Human geography case studies Flashcards
1
Q
Cold War
A
USSR and USA bipolar world. Opposing ideology capitalism vs communism
2
Q
Mercantile phase
1600-1850
A
Small colonies are conquered on coastal fringes and island e.g. New England and defended by coastal forts. The forts and navy protect trade in raw materials and slaves. The economic interests of private trading companies such as East India Company are defended by British armed forces
3
Q
Imperial phase
1850-1945
A
Coastal colonies extend inland with the conquest of vast territories. Religion and language are introduced to colonies. Government institutions with British colonial administrators are set up to rule the colonial population. Complex trade develops including the export of UK manufactured goods to new colonial markets. Settlers from Britain set up farms and plantations in colonies. Technology such as railway and telegraph is used to connect distant parts of the empire.
4
Q
BRIC
A
Brazil Russia India and China were identified as a group of emerging powers in 2001. South Africa is sometimes included. These five countries set up a formal association in 2009
5
Q
G20 major economies
A
Group formed in 1999 and meets annually. It is made up of 19 counties plus the EU and includes some potential emerging powers such as Mexico Indonesia South Korea Saudi Arabia and Turkey
6
Q
Japan emerging power
A
In the 1980s seemed destined to superpower. Per capita GDP was higher than UK and USA it was a leader of exporting electronics. Economy barely grown since 1995: property value collapse, encouraged saving not spending, ageing population, Asian tigers.
7
Q
Military alliances
A
Since 1980 the USA has increasingly acted with its NATO allies rather than through the UN. Military alliances are a key element of superpower status.
8
Q
Iran nuclear programme
A
West concerned about them developing a nuclear weapons programme. Destabilise the Middle East. USA applied restrictions in 1995. UN sanctions began in 2006. EU sanctions began in 2007. Sanctions on Iran’s crucial oil exports in 2012.
9
Q
Bosnian War 1992-1995
A
Resulted from the post-colonial war break up of Yugoslavia. Mix of ethnic religious and nationalist divisions led to a war that involved genocide mass
rape and war crimes. UN resolution no-fly zone. Peacekeepers established. Dayton Accord which ended war
10
Q
Haiti earthquake humanitarian relief effort 2010
A
Devastating magnitude 7.0. US Air Force restored air traffic control to Port-au-Prince airport. 1600 US marines arrived by to provide humanitarian and technical help
11
Q
The Ebola epidemic 2014-2016
A
Outbreak of Ebola in west Africa in 2013. USA France and UK led response in Liberia Guinea and Sierra Leone respectively. UK committed £430 million 1500 troops and 150 NHS personnel
12
Q
China’s consumerism
A
1 billion cars
1350 million tonnes of cereal consumed each year
180 million tonnes of meat consumed
Coal consumption in China would exceed global consumption in 2015
13
Q
Arctic oil and gas
A
US geological survey 30% worlds undiscovered gas and 13% oil resources in the Arctic. 90-100 million barrels of oil worth billions. 2007 Russia put flag on North Pole. Both Russia and Canada have created dedicated Arctic Forces
14
Q
Russia western boarder
A
Russia considers this areas its sphere of influence. Following the 1991 collapse of communism and independence of former Soviet republican. EU and US economic sanctions following 2014 Ukraine/Crimea crisis have isolated Russia economically. Open conflict in Crimea and eastern Ukraine and Georgia led to the forced displacement of tens of thousands
15
Q
South and East China seas
A
China pursuing a policy of controlling the ocean from its coast to the First Island China. The largest naval presence in the area at the moment in the USA due to its close allies Japan South Korea and the Philippines
16
Q
US hegemony unipolar
A
US dominance and economic and military alliance continue in a unipolar world. China faces an economic crisis similar to Japans in the early 1990s and ceases to grow rapidly
17
Q
Regional mosaic multi-polar
A
Emerging powers continue to grow while the EU and USA decline in relative terms creating a multi-polar world of broadly equal powers with regional but not global influence
18
Q
New Cold War bipolar
A
China rises to become equal in power to the USA and many nations align themselves with one or other ideology creating a bipolar world similar to the 1945-1990 Cold War period
19
Q
Asian century unipolar
A
Economic social and political problems reduce the power of the EU and USA economic and political power shift to the emerging powers in Asia led by China
20
Q
Sharia law
A
Law of Islam a legal system topics from public and private beliefs. Sharia law is perhaps the most intrusive and strict especially with regard to women. Doesn’t rest easily with the UDHR. Danger that Sharia law operates as a parallel legal system.
