Expert, professor, and writer, Dr. Charles Salvaudon advocates for a new interpretation of geopolitics. A more human, transversal geopolitics, closer to everyday life. Through his book “Geopolitics, this force within us,” published by Editions l’Harmattan, he invites everyone to understand the world in order to evolve within it.
While in Abidjan at the initiative of Michelle Beugré from the training center, the African Management Institute of Enterprises (Ciage), Dr. Charles Salvaudon engaged with a diverse audience of administrators, public and private sector actors, as well as students, on contemporary geopolitical issues and their implications for African and global economies, on the evening of Friday, April 24, 2026, in the Plateau area.
The discussions were marked by their quality, analytical depth, and relevance to current strategic realities. This was followed by a book signing session.
A geopolitics centered on the individual
Dr. Charles Salvaudon, an expert in geopolitics, professor, and author of four books, focuses on placing the individual at the heart of geopolitics. His approach is clear: it is not geopolitics that shapes the individual, but the individual who informs geopolitics. This perspective breaks away from analyses solely focused on states, conflicts, or wars.
Understanding the world on a daily basis
For Dr. Charles Salvaudon, geopolitics is neither abstract nor reserved for experts. “We all engage in geopolitics every day,” he emphasized. He believes that actions like having a morning coffee, filling up with gasoline, or using a smartphone all tie back to global energy, economic, or technological issues. Geopolitics, therefore, is a tool for understanding our environment, more than just a field for analyzing international crises.
From vertical to transversal
The author’s reflections align with a major evolution in the discipline. Moving from a so-called “vertical” geopolitics, inherited notably from the works of Yves Lacoste, Dr. Salvaudon explained that we are now transitioning to a transversal geopolitics. This new approach integrates contemporary challenges like energy transition, migration flows, climate change, and new technologies. These global issues necessitate cooperation, dialogue, and collective responsibility.
“L’ouvrage de l’écrivain est une pédagogie (Photo Bavane)”
Africa, a player in the 21st century
Within the chapters of “Geopolitics, this force within us,” Africa holds a central position. Dr. Charles Salvaudon views the continent as strategically important for the future. By 2050, Africa is projected to have nearly 2.5 billion inhabitants, 60% of whom will be under 25 years old. This demographic dynamic, coupled with a strategic geographic position and abundant rare resources, positions the continent as a major player in global geopolitics.
An accessible work for all
With approximately 200 pages and over 15 chapters, designed to be read in any order, the book is intentionally clear and educational in style. Dr. Salvaudon believes that geopolitics should not be intimidating. The term comes from the Greek “geopolitikis,” simply meaning “understanding the world.” This objective is shared by all, from citizens to decision-makers.
Michelle Beugré praised this meeting for its contribution to knowledge dissemination, leadership reinforcement, and the training of future generations of African decision-makers.
