There is an old adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” In geopolitics, this is especially so, but the pictures in this case are actually maps. Many people think of maps in terms of their basic purpose, showing a country’s geography and topography. But maps can speak to all dimensions—political, military, and economic—and are an elemental place to start thinking about a country’s strategy… revealing factors that are otherwise not obvious. Sometimes a single map can reveal the most important thing about a country.
user-inactivated:
The focus on defending itself from invasion seems off to me. Russia being invaded by anyone in Europe is really implausible, because the west prefers shady trade deals to conquest these days. I don't see it looking like a good idea to Iran either.