Introduction to Geography By Arthur Getis Judith Getis Jerome D. Fellmann

Chapter 9 Political Geography

Overview §National Political Systems §International Political Systems §Local and Regional Political Systems

National Political Systems §States, Nations, and Nation-States §The Evolution of the Modern State §Geographic Characteristics of States l Size l Shape l Location l Cores and Capitals

National Political Systems (cont.) §Boundaries: The Limits of the State l Classification of Boundaries l Boundary Disputes §Geopolitical Assessments

National Political Systems (cont.) §Centripetal Forces: Promoting State Cohesion l Nationalism l Unifying Institutions l Organization and Administration l Transportation and Communication §Centrifugal Forces: Challenges to State Authority

International Political Systems §The United Nations and Its Agencies l Maritime Boundaries l An International Law of the Sea §Regional Alliances l Economic Alliances l Military and Political Alliances

Local and Regional Political Organization §The Geography of Representation l The Districting Problem §The Fragmentation of Political Power