8. Heartland and Rimland theories
Case Study 1: Russia’s Strategic Position in Eurasia
Theories and Perspectives Applied to Heartland Theory:
- Heartland Theory (Halford Mackinder, 1904) – Argues that control over Eurasia’s interior grants global dominance.
- Core-Periphery Model (Friedmann, 1966) – Highlights spatial inequalities in geopolitical influence.
- Systems Thinking (Russell Ackoff, 1971) – Emphasizes interconnectedness between geography, politics, and military strategy.
Models/Theories/Laws Applied:
- Geopolitical Power Projection Model – Examines how nations exert influence over strategic regions.
- Spatial Interaction Model (Reilly, 1931) – Explains movement of military and economic resources.
- Actor-Network Theory (Latour, 1987) – Investigates relationships between state actors and geopolitical strategies.
Recent Data:
- Geopolitical Influence: Russia controls vast energy reserves and key transportation corridors in Eurasia.
- Military Strategy: Expansion of military bases in Central Asia reinforces Heartland dominance.
- Policy Initiatives: Belt and Road Initiative partnerships influencing Eurasian connectivity.
Spatial Variation:
- Core Heartland: High geopolitical influence due to resource control.
- Peripheral Areas: Moderate influence with emerging trade networks.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Heartland dominance evolving since Cold War era.
- Future Projections: Expected rise in regional alliances and military modernization.
Source:
- Geopolitical Dynamics in the 21st Century: Revisiting the Heartland Theory
Insight:
Russia’s geopolitical strategy validates Heartland Theory, emphasizing the role of Eurasian control in shaping global power dynamics.
Case Study 2: U.S. Naval Dominance and Rimland Strategy
Theories and Perspectives Applied to Rimland Theory:
- Rimland Theory (Nicholas Spykman, 1942) – Argues that control over coastal regions determines global influence.
- Bid-Rent Theory (Alonso, 1964) – Explains land value variations based on accessibility.
- Decision Theory (Herbert Simon, 1957) – Studies rational decision-making in military and trade policies.
Models/Theories/Laws Applied:
- Maritime Power Projection Model – Examines naval dominance in global geopolitics.
- Growth Pole Model (Perroux, 1955) – Explains how economic development concentrates in coastal regions.
- Sustainable Development Framework – Evaluates strategies for balancing military expansion with economic stability.
Recent Data:
- Naval Influence: U.S. controls key maritime chokepoints, including the South China Sea and Persian Gulf.
- Economic Strategy: Trade agreements reinforcing Rimland dominance.
- Policy Initiatives: Quad alliance strengthening Indo-Pacific security.
Spatial Variation:
- Coastal Regions: High geopolitical influence due to naval power.
- Inland Areas: Moderate influence with economic dependencies.
Temporal Variation:
- Historical Trends: Rimland dominance evolving since WWII.
- Future Projections: Expected rise in naval modernization and strategic alliances.
Source:
- Geopolitics – Revisiting Rimland Theory
Insight:
The U.S. naval strategy validates Rimland Theory, emphasizing the role of coastal control in shaping global power dynamics.
