Critically explain Mackinder's Heartland theory highlighting a debate on his prediction of Germany would be super power of the world. Distinguish between Frontier and Boundary.

Sir Halford Mackinder's Heartland theory is a geopolitical concept that he developed in the early 20th century, specifically in his paper titled "The Geographical Pivot of History" (1904). This theory suggests that the control of the "Heartland," a vast landmass located in the Eurasian interior, would be the key to global dominance. The theory revolves around the idea that whoever controls this Heartland would have the potential to dominate the "World Island," a term he used to describe the interconnected landmass of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Mackinder argued that the Heartland's central location, its rich resources, and its potential for agricultural productivity could give its controller the ability to build a strong and self-sustaining empire. He believed that the Heartland's geographical features, including its flat terrain and relative inaccessibility from sea routes, would make it difficult for maritime powers (like Britain and other sea-based empires) to project their influence and control over it. Mackinder's theory challenged the previously dominant idea that maritime power was the key to global dominance.

Regarding Mackinder's prediction about Germany becoming a superpower, there's a debate about whether his theory accurately predicted this outcome. Mackinder did mention that the power that controls the Heartland would be in a favorable position to dominate the World Island, and Germany, due to its central location in Europe and its potential access to the Heartland, could be a candidate for such a role. However, history played out differently.

Germany did rise in power during the 20th century, notably with its attempts at expansion during World War I and World War II. However, both attempts ended in defeat, and Germany did not achieve the level of global dominance that Mackinder's theory might have implied. The United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the superpowers after World War II, with the latter having substantial control over the Heartland.

In terms of the distinction between "Frontier" and "Boundary," these terms are often used in the context of geography and political science to refer to different types of divisions between areas:

1. Frontier:- A frontier is a loosely defined area that marks the transition between settled and unsettled regions. It's often a zone of interaction and conflict where different cultures and civilizations meet. It's not a precisely defined line, and it can be fluid and dynamic. Historically, frontiers have been areas of exploration, colonization, and expansion.

2. Boundary:- A boundary is a specific, well-defined line that marks the separation between different entities, such as countries, states, or territories. Boundaries can be natural, like rivers or mountain ranges, or they can be artificial lines agreed upon through treaties or agreements.

In summary, Mackinder's Heartland theory proposed that control over the central Heartland of Eurasia would be crucial for global dominance. While his prediction about Germany becoming a superpower did not fully materialize, his theory contributed to the understanding of geopolitics and the role of geographical features in shaping the balance of power. The distinction between frontier and boundary lies in the nature of division – frontier being a transition zone, and boundary being a clearly defined separation line.