Unit 4 Political Geography
Dictatorship
A dictatorship is an authoritarian form of government, characterized by a single leader or group of leaders with either no party or a weak party, little mass mobilization, and limited political pluralism.
Dominant Party
A dominant-party system, or one-party dominant system, is a system where there is "a category of parties/political organisations that have successively won election victories and whose future defeat cannot be envisaged or is unlikely for the foreseeable future."
Republic
A form of government with a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, and which has an elected or nominated president rather than a monarch.
Fragmented Countries
A fragmented country is in pieces that are not attached to each other. Fragmented countries are usually islands. The advantage of being fragmented is that another country would have a hard time trying to occupy and control your country. Example: invading Indonesia would involve invading thousands of separate islands. However, communications and transportation between the separated areas can be extremely hard, especially when another country is in the way. When the US added Alaska and Hawaii in 1959, it became a fragmented country. Alaska is an example of an exclave - an area separated from its state by another State, in this case Canada. Kalingrad is another example of an exclave.
Religious Colonialism
A fundamental tenet of the Christian faith is that one should seek to save the unsaved. All of the European colonizers participated in some form of conversion. The Spanish largely forced Christianity upon the indigenous peoples of South and Central America; if they did not convert, they were killed. The Spanish also set up missions in what is now the southwestern US. The French and English set up missions in the New World, many of which still exist today. EXAMPLE: Montreal was first established as a mission and trading post on the St. Lawrence Seaway by the French. Religion was also a push factor for persecuted religious minorities who emigrated to establish colonies. The Pilgrims came to the New World in hopes of religious freedom.
Government
A government is the system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. In the case of its broad associative definition, government normally consists of legislature, executive, and judiciary.
Legisature
A legislature is a deliberative assembly with the authority to make laws for a political entity such as a country or city. Legislatures form important parts of most governments; in the separation of powers model, they are often contrasted with the executive and judicial branches of government
Supranationalism
A method of extending state borders through the assistance and/or establishment of other organizations to further economic and/or political cooperation. Greatest example of supranational organization is the European Union.
Monarchy
A monarchy is a form of government in which only one person of royal blood can rule and that's a [dynasty, embodies the country's national identity and its head, the monarch, exercises the role of sovereign. The power of the monarch may vary from purely symbolic, to partial and restricted, to completely autocratic.
Parliamentary System
A parliamentary system is a system of democratic governance of a state where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the confidence of the legislature, typically a parliament, and is also held accountable to that parliament
Perforated Countries
A perforated country has an entire state completely inside of its borders. There are only two perforated states in the world. South Africa and Italy. South Africa contains the country of Lesotho completely inside of its borders. The perforated country is South Africa, not Lesotho, Lesotho is an enclave - a country that is completely surrounded by another political state. Enclaves are also landlocked countries - with no access to the sea. Landlocked countries are at a distinct political and economic disadvantage, their relations with neighboring countries must always be on good terms for fear that access to oceanic trade would be cut off.
Presidential System
A presidential system is a democratic and republican system of government where a head of government leads an executive branch that is separate from the legislative branch. This head of government is in most cases also the head of state, which is called president.
Prorupted Countries
A prorupted country has a protrusion extending out from its main base. Proruptions were often drawn by colonizers to ensure their access to raw materials or water transport. One advantage of having a proruption is that it usually provides the country with access to a useful raw material. It may also provide trade opportunities. Having control of a river provides the opportunity to charge a tax or tariff, on all goods passing through. The disadvantage is that the proruptions are usually fiercely fought over. Proruptions are usually the doings of colonial powers and, therefore, sometimes hard to justify.
Relic Boundary
A relic boundary is a "relic" on the landscape. It no longer exists, but its impact is still felt.
Centrifugal AND Centripetal factors
A religious or linguistic factor may be both centrifugal and centripetal factor at the same time. In countries that are theocracies, where one particular religion is intertwined with the political structure, religion is a unifying force. Many of the laws of the country are based on the principles of the official religion. Theocracies are common in the Muslim world. Countries like Saudi Arabia, iran, and Afghanistan have many social laws that are based on Islam. The Vatican City is a Christian theocracy.
Superimposed Boundary
A superimposed boundary is a boundary that ignores existing cultural aspects of a region. The continent of Africa is a good example of this boundary.
disputed territory
A territorial dispute is a disagreement over the possession/control of land between two or more territorial entities or over the possession or control of land, usually between a new state and the occupying power.
