NAZEWNICTWO GEOPOLITYCZNE WSCHODNIEJ CZĘŚCI EUROPY
GEOPOLITICAL NAMING IN THE EASTERN PART OF EUROPE

Summary/Abstract: The primary tool utilized to shape and influence both social consciousness and international relations are geographical names used in textbooks and in the public debate. Their usefulness depends, among others, on how they are correct and precise. Contemporary geography does not seem to serve well international relations. This is because numerous geographical names are ambiguous and not precise. The most common names nowadays concerning the eastern part of Europe, both in scientific discourse and in colloquial language, are the expressions of Central Europe and East-Central Europe. Although they find justification neither in geographical reality nor in geopolitical conditions, they have dominated not only the media and popular publications, but also scientific literature. If the disciplines of geography and geopolitics are to be useful in foreign policy and international relations, they must reflect, with maximum precision, the geographic reality. Therefore it is necessary to restore the old distinction between East and West in the scientific discourse, which reflects best the geographical reality and geopolitical conditions of Europe.

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