21
Q
Bolivia under Morales
A
Won third term in Bolivia 2014. Bolivia’s first indigenous president who had remarkable rise. He’s anti-colonialist and anti-imperialist. Popularity based on exploitation of domestic natural gas and mineral resources and sharing the derived wealth among the people
22
Q
UNESCO
A
United nation’s educational scientific and cultural organisation. Done much to ensure access to education for all. Much to raise levels of literacy.
23
Q
Life expectancy variations in the UK
A
Life expectancy for men is lower than women though the gap is narrowing. Differences between the north and south and differences between ethnicity and social class
24
Q
Life expectancy within Brazil
A
In 2013 - men 70.4 years and women 77.6 years. Highest life expectancies in southeast Brazil. Surprisingly low life expectancy in Brazil due to many favelas. The relatively low values in the northern part of the country particularly in Amazon lowlands which may reflect its remoteness and relatively undeveloped nature
25
Aboriginal life expectancy in Australia
Indigenous population 3% of population. Aboriginal men life expectancy 10.6 years less than non indigenous and 9.5 years lower for. Over last 5 years aboriginal life expectancy has increased. There’s genetic reasons for this but also factors: poor housing dispossession of their traditional lands low education level high unemployment
26
Word bank
Originated as a facilitator of post-War reconstruction and development. Now committed to the alleviation of poverty. It is vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world
27
World trade organisation founded 1995
Succeeded the general agreement on tariffs and trade set up in 1948 and is the only global organisation dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements negotiated and signed by the bulk of the worlds trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is help producers of goods and services exporters and importers to conduct their business
28
International Monetary Fund founded 1948
Aims to foster monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty around the world. It seeks to improve the economies of member countries through data collection and analysis monitoring economic performance and where necessary recommending self-correcting policies
29
United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation founded 1945
It’s purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through education science and culture to further universal respect for justice the rule of law and human rights along with fundamental freedom as proclaimed in the UN Charter. It also promotes cultural diversity and aims to secure the worlds cultural and natural heritage.
30
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development OECD founded 1960
Promotes policies that will improve the economic and social wellbeing of people around the world. It provides a forum in which governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems. It works with governments to understand what drives economic social and environmental change. It recommends policies designed to improve the quality of people’s lives
31
Millennium development goals 2000 to reduce development gap
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Eradicate extreme poverty
Universal primary education
Promote gender equality
Reduce child mortality
Improve maternal health
Combat HIV/AIDS malaria etc
Ensure environmental sustainability
Develop a global partnership for development
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32
Sustainable development goals
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No poverty
Zero hunger
Good health and wellbeing
Quality education
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Industry innovation infrastructure
Reduce inequality
Sustainable cities and communities
Responsible consumption production
Climate action
Life below water
Life on land
Peace justice strong institutions
Partnerships for the goals
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33
Universal declaration of human rights UDHR
Sets out 30 universal rights vital as constituting human development. Adopted by UN general assembly. Currently 193 members. Declaration but not legally binding and articles are unenforceable. However bound to recognise articles of declaration.
34
Geneva convention
Four treaties applied at times of armed conflict to protect people not taking part in the conflict. Current convention (1949) has been ratified by 196 countries but not all agreed to subsequent protocols
35
European convention on human rights ECHR
Enforced in 1953 in response to violations of human rights during WW2 and the post-war spread of communism. Violation of this go before court of human rights
36
UK human rights act 1998
Incorporated into UK law the rights contained the ECHR. It means that any breach of the conventions rights can be heard in the UK courts and need not go to the European court of human rights. However appeals related to the verdicts of UK courts in such cases can be sent to and possibly overturned by the European court. This has led some to believe that the UK has lost some of its sovereignty
37
The two koreas
Split of countries in 1948 which have diametrically opposed ideologies. GDP per capita ranks South Korea: 40 and North Korea: 195. North Korea had barely made a move towards real democracy and most corrupt country in the world
38
Emerging superpower China
Founded as a communist country with a one-part government following WW2. Socialist market economy and
economic success. Human rights widely criticised; re-education through labour, suppression of the internet and media, unfair trials, torture, workers rights and death penalty. Government highly authoritarian.
