K. Neil Jenkings, Alison Williams & Rachel Woodward). Not only is the use of specific weapons noteworthy, but also the topic of distribution of conventional forces on the world map.
The establishment of overseas military bases is an essential tool for any state that wishes to expand its influence in the world. Overseas bases are the first mechanism of a massive network that works to maintain the control exercised by great powers, becoming the infrastructure for wars (dos Santos Lersch, Josiane Simão Sarti, 2***). These extraterritorial bases are a key, though often overlooked, part of the world's most powerful military force, alongside the nuclear arsenal and conventional forces. (Vine,...), which influences political and military events across the globe.
Allied military bases affect the local community in various ways. Representatives of a global organization such as NATO or the U.S. Armed Forces have direct contact with residents of small towns. Calder (2009) gives as an example the increase or decrease in land prices or increase in the price of housing, social unrest, but also the development of the local economy, increase in jobs or increase in education.
But can this phenomenon work the other way around? Can the local inhabitants force changes in international politics?
Over 5,000 allied troops are stationed in Poland, which is also the guardian of NATO's eastern border. My presentation will show the effects of conducted research on areas around military bases in Poland and how local actions interact with global politics and international relations in the light of selected geopolitical concepts.
Mots clés : local and regional development|civil-military relations|politics of scale|military bases|political geography
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