Interaction of politics and place POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY Interaction of politics and place The study of the interaction of geographical area and political process It is the formal study of territoriality. Covers forms of government, borders, treaties, trading blocs, conflicts and war.

TED talks: Geopolitics…Mapping of Future Countries (17 minutes). http://www.ted.com/talks/parag_khanna_maps_the_future_of_countries As you watch, create a 4,3,2,1 organizer: 4 interesting facts 3 statistics 2 ways borders have caused problems 1 proposed solution for border conflict.

State vs. Nation State A nation-state differs from a "state" or a "nation" for a couple of important reasons: A nation refers only to a socio-cultural entity, a union of people who are identified culturally and linguistically. This concept does not necessarily consider formal political unions. A state refers to a legal/political entity that is comprised of the following: a) a permanent population; b) a defined territory; c) a government ; and d) the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

IF IT HAS A BOUNDARY AND RECOGNIZED TERRITORY… It’s a STATE!!!! A politically organized territory Administered by a sovereign government Recognized by a significant portion of the international community. A state must also contain: a permanent resident population an organized economy

Antarctica is the only large landmass not part of a state Several states claim portions of it, others do not recognize those claims. 1959 Treaty of Antarctica: renewed in 1991, research stations only, no military activity

REVIEW: Palestine: Nation… not a nation-state The UN General Assembly granted Palestine an observer status as a "non-state entity" at the UN The Palestinian people/government does not have full control or sovereignty over their territory REVIEW: Palestine: Nation… not a nation-state

Above 95% of these nationals live in these countries REVIEW: NATION - STATE A country whose population possesses a substantial degree of cultural homogeneity and unity. Classic Example of a Nation-State: Japan Denmark Above 95% of these nationals live in these countries

State

Read and share. Korea: one state or two? One nation or two? Pg. 257 China/Taiwan: one state or two? Is Taiwan independent? Pg. 257-258 Western Sahara? Sovereign? Pg. 259:

Types of settlements Size: largest state is Russia (6.6 mill sq. miles) Micro-states: states (countries) with very small land area (although there is no “official” qualifier, all microstates are less than 400 sq. miles. Vatican/Holy See is the smallest at 44 sq.miles) Monaco, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Vatican City, Andorra, Malta

Development of the State Concept: Independent states are a relatively recent concept Prior to 1800’s, Earth’s surface was governed by stateless societies, city-states, empires, and tribes Mesopotamian Empires: Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians City-state: a sovereign state that comprises a town and surrounding countryside Athens, Sparta, Thebes

Brainstorm: How has history affected boundaries? Africa? Europe?

Africa: Colonialism

Europe: War