Unitary Government
A unitary state is a state governed as a single power in which the central government is ultimately supreme. The central government may create administrative divisions. Such units exercise only the powers that the central government chooses to delegate.
Cold War
After WWII world politics were dominated by two superpowers: The United States and the Soviet Union, this time period was known as the Cold War. American foreign policy was dominated by attempts to reduce the spread of communism and spread democracy. The U.S. fought wars in Korea and Vietnam and aided troops in Central America and Central Asia to oppose communism. Large military bases were established around the world, including in Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Turkey, Germany, and Iceland. The world came close to a nuclear war when the Soviet Union started building missile bases on Cuba in 1962, sparking the Cuban missile crisis. The US helped create the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)to enlist assistance of other countries opposing the Warsaw Pact, a bloc of Eastern European countries funded by the Soviet Union. The countries of the Warsaw Pact were known as satellite states of the Soviet Union and were under the control of that superpower created a cultural wall called the Iron Curtain. The Iron Curtain divided democratic, capitalist Western Europe from totalitarian, communist Eastern Europe.
Cultural Shatterbelt
An area where people are caught between the globalization or modernization of their culture and their traditional cultural identity. Vietnam Lebanon Israel Cultural battles between traditional fundamental groups and modern more moderate groups has driven away much-needed tourism income and dividing a countries that are in need of centripetal forces.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Another example of supranationalism is NAFTA. (United States, Canada and Mexico) NAFTA keeps prices low by facilitating the importation of goods from Mexico, where they can be made at a relatively low cost. It also opens markets to companies in all three countries. Some (organized labor unions) contested that the agreement would cost U.S. workers their jobs.
Boundary Disputes
Areas such as Rwanda, Uganda, and Sudan have experienced some of the greatest mass atrocities and refugee movements the world has ever seen. Millions of people have died as the result of violence arising from the inappropriate boundaries created at the Conference of Berlin. Ethnic conflicts involving the Hutus and Tutsis have created one of the largest refugee movements and example of genocide in the last 30 years.
Definitional Boundary dispute — Saudi Arabia v Yemen
Arise from the legal language of the treaty's definition of boundary. One country sues another country in the International Court of Justice (the World Court), which will try to determine what was intended by the boundaries when they were initially described.
Locational Boundary Disputes Louisiana v. Mississippi
Arise when the definition of the border (e.g., "the Mississippi River") is not questioned but the interpretation of the border is. In these cases, the border has shifted, and the original intention of the boundary is called into question. Example: The state of Mississippi have found themselves in the state of Louisiana when the river shifted its course.
Adolf Hitler
Austrian born Dictator of Germany, implement Fascism and caused WWII and Holocoust.
Divine Right
Belief that a rulers authority comes directly from god.
Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces
Centrifugal forces - forces that break up a state. Centripetal forces - forces that tend to unite a state. Centrifugal forces include anything that causes tension with the borders of a country. This could be religious, linguistic, or ethnic diversity. Nationalism - focuses on a people's religion, language, or ethnicity rather than the state, potentially leading to the break up of the state. This is a problem that is seen in countries like Afghanistan where a stable central government has problems taking shape because the people are more loyal to their tribal groups than they are to the state. The former country of Yugoslavia, ethnic and religious differences were so strong that the federal government of Yugoslavia could no longer control the different factions. The dissolution of Yugoslavia was inevitable after the federal government lost its authority. The Soviet Union experienced strong centrifugal forces as well. Trying to rule a country as large and diverse as the former Soviet Union was a difficult task. As a result, Soviet leader Mikhail Govbachev started perestroika, the restructuring of the economy.
The Five Shapes of Countries
Countries come in different sizes and shapes. The bigger the country, the more potential resources the country possesses and the greater its industrial base. The downside for a large country is its difficulty in defending its borders. Larger countries generally, but not always, need a greater military. Conversely, small states usually have a relative lack of resources but also less area to defend. The smallest states are called microstates or ministates. Microstates are states that are small in area and population. City-states are microstates. Countries take on five main shapes. A country can exhibit characteristics of one or more of these shapes. Sometimes these shapes are called territorial morphology. Refers to the size, shape and relative location of a state. This affects the possible communication as well as conflict with neighbors
Global Commons
Countries do not have the right to search for natural resources. Antarctica is an example of the largest global commons area in the world. No country may exploit Antarctica for natural resources, although several countries have claimed land on the continent. Australia claims the largest percentage of land, followed by Norway, France, Chile, Argentina, and the UK. However, it is globally accepted that the land in Antarctica will be solely for scientific research.
