Rimland Theory: The Geopolitical Concept That Shaped Modern Global Strategy
Among the major geopolitical theories of the twentieth century, Rimland Theory remains one of the most influential in understanding global power politics, maritime strategy, and international relations. Developed primarily by Dutch-American political scientist Nicholas John Spykman during the Second World War, the theory challenged earlier assumptions about land power and argued that control over the coastal fringes of Eurasia — the “Rimland” — would determine the balance of power in the modern world.