Conceptual understanding of geopolitics with special reference to Indian Ocean

Abstract

Geopolitics term was coined at the beginning of the 20th century by Rudolf Kjellen, inspired by the German geographer Friedrich Ratzel. Mackinder's doctrine of geopolitics (Heartland Theory) involved concepts diametrically opposed to the notion of Alfred Thayer Mahan about the significance of navies (he coined the term sea power) in world conflict. Spykman’s Rimland defining characteristic is that it is an intermediate region, lying between the heartland and the marginal sea powers. Spykman's conception of the Rimland bears greater resemblance to Alfred Thayer Mahan's debated and debatable zone than to Mackinder's inner or marginal crescent. In 21 st century Indian Ocean (part of Rimland) has become main