The Hermeneutic Bubble

Geopolitics and Interdependence

Abstract

The aim of this article is to put forward the hypothesis that, since the end of World War II, a system of thought has been created that has become increasingly entrenched as the world economy has become progressively more integrated. This system of thought places the interdependence of the actors in the international system above the classic problems of geopolitics and national interest. It is argued here that this system of thought has introduced us into a “hermeneutic bubble” that has made us lose sight of the fact that these classic factors of the struggle for state power are still more relevant than ever. This position is justified by recourse to the actions of Russia in recent years and the rise of China, in an attempt to demonstrate that in both cases the role of the State has been key and that, due this reason, there is no system of cooperation or forms of interdependence that can undermine the pursuit and performance of the national interest of the great powers when they consider that they must assert it.