39
Emerging powers India
Democratic republic with parliamentary system of government. Union of 29 states and seven territories. Human rights issues; incidents of violence against religious minorities, caste-based discrimination, neglect of tribal communities and sexual abuse against women and children
40
Case of corruption Myanmar
Political violence and systematic repression of democratic oppression. Country’s political and economic environment has continued to deteriorate. 2015 first reasonably fair general election for over 50 years. Aung San Suu Kyi debarred from becoming president as her children had a foreign father
41
Corruption Zimbabwe
British colony 1880-1980. It had prosperity due to manufacturing and industrial sectors. Robert Mugabe came into powers thanks to questionable elections. Misrule and corruption has brought the country to the brink of bankruptcy. 23rd poorest country
42
Rwanda
Deep rooted tribal divisions. Became German colony in 1884. Since 1962 independence Hutu have struggled for supremacy. 1994 Hutu tried to eliminate Tutsi who fled to neighbouring countries. Within 100 days 800,000 were massacred
43
Indigenous populations of the Americas
Estimated 370million indigenous people living in more than 70 countries. Around 46million in Americas. Rich diversity of culture religion tradition and language. Their environments are increasingly under threat and they are driven off their homelands.
44
The place of women in Afghanistan
Immense changes over 40years. During that time it has occupied by Soviet troops and by USA. Ruled by various militant groups. Women’s rights have fluctuated. 1919 women got the vote. 1950s gender separation was abolished. 1980/90s under taliban rule these rights were taken away
45
Mixed picture in Bolivia
Population of 9 million and 35 different ethnic groups. 60% of population is classified as indigenous. Since early 1990s there’s been a strong move to recognise indigenous identity but little has changed economically for them. Many continue to live in extreme poverty. Bolivia poorest country in South America. More gender violence deaths of women than with cancer.
46
Progress in Australia
Until WW2 had a whites only migration policy but after WW2 was dropped. More than 40% of Australians have origins other than British or Irish. Some of best records in human rights. But concerns over: treatment of asylum seekers, rights of disabled people and treatment of aboriginal people
47
Amnesty international 1961
Focused on investigation and exposure of human rights abuses globally. Looks into governments, powerful bodies and major companies. International reputation ensuring UDHR are implemented
48
Human rights watch 1978
To monitor the Soviet Union compliance with the Helsinki accord. Name and shame non compliant governments
49
Oxfam 1942
Help deal with hunger that prevailed during WW2. Three main targets; development work, helping those who’ve been affected by conflict and campaigning on a range of issues
50
Médicins Sans Fontières (doctors without borders) 1971
Belief that all people have the right to medical care regardless of race religion or political persuasion. Provides healthcare and medical training in 70 countries and providing emergency aid in conflict zones.
51
Haiti a very needy case
In the Caribbean is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. In last 200 years its suffered from; exploitation of its resources, violations of human rights, widespread corruption, a highly polarised society, poor healthcare, high level of aid dependency. Between 1990-2009 Haiti received over US$5 billion in aid
52
Niger delta - damage to the environment
Having bad effect on Nigeria’s largest wetland region its wildlife and its inhabitants. Human health is threatened by the pollution of air water and farmland by many unattended oil spills as well as by gas flares and frequent fires
53
Niger delta - minorities
Locals have benefitted little from the oil industry. Negative impact on traditional means of livelihood fishing and farming. Roads remain poor and schools and health services or underfunded. Oil revenue derived from delta goes to major ethnic group the Yoruba
54
Niger delta - human rights
Militant groups have formed to pressure both the government and oil companies to compensate them for the loss of farmland and the health risks and to share the deltas wealth. Putting a stop to the appalling environmental pollution is no less a need. Tensions are rising and outbreaks of violent protests are increasing.
55
Land grabs in Kenya
Since 1980s land has become a currency of political patronage among Kenya’s elite. Land grabbing is the irregular privatisation of public land. It’s had serious impacts on public finances. 85% of population relies on agriculture for its livelihood. Land grabs putting Kenya’s survival as a fairly stable state in jeopardy
56
Libya
Overthrown President Gaddafi in Libya 2011 having been complicit in a number of terror act. Downing flight Pam Am over Lockerbie Scotland 1988. Seriously abusing human rights of civilians. As the removal of one regime through Arab Spring has so destabilised the situation that rebel factions are now fighting one another to gain the political upper hand
57
Russia in Ukraine
The protection of human rights of an enclave of ethnic Russians was the excuse used by Russia when it invaded Ukraine in 2014. Real motive to annex a strategically important territory possibly because it had a likelihood of becoming a member of NATO. This invasion was a serious assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty but to prevent all out war West stayed out
58
UK military aid to Saudi Arabia
Allies since 1915. In 1927 Saudi Arabia became an independent state. Over 30,000 UK nationals live and work in Saudi Arabia and it is the UKs largest trading partner in the Middle East. Rumoured that Saudi princes receive millions from British firms and Saudi Arabia very bad human rights records
59
IS in Iraq and Syria
Opportunist terrorist organisation with no respect whatsoever for human rights. It’s roots lie in al-Qaedas operations in Iraq. It took advantage of the power vacuum in Iraq created allied troops from that country and the civil war in Syria
60
Torture and rendition
Age of international terrorism the need to identify terrorists and their cells. Governments have signed up to the UN convention against torture 1987. Rendition is sending terrorist suspects covertly to be interrogated in a country where the humane treatment of prisoners is less of a concern.
