The Role of Geography in US Global Dominance and the MAGA vision
- Gianluca Luke Caccamo
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
This study explores the topic of how the United States' geographic advantages have been crucial in its rise to superpower status. While factors like a strong economy, military power, diplomacy, global talent, and technology all contribute, this piece emphasizes how geography provides a foundation that amplifies all these advantages. In fact, the United States of America enjoy relative isolation from direct threats, abundant natural resources, and strategic control of key waterways, all contributing to its global influence. Let's examine each in detail.
Natural Isolation and Security
The U.S. is naturally protected by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, making invasion exceedingly difficult.
This isolation allowed the U.S. to focus on internal development and emerge as a global power after the World Wars.
Diagram titled "Oceans as Strategic Barriers." Stable Neighbors
Canada, a long-term ally, shares the longest land border with the U.S., facilitating peaceful relations and economic cooperation.
Mexico, despite challenges like irregular immigration and drug trafficking, does not pose a military threat due to its limited military force, economic dependence on the U.S., and the heavily guarded border.
Diagram showing U.S. relations with Mexico and Canada. Highlights economic dependence and cooperation. Strategic Island Possessions
The U.S. controls strategically important islands in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Pacific: Hawaii's central location allows control of maritime routes connecting the Americas and Asia. Guam serves as a crucial military outpost close to China, monitoring Chinese military activity. The Aleutian Islands provide a vital monitoring point for the Northern Pacific and Russian activities in the Arctic.
Atlantic: Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands act as gateways to the Caribbean, ensuring control of maritime traffic and access to Latin America.
Scales compare Pacific and Atlantic Islands, showing military, economic, maritime roles. 
Diagram titled "U.S. Island Strategic Importance" Energy Dominance
The U.S. is a major producer of oil and natural gas, with vast reserves in Texas, Alaska, and the Gulf of Mexico. It has also one of the largest coal reserves in the world.
There is so much Texas oil that if Texas were an independent state it would be the fourth producer in the world".
This energy independence and dominance strengthen its global position.
United States Dollar is pegged to the cost of a barrel.
Highlights Texas, Alaska, and Gulf of Mexico energy roles. Military Projection and Control of Trade Routes key to MAGA
The U.S. maintains a vast network of global military bases, allowing it to protect its economic interests and ensure the security of trade routes.
This military projection is crucial for enforcing America's role as a dominant power, keeping trade secure, and making sure that American interests come first—aligning perfectly with MAGA priorities.
This military projection enables the U.S. to influence global trade and exert political and economic pressure on other nations.
Diagram of U.S. global influence: military bases, trade security, economic interests, and political influence.
Conclusion
While economic, political, and military factors are essential, geography plays a foundational role in the United States' superpower status. Natural isolation, (so far) stable neighbours, strategic control of key regions and waterways, abundant resources, and the logistical advantages of its vast landscape combine to create a uniquely advantageous position for the U.S. on the global stage.
Actionable Items/Further Research
Analyze the potential strategic challenges posed by increasing activity in the Arctic region.
Explore the role of U.S. military bases in maintaining global trade routes and projecting power.
Investigate the role of the Dollar as standard reserve currency and its role to oil trade
Author
Written by Gianluca Caccamo, leader in connecting People and Data for Strategic Partnerships, counting more than 15 years at companies like Google, Pinterest and Wix among others.
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