Space as the Ultimate Heartland: Mackinder’s Geopolitical Theory in the Age of Orbital Warfare
ASTROPOLITICS, cilt.2026, sa.2026, ss.1-32, 2026 (Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 2026 Sayı: 2026
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/14777622.2026.2622265
- Dergi Adı: ASTROPOLITICS
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Political Science Complete
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-32
- İstanbul Medipol Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Mackinder’s Heartland Theory, formulated over a century ago, posited that control of the Eurasian landmass represented the key to global dominance. This study argues that the emergence of space as a contested domain fundamentally extends Mackinder’s geopolitical logic to the orbital realm, where control of key space assets and trajectories represents the ultimate geographical advantage. Through analysis of recent space conflicts, including the role of Starlink in Ukraine, anti-satellite weapon development, and the militarization of space, this research demonstrates that orbital space functions as the contemporary equivalent of Mackinder’s “geographical pivot of history.” The study develops the concept of celestial heartland theory, arguing that whoever controls critical orbital planes and space infrastructure effectively commands terrestrial power projection capabilities. Drawing on contemporary space operations, military doctrine, and geopolitical analysis, the research reveals how traditional geographical constraints are being superseded by orbital mechanics and space access capabilities. The findings suggest that space power represents not merely another domain of military competition, but a fundamental transformation of geopolitical relationships that renders traditional heartland concepts obsolete, validating Mackinder’s core insight about geographical position determining strategic advantage.