61
The collapse of the USSR
Nearly 45 years after WW2 this was a superpower locked in a Cold War with the West. A single partied state - communist. Late 80s satellite countries began to shake off soviet control - public act of pulling down Berlin Wall 1989. 1991 Soviet Union disintegrated into 15 separate countries.
62
China - economic growth rules.
Second largest economy. Its population has expanded to 1.4 billion and makes GDP more modest. A communist country. Political tensions as population increasingly aware of outside world. Economic success but environmental pollution due to expanding manufacturing industries. In 2015 economic miracle showed first signs of slowing down by that time many Chinese had come to enjoy consumerism
63
Ebola outbreak 2014
18 months from 1st case 12,000 people died from disease. Thanks to UNMEER the governments of Ebola stricken countries and a number of NGOs there was a sharp fall in the number of Ebola cases in first half of 2015. The region was finally declared Ebola free in January 2016. UNMEER is the first ever mission deployed by the UN to tackle a huge health security challenge
64
Botswana
Relatively prosperous
Politically stable
Fairly free of corruption
Reasonably respectful of human rights
But a very unequal distribution of income- a wide gap between rich and poor
65
Botswana - aid and development
Sparsely populated arid and landlocked. Independent in 1966. In first few years of independence 60% of government expenditure came from international aid. Agriculture accounted 40% GDP. Since 1966 maintained one of worlds highest economic growth rates. Middle income country per capita income US$7500 - exploitation of diamonds. Still receives overseas aid due to no1 health problem HIV/AIDS
66
Botswana- health
Prevalence of HIV/AIDS is second highest in the world. Estimated more than 1/3 adults affected. Dramatically cut life expectancy. But with overseas aid it has one of the most advanced treatment programmes.
67
Botswana- human rights
Reputation of speaking out about abuses in Africa. However same political party for over 40 years, still has death penalty, criminalise homosexuality, dispossessing the indigenous and expression of cultural diversity suppressed
68
Syrian suffering
Estimated in 2014 10.8 million Syrians killed or displaced from their homes by conflict. 4.3 million Syrian refugees living outside the country. President Assad and his bid to hold onto power.
69
Arab Winter
2011 uprisings in Tunisia Libya and Egypt overthrowing their corrupt leaders. Parts of North Africa now plagued by Islamic terror attacks. Removal of autocratic leaders created political destabilisation civil war and regimes with worse human rights records.
70
Military intervention - Afghanistan (2001-14)
US led invasion after 9/11 to counteract Taliban. Civilian government restored 2004, USA and UK ceased combat with Taliban in 2013 but since then Taliban slowly regaining control
71
Syria military intervention: 2011-
Democratic uprising against Assad regime started. Use of chemical weapons US led coalition launching air strikes. Huge civilian casualties Assad used chemical weapons. Mass migration of refugees into Europe. IS used opportunity to gain territory for caliphate
72
Libya 2011
Civilian war led to UN intervention with 19 states. Gaddafi killed and regime ousted. Much violence and disagreement
73
Ukraine 2014-
Russia on grounds of support from minority ethnic Russians in Ukraine its soon evident that repossession of Crimea was strategic target. Crimea annexed and areas still under Ukrainian sovereignty now held by pro-Russian rebels
74
Ivory Coast- a need for permanent peacekeeping?
Gained independence from France 1960. For 30 years was hailed as model of political stability. Sound economy produce cocoa and maritime trade. 1999 attempt to overthrow the government. 3 years later civil war broke out rooted in religious differences between Christians and Muslims. UN restored peace in 2007. 2010 presidential elections Christian lost to Muslim but he refused to step down and civil war broke out. 2011 peacekeepers returned.
