1. 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.

2. TED talks: Geopolitics…Mapping of Future Countries (17 minutes).
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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. State

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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Africa: Colonialism

15. Europe: War