This study aims at demonstrating how geopolitical awareness enables states to gain access to geopolitical positions that may make them become great powers. Once targets are reached, states establish and maintain their influence in the International System (IS) and shape the system itself. Control over strategic geopolitical positions and material resources are the key determinant of whether emerging great powers project their values and interests in order to extend their influences, manage expectations and change the environment in which they operate. Status quo that govern the world is decided by just a few states in the International System. It complicates matters for other states to become great powers nor have control over key geopolitical positions. Conversely, the more a state increases its capabilities the more likely it would engage in smart deployment in order to gain control over strategic geopolitical positions to gain great power status. Such actions may deter other states, force them to balance and this may result to arms race. Too many great powers in the lS cause other great powers to fall and as a result, there may be war to balance the IS.