Which option best explains the connection between access to resources and spatial patterns in the global system?

1. The Rimland Theory shows that states with connections to water are at a disadvantage because they are vulnerable to colonization.
2. The Heartland Theory shows why states in the center of regions possess more resources than neighboring countries.
3. The process of decolonization led to a number of landlocked and prorupted states, both of which have advantages regarding resources.
4. The borders of modern states influence their access to resources and were shaped by eras of colonization.

4. The borders of modern states influence their access to resources and were shaped by eras of colonization.

The best option that explains the connection between access to resources and spatial patterns in the global system is option 4. The borders of modern states influence their access to resources and were shaped by eras of colonization.

To identify the option that best explains the connection between access to resources and spatial patterns in the global system, we need to analyze each option provided and understand the logic behind it. Let's go through each option step by step:

1. The Rimland Theory shows that states with connections to water are at a disadvantage because they are vulnerable to colonization.
- This option suggests that states located along coastlines are disadvantaged in terms of resource access due to their vulnerability to colonization. However, it doesn't directly address the spatial patterns in the global system.

2. The Heartland Theory shows why states in the center of regions possess more resources than neighboring countries.
- This option explains that states located at the central position within a region tend to have more resources compared to their neighboring countries. It implies that spatial patterns influence resource distribution, but it doesn't explicitly connect it to access.

3. The process of decolonization led to a number of landlocked and prorupted states, both of which have advantages regarding resources.
- This option suggests that the decolonization process resulted in the development of landlocked and prorupted states. It mentions that both types of states have advantages regarding resources. It implies that access to resources is affected by spatial patterns arising from the decolonization process.

4. The borders of modern states influence their access to resources and were shaped by eras of colonization.
- This option suggests that the borders of modern states were influenced by eras of colonization and that these borders impact their access to resources. It explicitly connects spatial patterns, colonization history, and resource access.

Based on the analysis, option 4, "The borders of modern states influence their access to resources and were shaped by eras of colonization," best explains the connection between access to resources and spatial patterns in the global system. It directly addresses both resource access and the influence of spatial patterns resulting from colonization.