In contrast to Mackinder's Heartland Theory, Spykman's Rimland Theory emphasizes which region's strategic importance?

Correct option is A

Introduction
The Rimland Theory, developed by Nicholas Spykman, stands in direct contrast to Mackinder's Heartland Theory.

While Mackinder focused on the strategic importance of the Eurasian interior (the Heartland), Spykman argued that global power lies in the control of the Coastal Fringes of Eurasia (the Rimland).

Information Booster

• Rimland Definition: The Rimland refers to the maritime-accessible, densely populated, and politically fragmented coastal strips that surround the Eurasian landmass, including Western Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia.
• Strategic Advantage: Spykman argued that the Rimland is more strategically vital because its countries are amphibious powers (possessing both land and sea access). This allows them to project influence both towards the sea (naval power) and inwards towards the Heartland (land power).
• Key Quote: Spykman famously countered Mackinder's slogan with his own: "Who controls the Rimland rules Eurasia; who rules Eurasia controls the destinies of the world."
• Contrast with Heartland: Spykman believed the Heartland (Continental core of Eurasia) was relatively inaccessible and sparsely populated, making the Rimland a superior base for global dominance due to its resources, people, and access to global trade routes.

Additional Knowledge

Continental core of Eurasia (Heartland)

• This is the region emphasized by Mackinder’s Theory.
• Mackinder believed that whoever controlled this vast, defensible interior could eventually launch attacks to conquer the coastal areas.

Arctic region

• While increasingly important today due to climate change and new sea routes (e.g., Northern Sea Route), this region was not the primary focus of either Mackinder's or Spykman's original 20th-century theories.

African continent

• This continent was included in Mackinder's larger concept of the "World Island" but was not specifically highlighted as the geopolitical pivot area in either of these classic theories.