Over the past two decades, the use of geopolitical research methods and terminology has increased and is penetrating into all spheres of life. But a number of pressing problems remain poorly developed. Among them are fragmentary studies of domestic geopolitical thought and poorly developed such fundamental issues as systematization and historical periodization. The book is devoted to the theoretical and methodological bases of geopolitical studies and the historical development of Russian geopolitical thought in the XI-XXth centuries within the framework of different scientific trends: geographical, social-scientific and military-strategic. Developed ideas about geopolitics as a complex scientific discipline and its place in the system of scientific knowledge and practice, conducted the typology of ideas about geopolitics. The structure, forms and factors of geopolitical thought development have been considered. The book defines the principles of periodization, outlines and analyzes the directions and stages of development of the Russian geopolitical thought using specific historical material. The book is intended for scientists, politicians, students and all those interested in geopolitical theory and the history of geopolitics in Russia.