The evolution of the space category in German geopolitics

The paper analyzes the evolution of understanding the spatial organization of the world, the spatial functioning of states and military alliances in the fundamental works of the founders of German geopolitics such as Friedrich Ratzel, Rudolf Kjellén, and Karl Haushofer. The authors examine the differences and theoretical and methodological traditions in their studies on the spatial organization of the world and the European continent. The research notes the continuing relevance of the foundations of the scientific space categorization laid down in the classical theories of German-centric geopolitics. The authors substantiate the appropriateness of geopolitical concepts for the analysis of the modern international processes, the military and political confrontation between the Great Powers, the probable changes in the European spatial organization, rethinking and modernizing the space category.