1GEOG 4712 Political GeographyLecture 5: Classical Geopolitics: The Pivot, The Heartland,and the Eurasian LandmassOutline1) Administrative issues?2) Classical elements3) Mahanʼ s prescriptions4) Mackinderʼs legacies5) The dictum6) The map7) Some criticisms2US + UK Geopolitical VisionsClassical geopolitics + genealogies3Mahanʼs Geopolitical VisionBasis for Great Power Status1) Territory: size matters2) Population: bigger = better3) Geopolitical Position: Island4) Strong Government: Presidential5) Strong National character: Anglo6) Strong Navy/Good HarborsMahanʼs Prescriptions1) Build Panama Canal2) Expand Into Pacific + Caribbean3) Build Strong Navy4) Contain Russia5) Formal Alliance with British Empire4Mackinderʼs Context1. Decline of British Hegemony2. Shrinking world; post-Columbian Epoch tech3. Internationalization of capital4. New Actors: Democracy and rise of women + workers5. Rise of non-European PowersThe dictum: 1904Who rules East Europe commands the HeartlandWho rules the Heartland commands the World-IslandWho rules the World-Island commands the world5The mapMackinderʼs Policy Prescriptions1) Prevent Germany from developing naval power2) Prevent Germany and Russia from allying3) Maintain control of inner/marginal crescent4) Midland Ocean Alliance (post-1943)6Mackinderʼs Legacy1) “Midland Ocean Alliance” Post WWII; Geopolitical World Order ofUS/UK vs. USSR (NATO)2) US-USSR containment strategy; Rimland site of Cold War alliances(NATO, CENTO, SEATO)3) Idea that land war in Asia cannot be one; Princess Bride + NapoleonCritiques of Mackinderʼs Geopolitical Vision1) Does not consider changes within societies in geographical heartland2) Never acknowledges Russia--views Germany as Heartland Power tocontrol world-island3) Does not acknowledge Britainʼs decline or rise of US or Japan4) Does not foresee or acknowledge importance of airpower7Still
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