A forward capital is a symbolic relocation of a government's central administration to a city other than its traditional economic or cultural center, usually for political or strategic reasons.
Think of moving your chess king forward on the board into a more strategic position - this is like what countries do when they move their capital to influence development or assert authority over disputed territories.
Geopolitics: This refers to the study of how geography influences politics, especially international relations. The decision to establish a forward capital can be heavily influenced by geopolitical considerations.
Centrifugal Forces: These are forces that tend to divide a country - such as social, political, and economic differences. Sometimes, establishing a forward capital can be an attempt to counteract these forces.
Nation-State: This is a state whose primary loyalty is to a cultural self-identity, which we call a nation. The location of the capital (including any decisions about moving it) plays an important role in shaping this identity.
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