The Creation of Boundaries
Creating boundaries can resolve tensions - or incite hostilities. There are four main types of boundary origins that a geographer classifies on the landscape: Antecedent boundaries Subsequent boundaries Superimposed boundaries Relic boundaries Ecumene is a term used by geographers to mean inhabited land. It generally refers to land where people have made their permanent home, and to all work areas that are considered occupied and used for agricultural or any other economic purpose.
Democracy
Democracy is a system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting. In a direct democracy, the citizens as a whole form a governing body and vote directly on each issue. In a representative democracy the citizens elect representatives from among themselves.
Devolutuion
Devolution is the giving up of power by the central or federal government to the different regions of the country. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Belarus, and Ukraine in the west formed their own countries based on their different ethnicities and languages. In the Central Asian region, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan seceded. Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan also broke off. The leadership of Vladimir Putin and Dmitri Medvedev, has squelched further secession attempts, like those made by the Chechnya region of Russia. In the 1990s, the economy of Russia was in peril from the black market and the Russian federal government had little control over the pricing structures. Putin's leadership stabilized the economy but at the expense of personal and political freedom, causing problems among NATO countries, which fear another Cold War.
Direct Democracy
Direct democracy or pure democracy is a form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly. This differs from the majority of currently established democracies, which are representative democracies.
Ethnic Conflicts
Disagreements that usually result in military action or violence of one ethnic group against another. Ex. Genocide in Rwanda between the Hutu and Tutsi.
Elongated Countries
Elongated countries are at least twice as long as they are wide, they are long and skinny. Transporting raw materials to industrial centers can be relatively easy because it is so narrow. However, those living in the ends of the country can feel isolated, which can lead to separatist movements
Imperialism
Establishing control over an area that is already politically organized. There is a fine line between the two terms and sometimes controversy as to which definition applies for a given historical situation. It is widely accepted in most circles that European colonized the Western Hemisphere and imperialized Africa. Discuss with your partner why you think this distinction is made.... Colonialism began with the Ancient Greeks and their exploration of the Mediterranean Sea. Today, the era of colonialism has ended politically for the most part, but the issue of economic colonialism is still alive and well.
Shatterbelt regions
For many years, the two superpowers battled indirectly by using other countries as pawns. Regions caught up in a conflict between two superpowers are called shatterbelt regions. The boundaries are often changed as a result of the conflict. EXAMPLE: the Korean and Vietnam Wars. EXAMPLE: The Middle East was a shatterbelt region as the superpowers vied for access to petroleum. EXAMPLE: 1980s, the shatterbelt region was in Central America with conflicts in Nicaragua and El Salvador, the US gave resources and military equipment to the Contras, who were fighting against communism in the region.
liberty
Freedom from government control
Historical Geography of the US
Frontier - an area that is not yet under the control of a state but where people from the state are migrating. Constitutional Convention convened in Philadelphia resulting in a Constitution that granted more power to the federal government. We are considered a Federal System where the ultimate power rests in the hands of the national government with power going to the states to establish laws but cannot supersede the authority of the national government. The power is shared. A unitary style of government, where all decisions are made by the national government.
Geometric Boundaries
Geometric boundaries are created by using lines of latitude and longitude. They are easy to spot on a map because they are usually straight. Many state boundaries in the western US such as Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah are geometric boundaries. Much of the boundary between the US and Canada is drawn according to latitude from the state of Washington to Lake Superior along the 49th parallel. Antecedent boundary is one that existed before human settlement of the area; that is, settlement followed the boundary. The 49th parallel is a good example of this type of boundary. Iraq's borders with Saudi Arabia were drawn using geometric boundaries. The line is diagonal, but it is straight with geometric principles being used to draw it. Advantages of this type of boundary is that the lines are easy to determine with a GPS.
Globalization
Globalization - the movement toward one common culture across the world. Interconnections of ideas, goods and information around the Earth. Popular culture is spread quickly in today's world. EX: The McDonaldnization of the world. Because of globalization, English has become the world's lingua franca where most world business is done in English. All airline pilots communicate in English.
