Chapter 6.3 Pg. 128 Political Geography

Geography and Governments Study of Government and politics is important part of geography.

Government and Development About 200 countries in the world today. Governments are free to do whatever with the land they want. Usually they deal with each other. Disputes sometimes end in war. In developing countries governments can be unstable.

Cultural Beliefs and Governments Cultural beliefs of different groups affect how governments are set up and operate. Example: Businesses closing on holidays. Israel, set up to be a homeland to Jews, has let religion guide many of its policies.

Geographic Boundaries 3 types of Boundaries Natural boundaries – Mountains, rivers … Rio Grande between U.S. and Mexico. Cultural Boundaries – based on religion or language. Border between Muslim Pakistan and Hindu India. Geometric Boundaries – Straight line drawn without regard to environment or cultural patterns. Based on Longitude or latitude.

Conflict and Cooperation International Relations – relations between the world ’ s nations.

Political Conflicts Within and among countries. Nationalism can be a cause of this – feeling pride And loyalty for one ’ s country or culture group.

Continued How a group is governed is a source of conflict. Totalitarian governments – one person or a few people decide what is best for everyone. Communist countries have these: North Korea, Cuba

Terrorism Some political conflict involve the use of terrorism by one or more individuals or groups. Terrorism is the use of violence and fear as a political force. Usually do not act under the authority of a particular government, but sometimes can be protected by a government.

Continued Sept. 11, 2001 is an example of terrorism. Fundamentalist Muslims terrorists hijacked 4 commercial airliners. Killed thousands of people.

International Cooperation Countries cooperate for political and economic benefits. Political and military cooperation are developed by the United Nations. Almost all countries are members. UN ’ s main goal is to settle disputes between countries and prevent wars.