Which geographer created the Heartland Theory describing Eurasia as strategically pivotal for global power?

Which geographer created the Heartland Theory describing Eurasia as strategically pivotal for global power?

• A. Mackinder, Halford
• B. Rostow, Walt
• C. Weber, Alfred
• D. Zelinsky, Wilbur

Answer: (A)

The Heartland Theory, created by Halford J. Mackinder, identifies the central Eurasian landmass as the strategic pivot for global power. Mackinder argued that whoever controls the Heartland—the vast interior of Eurasia—gains the best position to project influence across the World Island (Europe, Asia, Africa) and thus dominate global affairs. This idea contrasts with sea-power approaches and emphasizes how geography—large, interior land areas and their access to resources and routes—shapes political power. Rostow is associated with the stages of economic growth, Weber with a least-cost theory of industrial location, and Zelinsky with migration studies. None of them proposed the Heartland concept.

The Heartland Theory, created by Halford J. Mackinder, identifies the central Eurasian landmass as the strategic pivot for global power. Mackinder argued that whoever controls the Heartland—the vast interior of Eurasia—gains the best position to project influence across the World Island (Europe, Asia, Africa) and thus dominate global affairs. This idea contrasts with sea-power approaches and emphasizes how geography—large, interior land areas and their access to resources and routes—shapes political power.

Rostow is associated with the stages of economic growth, Weber with a least-cost theory of industrial location, and Zelinsky with migration studies. None of them proposed the Heartland concept.