Geopolitics plays an important role in global economic dynamics, especially after the World Wars. World Wars I and II not only changed the political order in many countries, but also had a significant impact on the world economy. One of the most obvious effects is a shift in economic power. After World War II, the United States emerged as a global superpower, in contrast to Europe which experienced serious damage. The Marshall Program, launched by the US, served to restore Europe’s economy, but also placed America in a dominant position. This resulted in the economic dependence of many European countries on the US, so that the shift of power from Europe to the US became one of the long-term impacts that changed the structure of the world economy. Significant reorganization of the global trade structure also occurred after the two wars. Many countries have been forced to create new alliances to protect their economic interests. Organizations such as the UN and IMF were created to regulate international relations and maintain global economic stability. The formation of GATT, which later became the WTO, was a response to the need for multilateral cooperation in trade to prevent excessive protectionism. The global economic crisis of the 1930s showed how vulnerable the world economy was to geopolitical tensions. The emergence of the Germania policy and the rise of nationalism in various countries, including Italy and Japan, gave a signal that economic stability could be shaken by political problems. As a result, many countries adopted more protectionist economic policies after the war, which increased tensions between countries. Technology also underwent a rapid post-war evolution that had a significant impact on the economy. The weapons industry and military technology developed rapidly, providing the basis for innovation in the civilian sector. This innovation creates new jobs and stimulates growth in sectors such as manufacturing and services. Socio-political impacts are also visible in the distribution of resources. Post-war, urban planning issues and the need for better infrastructure came into the spotlight. Many countries invest in infrastructure, believing that it will stimulate economic growth. South Korea and Japan, after World War II, invested heavily in infrastructure and education, which became the main drivers of their economic growth in the following decades. Moreover, the spread of ideologies such as capitalism and socialism, which competed during the Cold War period, has produced long-term impacts not only on the economy but also on global geopolitics. Countries that choose the capitalist path, such as in Western Europe or East Asia, often experience faster economic growth than countries that adhere to socialism, as happened in the Soviet Union. Through this perspective, it can be seen that geopolitics and the impact of world war continue to shape the face of the global economy to this day. Sustained economic growth is closely related to political stability, international cooperation and technological innovation. The victims of world war provide valuable lessons for future generations not to repeat past mistakes and to continue dialogue in finding solutions to global challenges.
About the Author
