Geography affect geopolitics much more then we normally believe.
Take Russia for example, When Moscow looks west- they see only plain land with no barrier to block any intruder, while from all other directions Russia got physical barrier in the form of huge mountains. All invasions from Europe came from the west, that is why Russia was eager to get hold on some parts of Ukrainian and Crimea
Israel: could sign peace agreement with Egypt after 1979 war because Sinai desert act as a buffer zone, while cannot return Golan Heights to Syria because of no any buffer Zone to protect Israel from sudden invasion from Syria as happened during 1973 war.
USA is like an island surrounded by two oceans, and so far didn't experience any Ground attack, This Unique geographical situation allow USA not to interfere with any other war if doesn't wish to be involved with. It also explains why USA joined WW2 at a very late stage, only after Pear harbor attack by Japan.
