FOYDALANILGAN ADABIYOTLAR RO‘YHATI

Международный научный журнал № 7(100), часть 2 
«Научный Фокус» ноября, 2023 
77 
LAND POWER “HEARTLAND” AND SEA POWER “RIMLAND” THEORIES 
Rikhsibayev Boburjon 
master of TSUOS 
Abstract: In this article, some differences between “Heartland” and “Rimland” 
theories. 
Key words: Halford Mackinder, Nicholas Skypman, “Heartland” and “Rimland”, 
“The Geographical Pivot of History”, “The Geography of Peace”. 
British geographer and political scientist Halford Mackinder introduced the 
“Heartland” theory in his renowned 1904 paper, “The Geographical Pivot of History”. 
Mackinder argued that geopolitics involves an ongoing contest between land power 
(dominating landmass) and sea power (controlling the sea). He divided the world into 
two regions based on a physical map: Continuous Land Mass (Europe, Asia, and Africa) 
and Isolated Islands (North America, South America, Australia, Great Britain, and 
Japan).[1] 
He argues that the power in the world is determined by control of the 
landmass of the Eurasian continent, particularly the vast expanse of land in the center 
of the continent, which he called the “Heartland”. According to Mackinder, whoever 
controlled the Heartland could dominate the world because of the region’s strategic 
location, difficulty to access by the sea powers, and contains vast resources. 
At the core of Mackinder's Heartland Theory is the assertion that global 
dominance hinges on controlling the heartland region, extending from Eastern Europe 
to Central Asia. Mackinder contended that the state or empire commanding the 
heartland would wield unparalleled global power, emphasizing the significance of land 
power over sea power for this control. Throughout history, he argued, major empires 
emerged by dominating the heartland or its periphery, highlighting the resilience of a 
united power in the heartland against external dominance. Mackinder's theory 
underscored the strategic importance of policymaking, cautioning against the peril of a 
formidable state securing control over the heartland and posing a threat to the rest of 
the world.[2] 
Why the heartland was so important? 
1. 
The region can not be accessed through the sea route as it is guarded by a 
geographical barrier like mountains and cold climatic zones of artic. 
2. 
It has vast natural resources. 
Division of World by Mackinder. 
Mackinder’s theory proposed a division of the World Island into three regions, 
known as the Heartland, Inner Crescent, and Outer Crescent. Here is a brief overview 
of each: 

Международный научный журнал № 7(100), часть 2 
«Научный Фокус» ноября, 2023 
78 
1. 
The Heartland: This is the central region of the World Island, 
which stretches from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. Mackinder believed that the 
Heartland was the most important geopolitical region in the world and that its control 
was essential for global dominance. 
2. 
The Inner Crescent: This is the ring of land surrounding the Heartland, 
which includes Western Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. 
Mackinder believed that the Inner Crescent was important because it was the gateway 
to the Heartland and could therefore influence events in the Heartland. 
3. 
The Outer Crescent: This is the outer ring of land surrounding the Inner 
Crescent, which includes the Americas, Africa, and Australia. Mackinder believed that 
the Outer Crescent was less important than the other two regions but could still play a 
role in global affairs. 
Nicholas Spykman introduced the Rimland theory in his 1944 book, “The 
Geography of Peace” as a counterpoint to Mackinder's ideas. Unlike Mackinder's focus 
on the Heartland, Spykman asserted that global power is shaped by controlling the 
coastal regions surrounding the Heartland, known as the "Rimland." He argued that 
dominance over the Rimland could hinder the expansion of the Heartland's power and 
pose a challenge to its supremacy. Spykman succinctly summarized this concept with 
the statement: 
“Who controls the Rimland, rules Eurasia! 
One who rules Eurasia controls the world!” 
According to the theory, the Eurasian Rimland, which includes the coastal areas 
of Europe and Asia, is a crucial area of geopolitical competition. Spykman argued 
that control over the Rimland would provide whoever held it with a strategic 
advantage in controlling the world’s resources and dominating global trade.[3] 
Indeed, Spykman contended that the Rimland was vulnerable to control by a 
potent maritime nation, referred to as the “Rimland power”. He posited that the United 
States held the capability to assume this dominant role, although it would encounter 
competition from other major powers, including the Soviet Union during Spykman's 
era of writing, as well as China. Spykman's geopolitical analysis foresaw the potential 
for strategic competition among these nations for influence over the Rimland.[4] 
The Skypman Rimland Theory has been influential in the development 
of American foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War era. The theory was seen 
as a justification for American intervention in conflicts in the Rimland region, as well 
as the development of military bases and alliances in the area. 
While the Heartland theory emphasizes the importance of controlling the 
landmass of the Eurasian continent, the Rimland theory highlights the significance of 
controlling the coastal regions surrounding the Heartland. The Heartland theory 
suggests that control of the Heartland is crucial for global dominance, while the 
Rimland theory argues that control of the Rimland is equally important in preventing 
the Heartland from expanding its power. 

Международный научный журнал № 7(100), часть 2 
«Научный Фокус» ноября, 2023 
79 
Aspect 
Heartland Theory 
Rimland Theory 
Primary Focus 
Geopolitical control centered on 
the “Heartland,” which is the 
vast interior 
landmass 
of 
Eurasia. 
Geopolitical control focused 
on the “Rimland,” the coastal 
areas 
and 
islands 
surrounding the Eurasian 
“Heartland.” 
Theorist 
Halford Mackinder 
Nicholas J. Spykman 
Geographical Emphasis 
Emphasizes the importance of 
the vast, resource-rich, and 
heavily 
populated interior 
landmass. 
Emphasizes the significance 
of the coastal regions, 
including ports 
and 
maritime access. 
Potential Threat 
The major concern is the rise of 
a single dominant power in the 
Heartland, 
which 
could 
challenge the balance of power 
globally. 
The focus is on preventing 
the domination of the 
Rimland by a single power, 
which could threaten global 
stability. 
Geopolitical Strategy 
Encourages land-based 
strategies and 
alliances 
to 
control the Heartland and the 
World Island. 
Advocates 
for maritime 
strategies and alliances to 
control the Rimland and the 
World Island. 
First table.[5] 
In summary, the Heartland and Rimland theories stand as crucial geopolitical 
frameworks aiming to elucidate the global balance of power. While the Heartland 
theory underscores the control of the Eurasian landmass, the Rimland theory 
accentuates the strategic importance of coastal regions encircling the Heartland. These 
theories remain subjects of ongoing study and debate, serving as essential tools for 
comprehending the dynamics of power on the world stage. 

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