Political Geography

What is Political Geography?  Study of governmental systems  Study of nation-states

Nations, States, and Nation States?  Nation – a people with common culture, usually in a specific territory +  State – sovereign government, located in specific territory =  Nation-State – nation and state in same territory

Types of Borders  Political Borders –artificial, set by govt. (imaginary lines)  Example: North and South Korea Natural Borders – created by physical features Example: Rio Grande River (Mexico and US)

Major Types of Political Systems

Democracy or Republic  citizens hold political power  Two main types  “direct” democracy  representative” democracy Example:  USA, most modern nations

“Monarchy” Who has power?  King or Queen What else should you know?  Usually shares power with other groups, typically a legislature – making them a “constitutional monarchy” Example?  Great Britain, Jordan

“Authoritarian” Who has power?  Government has all political power (not the people) What else should you know?  One ruler – “Dictatorship”  Group – “Oligarchy”  Total control of all aspects of a citizen’s life – “Totalitarianism” Examples? Nazi Germany, Soviet Union Cuba, North Korea, Syria People’s Republic of China

“Anarchy” or “Failed State” Who has power? Nobody, or gangs and warlords… violence = political power in a failed state. There often is a government, but it has no control over its territory. What else should you know? The instability is often fueled by illegal drugs or resources, because of external interference. Examples: See map