Do Now: Map quiz

Aim: How are boundaries established, and why do boundary disputes occur? 2

How Are Boundaries Established, and Why Do Boundary Disputes Occur? A boundary between states is actually a vertical plane that cuts through the rocks below (called the subsoil) and the airspace above, dividing one state from another (Fig. 8.18). Only where the vertical plane intersects the Earth’s surface (on land or at sea) does it form the line we see on the ground. The Vertical Plane of a Political Boundary

Boundaries Above Ground Airspace: is defined by the atmosphere above its land area as marked by boundaries as well as what lies beyond at higher altitudes. States insist on controlling the airline traffic over their territories. States do not control the paths of satellite orbits.

Establishing Boundaries States define boundaries in a treaty like legal document where actual points in the landscape with latitude and longitude coordinates are described. Cartographers delimit the boundary by drawing it on a map. Demarcated: Can put markers or fences to show the boundary. Over large boundaries it is to expensive to demarcate them. Use demarcation as means to control who and what crosses the border.

Types of Boundaries Geometric boundaries are drawn using grid systems such as latitude and longitude or township and range Ex: US and Canada use a line of latitude west of the great lakes as their boundary. Physical-political boundaries follow an agreed upon figure in the natural landscape EX: Rio Grande between the US and Mexico. EX: Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France. Ex: 4/5 Great lakes are borders between the US and Canada.

Types of Boundaries(cont.) Boundaries: Set The Spatial Limits of the State & replaced former frontier zones Classification of Boundaries Natural or physical boundaries – often make poor boundaries Mountains: rarely total barriers to interaction Rivers: constantly shifting the course – usually gradually Geometric boundaries (artificial)--easily delimited and demarcated Antecedent – draw before area populated & cultural landscape is set Subsequent – after settlement & development of cultural landscape Consequent (subsequent) – drawn to accommodate differences Superimposed – forced upon the cultural landscape (1948 – Israel) Relic – no longer functions but still marks a transition

Boundary Disputes Definitional boundary disputes focus on the legal language of the boundary agreement. Locational boundary disputes center on the delimitation and possibly the demarcation of the boundary. The definition is not in dispute, but its interpretation is. Operational boundary disputes involve neighbors who differ over the way their border should function. Allocational boundary disputes are becoming more common as the search for resources intensifies.

Boundary Disputes Position disputes – disagree to interpretation of the boundary treaty – Chile/Argentina in S. Andes Territorial disputes – over ownership of territory Irredentism – land that was formerly part of another state with which there are ethnic ties Resource disputes – Kuwait & Iraq Functional disputes – disagreement over policies to apply to border – Mexico & U.S.A. over illegal aliens crossing into the U.S.A

In the 1970s, Somalia claimed the eastern part of Ethiopia, Ogaden, because it is peopled primarily by Somalis. Unsuccessful guerrilla fighting continued until 1988 creating more than 1mil. refugees in Somalia.

Motivation for Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait – 1 Motivation for Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait – 1. Dispute of withdrawals from the oil field 2. Claim of Pre-British ownership 3. Desire for better access to the Persian Gulf Terrible Much Better

People used to think physical-political boundaries were always more stable than geometric boundaries. Through studies of many places, political geographers have confirmed that this idea is false. Construct your own argument explaining why physical-political boundaries can create just as much instability as geometric boundaries. 12