1. Geopolitics of Armed Conflicts

2. What is Geopolitics of Armed Conflicts?
Two or more armed factions seeking to gain control over governmental powers, territory or natural resources
Often in states that cannot afford it
Africa and Asia 75% of the armed conflicts in 2000
Africa and Middle East were considered to be the most war-torn regions

3. Brainstorm Brainstorm reasons why conflicts could arise?
Gain control over government, territory, natural resources
Different cultural outlooks
Different religions
Opposing views of government
Ethnic groups forming a homeland

4. Conflicts
In groups, present ideas of why conflicts can arise in these different categories:
Culture
Religion
Natural Resources
Territory

5. Cultural Conflicts
Definition: When indigenous peoples are in conflict with the national government
Seek to preserve their language
Seek to preserve way of life
Demand compensation for land lost during colonization
Demand to fulfill treaties
Demand greater Political Autonomy

6. Cultural Conflicts in Canada
Language - Bilingualism
Official Language Act 1969
This act allowed the protection of both English and French languages and guarantee that both of these languages are available at the federal level.
The Battle for Aboriginal Treaty Rights
It's a battle over the land and its resources. The fight has taken place on the land, in the courts and in the media. When government and native groups signed treaty agreements over a century ago, neither side imagined the repercussions. Canada's native people say treaties have been ignored and their rights — from logging trees to fishing eels — have been limited.

7. Cultural Conflicts in Chiapas, Mexico

8. Cultural Conflicts in Chiapas, Mexico Read p. 352-353
Describe Chiapas, Mexico
What did the indigenous people want?
Describe the conflict? Timeline of Events
What was the end result?

9. Describe Chiapas Rich natural resources Large Oil Reserves
Cattle ranching
Hydro Electricity power
Agricultural

10. What did the indigenous people want?
Indigenous Mayan wanted to benefit from wealth of the state
Removal of the feudal system that has denied them from their own land.
Protect/encourage culture
Use their own language in schools and in broadcasting
More representation in federal government
Greater autonomy governing their own affairs
Wanted more say in NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

11. Describe the conflict- Timeline of Events?
Chiapas formed rebel groups called Zapatista Army of National Liberation
January 1, 1994: Armed Uprising of 12 days- 150 people were killed
1996: Peace Agreements- none were implemented by the government
Internet: “First Post-Modern Revolution”
Websites all around the world

12. Results December 2000: President Vincente Fox renewed talk
Watered-down version of the bill – state legislation had the final authority on deciding which customs should be law
Gave Mayans preference to the decisions, but not full autonomy
Zapatistas rejected new agreement
Still, in a state of declared war "against the Mexican state" though this war has been primarily nonviolent and defensive
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