Geotechnology and the Decline of Geographical Determinism: Revisiting Heartland–Rimland Theories

Abstract Geopolitical models that are based on traditional theories of geopolitics, for example Halford Mackinder's theory of the heartland or Nicholas Spykman's theory of the rimland (classical geopolitical models), traditionally have focused on the importance of control of both land and sea in determining political and economic power. These reviews examine if and to what extent geotechnology is capable of eroding or reducing the applicability of these models; specifically, because geotechnology can transcend territorial boundaries of a nation-state. Literature from various disciplines will be used to evaluate how the emergence of the cyber domain, satellite constellations, and algorithmic warfare are reshaping geopolitics and thus may reduce the significance of traditional Heartland interiors and Rimland coasts. While there is some evidence of an erosion of determinism, the analysis also finds that many of these classical frameworks remain relevant today but now in new hybrid forms of geopolitical thinking. Some of the critiques of this research include: 1) a tendency to overly rely on technological determinism when analyzing the influence of geotechnology on geopolitical issues; 2) incorporating elements of geotechnology into evolving geopolitical models; and 3) a general finding that this represents a transition toward "networked geopolitics" — a hybrid model that combines aspects of both traditional territorial and virtual/ networked dimensions of competition in a multipolar world.