Embassies and Ambassadors
Governments usually create organizations to assist with their interactions with other countries. In the US, the Department of State runs offices, called embassies around the world. Job is to represent U.S. interests to the leadership of other countries. The lead officials representing the United States in other countries are called ambassadors. The Department of State also runs consulates, secondary offices that usually deal with economic issues as well as the granting of visas to enter their home
The Heartland Theory
In 1904, Sir Halford MacKinder, a British political geographer, wrote a thesis and presented it before the Royal Geographical Society in London. In his article titled "The Geographical Pivot of History," he outlined his heartland theory. The heartland theory suggests that whoever owns Eastern Europe and Western Asia has the political power and capital to rule the world. Eastern Europe contained one of the richest agricultural regions in the World. The Ukraine region could produce enough wheat and other agricultural products to sustain a large population—and feed its armies. Also, abundant raw materials such as coal, essential to develop a military and industrial base, are available in this region. Adolf Hitler believed in the heartland theory, which is why he invaded Eastern Europe. Hitler underestimated the Soviet citizens' resolve and the severity of the Russian winter and eventually had to retreat. The Soviet Union lost 16 million citizens during World War II After World War II, the Soviet Union exerted control over Eastern Europe, greatly concerning Western Europe, the United States, and other noncommunist countries. Prior to World War II, Eastern Europe was not as technologically advanced as Western Europe. However, after World War II, the Soviet Union began updating its technology base, posing a serious threat.
Organizations set up to take care of disagreements among countries.
International organizations that try to diffuse tensions around the globe. North Atlantic Treaty Organization - NATO Southeast Asian Treaty Organization - SEATO Central Treaty Organization - CENTO
Religious Conflicts
Involve violence between members of different religious groups. Example: This is currently occurring in Iraq between Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Example: violence has erupted from time to time in India and Pakistan as Hindus and Muslims have disagreed over where the boundary should between the two countries, specifically in the Kashmir region.
Nation
Is a group of people with common cultural characteristics, they are a homogenous group of people, common background, usually common religion, language, and national identity. Usually nations are located within the borders of a country (state), some of these nations are the Koreans, Hmong, Kurds, Basques, Flemish, Walloons, and Zulus just to name a few. Many people have become more loyal to their nation than to their state. This had led to conflicts all over the world. For example: The US "War On Terror" has us fighting a group of people with radical Islamic views and no borders, and have left behind their loyalty to their states of which they are citizens, instead pledging their allegiance to that organization, forming a nation. What problems can this pose for us as a state, trying to wage war on groups that do not have borders and a specific state backing them?
Common Wealth
Is a territory that has established a mutual agreement with another state for the benefit of both parties. In return for land for use as a military base by the United States, the citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico gain full U.S. citizenship rights except for representation in Congress.
Territorial Dispute
Is defined as a conflict that arises when two or more countries vie for control over a territory. Example: 1982, Great Britain took military action against Argentina over a small group of islands off the Argentinian coast, the Falkland Islands, which have a population of only about 2,500. The people of the islands make their living ranching and fishing. Britain had owned the islands for over a century, however, Argentina claimed they were the rightful owners and invaded the islands in 1982. The war lasted about 2 months, and Great Britain was victorious. After the war the people of the islands voted that they wanted Great Britain to establish sovereign control over the islands and have since voted for English to be their official language. Example: During WWII, Pacific islands such as Guam and American Samoa were strategic points for both Japanese and American militaries, which fought for control of them. The US won that war, and both are US territories.
Irredentism
Is the attempt by one country to provoke coups or separatist movements in another country. Example: Country A tries to spark a separatist movement from a nationality within country B. This can be done through literature, radio programs, or television ads. The United States practices irredentism when it sends radio transmissions into another country to communicate the benefits of capitalism and democracy and relay truthful news about world events. The US has sent transmissions from Florida to Cuba, into Eastern Europe during the Iron Curtain era. And still using this in countries of the Middle East.
