Me too, and I think most neutral commentators would agree. The problem is, if you're a Russian or Chinese nationalist, you're motivated to believe that the Heartland seems pretty attractive. When enough nationalists in power act on that belief, it makes the theory even more real.
I'm not even sure about that. China is actually trying to build a serious navy, and Russia has been obsessed with obtaining a warm water port for centuries.
It's a good point on both. Rome developed a navy to defeat Carthage, but Rome still always retained its identify as a primarily land-based power. I think China and Russia are similar. Land vs. sea power is an oversimplification, but I think its still useful, and even though China and Russia are and have pursued naval power, they can still be primarily land-based powers, and I think they both think of themselves in this way.
Interesting article. I would take the Rimland over the Heartland every time.
Me too, and I think most neutral commentators would agree. The problem is, if you're a Russian or Chinese nationalist, you're motivated to believe that the Heartland seems pretty attractive. When enough nationalists in power act on that belief, it makes the theory even more real.
I'm not even sure about that. China is actually trying to build a serious navy, and Russia has been obsessed with obtaining a warm water port for centuries.
It's a good point on both. Rome developed a navy to defeat Carthage, but Rome still always retained its identify as a primarily land-based power. I think China and Russia are similar. Land vs. sea power is an oversimplification, but I think its still useful, and even though China and Russia are and have pursued naval power, they can still be primarily land-based powers, and I think they both think of themselves in this way.