Geography: This Serves, First and Foremost, to Make War by Yves Lacoste

A Radical Critique of Geography

In his groundbreaking book, Geography: This Serves, First and Foremost, to Make War, Yves Lacoste argues that geography is not a neutral science, but rather a tool of power that has been used throughout history to justify conquest and domination. Lacoste traces the history of geography from its origins in ancient Greece to its modern-day use in military strategy and political propaganda. He shows how geographers have often been complicit in the violence and oppression of colonialism and imperialism.

Geography and Power

Lacoste argues that geography is a form of power because it allows those who control it to shape the way people think about the world. By controlling the maps and other representations of the world, geographers can influence how people perceive different places and cultures. This can be used to justify political and economic decisions, such as the invasion of a foreign country or the exploitation of its resources.

Geography and War

Lacoste's most damning indictment of geography is that it has been used to make war. He shows how geographers have been involved in the planning and execution of military campaigns throughout history. They have helped to identify strategic locations, design fortifications, and develop strategies for moving troops and supplies. In short, geography has been an essential tool for waging war.

A Call for a New Geography

Lacoste concludes his book by calling for a new geography that is critical of power and its role in shaping the world. He argues that geographers should use their knowledge to challenge injustice and oppression, and to promote peace and understanding between different cultures.

Why You Should Read This Book

Geography: This Serves, First and Foremost, to Make War is a must-read for anyone interested in the relationship between power and knowledge. Lacoste's radical critique of geography is a powerful reminder that the way we see the world is not natural or objective, but rather a product of social and political forces. This book will challenge your assumptions about the world and inspire you to think critically about the role of geography in our lives.

Key Concepts

• Geography is a form of power.
• Geography has been used to justify conquest and domination.
• Geography has been used to make war.
• There is a need for a new geography that is critical of power and its role in shaping the world.

Quotes from the Book

• "Geography is a weapon in the hands of the powerful."
• "The map is a political instrument."
• "Geography is a form of violence."
• "There is no such thing as objective geography."
• "The only way to change the world is to change the way we see it."