Rimland

The Rimland is a geopolitical concept introduced by political theorist Nicholas Spykman, referring to the coastal regions surrounding Eurasia’s landmass. These areas include parts of Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Spykman argued that controlling the Rimland is essential for global dominance because it surrounds the inland Heartland (central Eurasia) and contains key strategic resources and sea routes. Unlike the inland Heartland, Rimland areas are more accessible by sea and easier to defend, making them crucial for maintaining power and influence in global politics.