Gerrymandering
Is the redrawing of political boundaries for political gain by one of the major political powers. This is illegal, but even as late as the 1990s, two congressional districts in the US, one North Carolina and one in California were questioned on the basis of gerrymandering
Geopolitics
Is the study of human systems, which are constantly in a state of spatially organizing the land to fit the needs of humans At its core, political geography is about how humans divide the earth. Questions that are asked... Why are some areas more prone to war than others? Why are some countries larger than others? Who determines the boundaries of a state? What does ethnicity and race have to do with any of the above. Ethnicity deals with the cultural aspects of a group of people. Race deals with the biological heritage of a group.
Glory of Colonialism
It was important for the prestige of the kings and queens of Europe to have colonies around the world. "The sun never set on the British Empire." One of the most widely known stories of British colonialism is the story of the independence of India, Mahatma Gandhi started his independence movement through nonviolent protests. By controlling the salt trade and cotton manufacturing rebel forces crippled British control in the region. The British were not able to control the combined countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India and were forced to leave. A border clash soon followed between India and Pakistan. Pakistan was separated into East Pakistan, later Bangladesh, and West Pakistan, which later became Pakistan.
King Henry VIII
King of England, started The Church of England over concerns on male heir
Allocational Boundary Disputes - Bangladesh vs. Myanmar
Like operational boundary disputes, there is no question of the boundary itself, but rather the use of it. Allocational boundary disputes usually involve some type of natural resources, often in the open ocean and/or under ground. Who has the right to drill for water if the aquifer extends across a boundary, who has the right to the water, or drilling for oil at sea. The UN held a conference in 1958 to try to establish UNCLOS, that stands for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. When finally adopted as international law in 1983, the International Law of the Sea held 2 important points. Foreign countries could not have their military or other ships travel within 12 miles of the coast of another country, and countries have EEZs (Exclusive Economic Zones) that countries have the right to explore for resources up to 200 miles off their shores. EXAMPLE: the US can drill for oil and natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico out 200 miles. Some cases have to use the median-line principle where a line is drawn in the water equidistant from each competing party. Doesn't necessarily give all parties equal access to the resources. EXAMPLE: In the Caspian Sea, Iran is contesting this principle, because other countries like Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan would receive a greater
Centripetal Forces
Might be symbolized through art, such as a flag or painting. These symbols of nationalism are sometimes called national iconography. During the Olympics, national iconographies are very evident.
Other Supranational organizations
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization, combining the military might, the countries of NATO can effectively oppose their common enemy, when it was first organized that was the Soviet Union. OPEC - Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries APEC - Asia-pacific Economic Cooperation ECOWAS - Economic Community of West African States And of course the UN - United Nations
The Rimland Theory
Nicholas Spykman, another political geographer, used MacKinder's ideas when he wrote his own theory on world domination and politics. Spykman was originally from the Netherlands and came to the United States to teach at Yale University. He originated the rimland theory of containment and is known as the "godfather of containment". The rimland theory believes that forming alliances is necessary to keep the Heartland in check. Because the heartland is so powerful, no individual country can contain it by itself. Hence the establishment of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Southeast Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO), and the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) in response to the spread of communism around the world. Spykman believed that the heartland may control the land but the rimland will control the sea. The heartland is trapped in a sense by its own geography. To the north of the heartland is an ocean that is icebound much of the year. To the east are the Ural Mountains and vast tracts of land with sparse populations. To the south is the Middle East with its immense deserts. The rimland would use the oceans to contain the heartland, engaging in a battle between land and sea.
Operational Boundary Dispute - Mexico vs. US
Occur when two countries next to each other disagree on a major issue involving the border. Example: The US and Mexico disagree over the issue of illegal immigration into the US. Both sides agree where the border is, but cannot agree on how to handle border crossing.
Nation-State
Occurs when a state's boundaries coincide with the cultural boundaries of a particular group. Iraq, for example, is a state divided into three nations. The Sunni Muslims (nation) The Shiite Muslims (nation) The Kurds (stateless nation) These 3 nations within Iraq have disputes that are difficult to resolve within a single political system. This is one of the reasons why Iraq has had trouble writing a constitution and developing a strong central government. Two good examples of nation -states are Japan and Denmark, however they are not a perfect example of a nation-state. In a perfect nation-state, every person in the country would have to be the same ethnicity, speak the same language, and practice the same religion.
