One Belt, One Road Initiative and Traditional Western Geopolitical Theories

This article examines the relationship between the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and three major traditional geopolitical theories: sea power – by A.T. Mahan, Heartland – by H. Mackinder and Rimland – by N. Spykman. The author notes that all of them are fundamentally different from the “One Belt, One Road” initiative and are differentiated in time and space. Arguing this statement, he considers the essence of all three concepts, which can be reduced to the achievement of hegemony in human society through military conquests, economic pressure or coercion to subjugation through other means. In this context, the concept of “One Belt, one Road” is presented as an antipode to Western strategies, since it is focused on abandoning national interests in favor of universal human interests and represents a plan for the integration development of all countries of the world on the terms of partnership with each other, excluding any dominance.