Sir Halford J. Mackinder: The heartland theory then and now

One of the aims of geopolitics is to emphasise that political predominance is a question not just of having power in the sense of human or material re sources, but also of the geographical context within which that power is ex ercised. States do not find themselves in a geographical strait-jacket; ins tead, geography or geographical configuration present opportunities for pol icy-makers and politicians. This was recognised by Sir Halford Mackinder (1 861-1947) one of the founders of modern geopolitical theory. The three vers ions of the heartland theory: 1904, 1919, and 1943 are explained in the uni que historical periods of their formation. Attention is then focused on the proposition which can be reduced to suggest the future release for Mackind er's ideas. Mackinder's view of geography is interpreted as a combination o f a geographical longue duree and a theatre of military action.