Antecedent Boundary
People knew in advance when they moved into a region which side of the border they were living on.
representatives
People who are chosen to speak and act for their fellow citizens in government
Robert Mugabe
President of Zimbabwe since 1980, very corrupt leading to massive inflation
U.S. Government
Representative form of government where leaders are elected from the individual states to be representatives and senators in two houses of Congress. 100 Senators and 435 Representatives. A senator serves their entire state whereas the representatives serve their districts. These districts are reapportioned every 10 years based on the results of the census. Therefore urban areas with a higher population density have smaller districts, while rural districts are larger.
Stateless Nations
Sovereignty-complete control over a territory's political & military affairs. Some nations do not have their own state-this can lead to conflict Palestinians are the most well known example-a stateless nations in conflict with Israel over territory Kurds- about 20 millions people live in Kurdistan-which covers states-since the 1991 Iraq War-Kurdish Security Zone has been virtually independent
Search for Wealth
Spanish explorers were always looking for the instant wealth that gold could bring. The French sought furs from the beaver and other animals to produce hats and coats admired by the upper classes in France. The voyageurs were the traders who went deep into the wilderness to trap the animals and bring back the furs in dugout canoes. The French established a working relationship with the Native Americans along the borders of present day US and Canada. Colonies were expected to provide resources that the home country needed to sustain itself. For many years, the Spanish brought back ships filled with gold and jewels.
Sovereignty
States regulate their own internal and external affairs. This power is called sovereignty. Once a country has sovereignty, it can determine its own tax structure, laws, and political structure. A country cannot just say they are sovereign, once other states begin to treat it like a state, then it becomes a state participating in organizations like the United Nations which helps in achieving recognition of statehood and sovereignty. Palestine is a new state that has stated its sovereignty, and is now participating in the UN as an observer, not full membership yet. Countries such as the US and Israel do not treat Palestine as a sovereign state. Israel back in 1948 became a sovereign state, but many countries of the Middle East do not treat Israel as a sovereign state even though it is a member of the UN. EXAMPLE: Native American groups here in the US are considered sovereign nations when they are on their reservations. They can abide by their own laws and customs separate and apart from the laws of the federal US government. That is how they have gambling casinos ON their reservations in states where gambling is illegal. (Oklahoma, Texas, etc.) This quasi-sovereignty has led to conflicts over the years.
Federal Government
The Central government of the US. The U.S. federal government is based in the capital city of Washington, D.C. Individual states in the U.S. also have governments, called state governments, not to be confused with the definition of an actual State. They may try to develop more trade opportunities for their particular state but do not have the authority to authorize treaties with foreign countries.
Struggle for Sovereignty
The Kurds One of the largest nationalities in the world without their own state, mostly located in Turkey, northern Iran, and northern Iraq with a pockets in Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Basques Fiercely independent group living in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, the majority living Spain with a small number living in Andorra and SW France. Basque separatists have resorted to terrorism to fight for their independence. The Flemish Live in the north of Belgium, language is Flemish (common Dutch). They are distinct from the Walloons of Belgium (another group wanting sovereignty in Belgium, speaking French). Most are Catholic which separates them from most of Northern Europe which are Protestant. The Zulu Found in South Africa, historically Zulu was the dominant nation in southern Africa with a very proud legacy of empire and conquest. Most are Christians as a result of colonial-era missionaries, though many still practice animism. The Zulu separatists would like their homeland to be named KwaNdeble. During the time of apartheid, when a white minority ruled South Africa, the Zulus were forced to occupy a low status, suffering discrimination in education, employment, and all other aspects of life. The Palestinians Majority are found in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Golan Heights sections of Israel. However, in 1948 with the creation of the state of Israel, many Palestinians fled to neighboring countries of Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Majority practice Islam and speak Arabic though many learn Hebrew. Likewise, Jewish students who speak Hebrew are required to learn Arabic. They now have an area of sovereignty but not all states of the world (including the US) do not recognize this sovereignty. The Hmong An indigenous group originally hailing from Mongolia. They moved into China, where they were thought to be "barbarians" and persecuted. Many were killed and much of the population driven into the highlands of Southeast Asia. Most now live in Laos as well as in refugee camps of Thailand. They allied with the US in the Vietnam War and in 1975 the US left them to have to deal with vindictive political regimes in Laos and Vietnam. Several Christian groups in the US have decided to adopt Hmong families and these immigrants are now bringing over their next of kin and now large settlements are found in California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Carolina as well as Australia and France.
