Arrange the following concepts of Political Geography in chronological order (from oldest to latest).

A. Functional Approaches in Political Geography by Hartshorne
B. Rimland Theory by Spykman
C. Frontier and Boundary concept by Moodies
D. Heartland Thesis by Mackinder

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

Heartland Thesis – Halford Mackinder (1904)

• Mackinder introduced the Heartland Theory, which emphasized the strategic importance of Central Eurasia.
• It is one of the earliest geopolitical theories and serves as the foundation for later geopolitical models.

Rimland Theory – Nicholas Spykman (1942)

• Spykman modified Mackinder’s Heartland Theory, arguing that the coastal regions (Rimland) were more strategically significant than the Heartland.
• This was developed during World War II as an alternative geopolitical perspective.

Functional Approaches in Political Geography – Richard Hartshorne (1950s-60s)

• Hartshorne introduced a functional approach that focused on how states operate internally, rather than just their spatial layout.
• His work emphasized centripetal and centrifugal forces affecting political stability.

Frontier and Boundary Concept – Moodie (1960s)

• Moodie worked on the concept of frontiers and boundaries much later than the above theories.
• His work became influential after the mid-20th century, contributing to political geography’s understanding of territorial divisions.

​Information Booster:

1. D - Heartland Theory (Mackinder, 1904): Control of Eurasia’s Heartland leads to global dominance; influenced Cold War strategies and Russia-China geopolitics.
2. B - Rimland Theory (Spykman, 1942): Emphasized coastal control (Rimland) over the Heartland; shaped US Cold War containment policy and Indo-Pacific strategies.
3. A - Functional Approach (Hartshorne, 1950s-60s): States function through centripetal (unifying) and centrifugal (divisive) forces; explains state stability and disintegration.
4. C - Frontier & Boundary Concept (Moodie, 1960s):Frontiers are transition zones, boundaries are fixed lines; applied in border studies and territorial disputes.