The Demon of Geopolitics
How Karl Haushofer “Educated” Hitler and HessIn this definitive biography, noted historian Holger H. Herwig explores the life and times of Karl Haushofer, widely recognized as the ‘father of geopolitics’ and the architect of Lebensraum, the rationale for Germany’s control of Europe and the world. Making comprehensive use of Haushofer’s previously unavailable private papers, Herwig analyzes Haushofer’s geopolitical concepts, his relations with his student Rudolf Hess, his mentorship of Hitler and Hess at Landsberg Prison in 1924, and his influence on Nazi policy during World War II. Herwig offers fascinating insights into Haushofer’s escape from judgment at Nuremberg, his encounter with Hess at the Military Tribunal, and his and his wife’s double suicide in 1946. This riveting book ends with Haushofer’s final verdict on himself: ‘I want to be forgotten and forgotten.’ But the author concludes with the admonition that the ‘demon’ of Geopolitik demands much closer scrutiny in this new ‘age of geopolitics.’ ISBN: 9781442261136, 1442261137