European Union
The Schengen Area is an area comprising26 European states that have officially abolished passportand all other types of border control at their mutual borders. The area mostly functions as a single country for internationaltravel purposes, with a common visa policy. The area is named after the Schengen Agreement. States in the Schengen Area have eliminated border controls with other Schengen members and strengthened border controls with non-Schengen countries. 1957 - In its beginnings it was known as the European Economic Community (EEC). The EU today is 27 European states united into one organized unit for the purpose of increasing individual strength through collective effort. Headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium. Most countries have converted their currency to the Euro, and today it has surpassed the value of the US dollar. Traveling to Europe meant exchanging currencies when you crossed every border, now you only need to do this once. (Great Britain still uses the pound, and Denmark still uses the krone). Passport control is also no longer regulated at each border point. Trade is much easier among the countries as well.
Subsequent Boundary
The borders were drawn to accommodate religious, ethnic, language differences. The borders of Northern Ireland and Pakistan/Bangladesh are good examples.
Regionalism
The breaking up of an area into autonomous regions, has caused problems for some former Soviet states.
Balkanization
The breakup of an area into smaller independent units and usually involves some degree of hostility. After World War II, Yugoslavia was controlled by a dictator named Josip Broz Tito. When Tito died in the 1980s, the country began to unravel, and a civil war ended with the break up of Yugoslavia into 6 different countries: Bosnia/Herzegovina, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia. A UN peacekeeping force led by the US entered the area in the 1990s to end atrocities perpetrated by Serbian forces under the leader Slobodan Milosevic. Troops are still in the area—all because of poorly drawn boundaries over 50 years ago. Kosovo is the newest country that has come about because of this Balkanization
Supreme Leader
The country's most powerful political figure, who has the authority to overrule or dismiss the president, appoints members of the Guardian Council, and has personal representatives in the army, universities, etc.
State
The differences between state, nation and nation-state are profound, yet the media cannot seem to get these terms straight. Nor can our own state, I mean country, I mean nation....exactly what are we? An area with boundaries and sovereignty. The earth is divided among just under 200 countries. These countries are more correctly termed states. It is an area with a defined territory that exercises its sovereign control over areas both inside and outside its borders. So, is Texas a state under this definition? In the United States, we have 50 subdivisions called "states", even though they are a part of one state, called the United States of America. The federal government of the US holds the power (sovereignty) over these 50 subdivisions.
The Domino Theory
The domino theory was adopted by the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) developed this theory, which suggested that when one country experiences rebellion or political disunity, other countries around it will also experience turmoil as a result, leading to a domino effect of political instability in the region. The domino theory was established in response to the communist incursions that had been occurring around the world. It justified U.S. military involvement in Southeast Asia during the 1960s and 1970s and in Central America during the 1980s. Opponents of the domino theory point to the political stability of the United States despite politically instability in Mexico as an example of its invalidity. Proponents of the theory suggest that a lack of border security is causing political instability in the United States.
Annexation
The opposite of balkanization is annexation, adding territory to an already existing state. The US purchased the Alaska territory from Russia in 1867, it annexed the land as territory, ven though Alaska didn't officially become a part of the US until 1948.
Organic Theory
The political geographer Friedrich Ratzel, who coined the term geopolitics, based his organic theory on the growth of states. Ratzel argued that the state was like a living entity that constantly needed to grow to thrive. According to Ratzel's theory, states constantly need new territory to meet the demands of their ever-growing populations. Europeans have had the largest impact on the world as colonizers. Europe colonized for four major reasons that were discussed earlier: Christianity To gain natural resources Prestige Benefits of more land Or as stated by James Rubenstein: "God, gold, and glory" with land being added.
Self-Determination
The power of a people to establish their own government the way they see fit. To this day, in some countries men have the right to vote, but women do not. Even the US, women's enfranchisement (the right of women to vote) didn't come until 1920 with the passing of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Colonialism
The practice of establishing political dominance over a people for economic, political, and territorial gain.
Boundary evolution
The technical wording of a treaty that legally defines where a boundary should be located. Once the boundary evolution becomes part of the official document, cartographers must accurately represent it. This transition or translation of the boundary evolution is called delimitation. After the process of delimitation has been established, the two countries place objects on the landscape, such as border crossings, fences, walls, and so on, that show where the boundary is located. This process of physically representing a boundary on the landscape is known as demarcation. The demarcation zone can be a tense area, where the hostilities of two countries come to a head. This entire process creates the border landscape of an area.
