The influence of continental and maritime powers on the structure of international politics

Abstract

Annоtatsiya: The interplay between continental and maritime powers has historically defined the architecture of global politics. From the Peloponnesian War to the Cold War and the contemporary U.S.-China rivalry, the geographic orientation and strategic preferences of great powers - whether land-based or sea-based - have significantly influenced conflict dynamics, alliance patterns, global governance structures, and regional security orders. This paper explores the historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of continental and maritime powers, analyzing their impact on international political structures across different eras. It argues that understanding the distinctions and interactions between these types of powers is essential for interpreting global strategic shifts and predicting future geopolitical developments.