Chapter 9 Political Geography

States, nations, sovereignty Nation- group of people that share an identity and personal attachment to a particular place as a result of being born there. State- an area organized into a political unit and ruled by an established government with control over its internal and foreign affairs. Sovereignty- ability of a state to govern its territory free from control of its internal affairs by other states.

Nation or State? Korea is a nation. North Korea is a state and South Korea is a state. The people of North and South Korea consider themselves to be one people of the same peninsula but they live in separate states because of recent political differences.

The History of States Ancient states were “city-states”, cities controlled the hinterland surrounding the city. (ex: Rome, Athens, Carthage, Egypt) Early European states- remnants of wealthy elites from Roman consolidation. Modern states- “Westphalian States” from the Peace of Westphalia of 1648 International relations theorists have identified the Peace of Westphalia as having several key principles, which explain the Peace's significance and its impact on the world today: The principle of the sovereignty of states and the fundamental right of political self determination The principle of (legal) equality between states The principle of non-intervention of one state in the internal affairs of another state

Colonialism Colonialism- the effort by one country to establish settlements and to impose its political, economic, and cultural principles on a foreign territory. Reasons Christianity Wealth Indication of Power Imperialism- control of a territory already occupied and organized by indigenous inhabitants.

Shapes Compact-boundary distance from the center doesn’t vary significantly. Benefits of communication and defense Prorupted- a compact state with a large projecting extension. Elongated- a state with a long and narrow shape Fragmented- a state which includes several discontinuous pieces of territory. Perforated- a state that completely surrounds another one. Landlocked states- lacks a direct outlet to the sea because it is completely surrounded by several other countries.

Compact

Prorupted

Elongated

Fragmented

Perforated and landlocked South Africa and Lesotho

Cultural Boundaries Geometric- US/Canada border. Characterized by straight lines Religious- India/Pakistan and Northern Ireland/Ireland. Split on religious lines. Language- Europe has been mostly divided along language boundaries.

Unitary or Federal States Unitary states- decisions made in one location and implemented in all regions of a state (ex: France, Ghana, Federal states- decisions are made both in a central capital and local governments (ex: United States, Australia, Canada)

Gerrymandering Green 2 Magenta 2 Green 3 Magenta 1 Green 4 Magenta 0

The Results of Gerrymandering

Expansion of The United Nations

Cold War Alignments Nato- US/Western European alliance to ensure collective security during the cold war. (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Warsaw Pact- Soviet/Eastern European alliance to ensure collective security during the cold war. There are numerous smaller regional alliances (OAS, AU and the Commonwealth)

Economic Unions European Union- Trade, currency, and travel is made easier in member nations. Nafta- Agreement with Mexico and Canada to promote free trade. Cafta- Agreement with Central American countries and Dominican Republic to promote free trade.

Al Qaeda and Terrorism What distinguishes political terrorism? Targeting Civilians Why has Al Qaeda declared war on the United States? US-Saudi Alliance in 1991 Iraq War, US support of Israel Why does Al Qaeda target civilians? US is a functioning democracy