Democratization
The transition of an authoritarian regime (dictatorship) to a representative form of government. The first wave of democratization took place in the 19th century in North America and Western Europe. The second wave occurred immediately after World War II when many former colonies gained independence. We are still experiencing the third wave of democratization, which started in 1974. Crucial factors for democratization to take place are: A country's level of wealth Educational system Reliance on one or a few natural resources Social equality Ethnic composition Culture and Age distribution. A country with the classic pyramid age distribution will have difficulty transitioning to democracy because of the overwhelming need to expand the economy and provide education and health care to a fast growing population.
Boundaries
These are the main three, and then you have boundaries that fall under these categories. Three Primary factors determine boundaries. Latitude and Longitude features or straight lines (geometric boundaries). Natural features such as rivers, and mountains (physical boundaries) Cultural factors such as language, religion, or ethnicity (ethnographic or cultural boundaries)
Compact Countries
These countries borders are approximately equidistant from the center of the country. The country may be in the shape of a circle or square. Communications and transportation are relative easy in a compact country, as is the mobilization of the military. Disadvantage for a compact country is a lack of resources, because these countries tend to be small.
Idi Amin Dada
This military officer seized power in 1971 and unleashed terror and bloodshed on Uganda for eight years.
Totalitarianism System
Totalitarianism is a political concept of a mode of government that prohibits opposition parties, restricts individual opposition to the state and its claims, and exercises an extremely high degree of control over public and private life. It is regarded as the most extreme and complete form of authoritarianism.
Ethnographic or Cultural Boundaries
Using ethnographic or cultural features, such as language, religion or ethnicity, to establish boundaries is probably the best method, but such boundaries can be the hardest to enforce or establish. Lines between cultures can be ambiguous and fluid. Example: In 1884, 14 European countries that wanted to divide the continent of Africa into countries attended the Conference of Berlin. France, Great Britain, Portugal, and Germany were the major participants. Instead of drawing borders according to the different ethnicities in Africa, they superimposed boundaries that didn't fit the cultural boundaries. Ethnic groups that had been in conflict for centuries were now supposed to live together under the umbrella of one state. The result of the conference was a mishmash of countries that was doomed from the start
Physical Boundaries
Using physical features is an easy way to determine where one area stops and another begins. Example: On one side of the Rio Grande is the United States, and on the other side is Mexico. They can include rivers, lakes, mountains, deserts, peninsulas, and so on. Example: Many of the eastern United States were drawn using the physical features approach. The Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers separate dozens of states along their paths. Example: The Andes Mountains, sometimes called "the spine of South America," are used to determine boundaries between Chile and Argentina and between Ecuador and Brazil. Example: The Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world, separated India from the rest of the world for centuries. Disadvantages: If a river determines a boundary, then any project involving that river, (dams, bridges, etc.) involves working with two different governments. Also, these rivers may change course, moving the boundary. Mississippi and Louisiana's boundary has been altered because the Mississippi River constantly shifts.
Consitutional Monarchy
a system of government in which a country is ruled by a king and queen whose power is limited by a constitution.
Representive Democracy
a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.
Theocracy
a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.
Frontier
an area that is not yet under the control of a state but where people from the state are migrating.
Senate
an assembly or council of citizens having the highest deliberative functions in a government
Immigrant state
compromised primarily of immigrants and their descendants.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
first used the term dominos in the sense when he made a speech suggesting that the countries involved in a conflict would fall over like dominos.
In Transition
is an emergency governmental authority set up to manage a political transition generally in the cases of new nations or following the collapse of the previous governing administration.
Power
the authority to use force
Manifest Destiny
the belief that the U.S. government was meant to rule the land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It was used to justify the acquisition of new lands by any means from the Native Americans.
Globazation
the movement toward one common culture across the world. Interconnections of ideas, goods and information around the Earth. Popular culture is spread quickly in today's world. EX: The McDonaldnization of the world. Because of globalization, English has become the world's lingua franca where most world business is done in English. All airline pilots communicate in English.
authority
the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
Suffrage
the power to vote on issues regarding their welfare, as when American colonists spoke out against "taxation without representation."
