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GK MCQs Section
Q. Consider the following pairs with respect to classical political geographers and their theories:
  1. Halford Mackinder – “Heartland Theory” linking global power to control of Eurasia
  2. Alfred Mahan – Advocated “Sea Power” theory as a determinant of geopolitical influence
  3. Nicholas Spykman – Known for articulating the “Rimland Theory” of global power
  4. Friedrich Ratzel – Proposed “Rimland Theory” in geopolitics
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Notes: Halford Mackinder authored the “Heartland Theory”; Alfred Mahan is credited for the “Sea Power” theory; Nicholas Spykman is known for the “Rimland Theory”. However, Friedrich Ratzel is not linked to the Rimland Theory but is known for the concept of “Lebensraum”. Therefore, only pairs 1, 2 and 3 are correctly matched.
Question Source: 📚This question has been sourced from GKToday's Target UPSC Prelims for 2026, 2027 & 2028 App Exclusive Course in GKToday Android Application which provides more than 12K Topicwise UPSC Prelims General Studies questions with explanations framed on UPSC pattern. Download the app here.
📌 Question Number: 10 in 58: Important Geographers in the above course in App.