Political Geography

Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces

Attitude or force that unifies and enhances support for state Centrifugal force Centripetal forces vs. Attitude or force that unifies and enhances support for state Attitude or force that divides a state a single native language or a colonial “official” language – English in India, Nigeria revived Hebrew in Israel homogeneous cultural factors Catholicism in Poland Hinduism in India nation-states patriotism, national symbols (anthems, flags, sports teams) - 1980 Miracle on Ice many native languages – India, Canada, Nigeria or almost all African countries heterogeneous cultural factors Islam/Christianity in Nigeria Islam/Hinduism in India “ethnicities” in Rwanda desire for self-determination in multinational states (Yugoslavia) language religion and ethnicity nationalism

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa African borders do NOT correspond to ethnic groups Legacy of imperialism Scramble for Africa SUPERIMPOSED! FIGURE 7-34

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa multilingual state interfaith conflict + political corruption terrorism unequal resources Nigeria (you should research these issues so you can provide depth on the Final FRQ)

Ethnic Conflict in Africa Rwanda Hutu vs.Tutsi ethnic divisions more “created” than real hierarchy created by colonial Belgians social construct Tutsi made “privileged” Hutus resent → take revenge in 1994

What Is Ethnic Cleansing? process in which a more powerful ethnic group forcibly removes a less powerful group from their territory purpose is not to subjugate, but to remove Today, mostly happens in Europe and Africa

Ethnic cleansing and genocide in Rwanda (1994)

Aftermath of Rwandan Genocide Ethnic conflict spills into neighboring countries destabilizes Central Africa Dem. Rep. of Congo falls into civil war most war deaths (5.4m) since WWII failed state? a state whose political or economic system has become so weak that the government is no longer in control.

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa Somalia “clans” Islamic militias US intervention Black Hawk Down “failed state” Piracy “balkanized” (adj.) = area that can’t stabilize due to ethnic conflict

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa Sudan Govt. in Khartoum = Arab/Muslim Darfur targeted Black Muslim Genocide or ethnic cleansing? “breakaway” South Sudan balkanized! Black, Christian/Animist Economic OIL!!!! Independent 2011 Now ethnic strife Failed state?

Ethnic cleansing in Europe WWII (1939 – 45) Largest forced migration Jews, gypsies, and others forcibly removed by Nazis Post - WWII Germans, others forced to “relocate” after war Goals: USSR buffer zone Nation-state ideal

Ethnic cleansing in Europe breakup of Yugoslavia “balkanization” = breakdown of state due to ethnic conflict death of Tito what kind of force was he? Ethnic cleansing Bosnia (1992 – 95) Kosovo (1999) Albanians cleansed by Serbs Stopped by NATO airstrikes

Ethnicities compete to dominate states Lebanon = religious civil war since 1975 Israeli and Syrian military interventions

Other ethnicity issues in the Middle East Iraq 20% Sunni (Arabic, Saddam Hussein, oppressed/gassed other groups) 60% Shi’a (Arabic but tied to Iran, militias) 20% Kurds (non-Arabic, Sunni, national group, functions as autonomous, US-allied) US invasion unleashes centrifugal forces Sunnis now out of power become radicalized Terrorism → Al Qaeda, now ISIS

Leadership or government (be wary of morality here) Centrifugal force Centripetal forces vs. Outside influences Leadership or government (be wary of morality here) (see later slides for internal govt. structure) irredentism superpower meddling (Africa, Latin America, Asia) funding rebels, etc. poor governance corruption inequality incompetence US???? dictatorship Arab Spring (2011 – Assad in Syria a common enemy may help to unite a people anti-British sentiment during Revolutionary War U.S. during the Cold War or after 9/11 Democracy can inspire civic participation Dictatorships can stifle dissent and other centrifugal forces Tito in Yugoslavia Communist party (USSR)

Centrifugal force Infrastructure Shape of state (see later) and internal physical features can separate populations and lead to separatism Russia’ vastness has been a centrifugal force throughout its history Nepal’s mountains separate communities Less developed countries lack infrastructure. This may isolate areas and become a centrifugal force. Centripetal forces vs. Physical Features Infrastructure Mountain ranges, oceans, deserts etc. can limit outside influences and bind a country together Egypt along the Nile More advanced countries have things like airports, railroads and highways which allow people to remain in contact, people to move within the country, etc.