75
IMF
Gives loans to countries that need help. Recipients must agree to run free market economies open to outside investment. TNCs enter country more easily. USA dominant control over IMF. Rules and regulations can be controversial especially the strict financial conditions imposed on borrowing countries
76
World bank
Lends money globally. 2014 US$470 million loan to Philippines to reduce poverty. Total distributed US$65 billion in 2014. Strict conditions on loans and grants
77
WTO
Advocates trade liberalisation and asks to abandon protectionist attitudes for untaxed trade. WTO failed to stop worlds richest countries such as the USA and UK from subsidising their own food producers. Protectionism is harmful to farmers in developing countries who want to trade on a level playing field
78
Offshoring
Some TNCs build their own new production facilities in offshore low-wage economies. E.g. US Fender opened it’s Mexican plant at Ensenada in 1987
79
Foreign mergers
Two firms in different countries join forces to create a single entity. Royal Dutch Shell has headquarters in both the UK and the. Netherlands
80
Foreign acquisitions
When a TNC launches a takeover of a company in another country. In 2010 UKs Cadbury was subjected to a hostile takeover by food giant Kraft. The UK had few restrictions on foreign takeovers. In contrast the Committee on foreign investment in the USA closely scrutinises inbound foreign takeovers
81
Transfer pricing
Some TNCs e.g. Starbucks/Amazon have channelled profits through a subsidiary company in a low-tax country such as Ireland. The OECD is now attempting to limit this practice
82
EU
Multi-governmental organisation with currency and legislation.
83
ASEAN
Has ten members. Established 1967 worked to eliminate tariffs for free trade. Expected to develop further into a single market and operate similar to EU
84
China and its 1978 open door policy
Prior to 1978 was switched off. Open door allowed China to embrace globalisation. 300 million left rural areas for cities. TNCs quickly established branch plants. 400 million escaped poverty since reforms
85
Switched off places - North Korea
70 years autocracy by single family. Chosen to stay politically isolated; no access to internet. Divided from South Korea in 1948.
86
The Sahel region
Some of least developed countries in region. Mismanagement of natural resources. Lack coastline struggle to attract FDI. Arid conditions and desertification. Change may happen as rapid economic growth in neighbouring countries
87
Global outsourcing of services to India
By 2040 India is expected to by the second largest economy. Call centre services as many Indian citizens are fluent in English and earn good middle-class workers. Gap between rich and poor had widened sharply.
88
Global outsourcing of manufacturing to China
Global shift of manufacturing played important role in extreme poverty falling from 60% in 1990 to 16% by 2005. Workshop of the world. Between 2000-2010 conditions improved for many workers. High-tech manufacturing is booming.
89
Causes of rural-urban migration- urban pull factors
Employment is everywhere. Can distinguish between formal sector employment and informal. Urban areas offer the hope of promotion and advancement into professional roles.
90
Causes of rural-urban migration - rural push factors
Main factor is usually poverty aggravated by population growth and land reforms. Agricultural modernisation reduces the need for rural migration further.
91
Causes of rural-urban migration- shrinking world technology
Rural dwellers are gaining knowledge of the outside world and its opportunities. Technology plays an important part in fostering rural-urban migration
92
Mega city growth Mumbai
2015- 22 million people. Conor from impoverished rural states. Urban employment a range of economic sectors ad skill levels. Some very wealthy people in Mumbai contrasting Dharavi is a slum housing area.
93
Karachi - mega city growth
24 million people lived there in 2015. Most populated city in Pakistan it’s the centre of finance. People come to find work in a range of industrial sectors
94
Indian workers moving to the UAE
2million migrants 30% of the population. Many in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Estimated US$15billion is returned to India annually as remittances.
95
Filipino workers to Saudi Arabia
1.5million migrants since 1973 when oil prices first began to bring enormous wealth to country. US$7 billion returned as remittances.
96
Changing diets in Asia- cultural change
During 1990s China’s meat consumption per capita increased tenfold from 5to50kg. Worlds biggest market for processed food
97
Indigenous people of Amazonia and Papua New Guinea
Many wear modern westernised clothing. Increasingly many young people are moving from rainforest to urban areas.
98
Global Paralympics
Cultural attitudes towards disability are changing. 1984-92 the Decade of Disabled Persons declared by UN.
99
Extremism in Europe
Some EU states nationalist parties command significant support. Recently tensions between different communities have risen elsewhere in Europe. France 2015 Charlie Hendon attack.
100
Internet censorship in China and North Korea
China has domestic social media and North Korea has restricted government monitored media no social media
101
Migration controls in the UK
Since 2010 a five-tier system has being in place to restrict migration flow. But these rules don’t apply to EU migrants. Net migration cut: fewer British citizens leave overseas since global financial crisis, government has no control over EU migrants wanting to work and refugees allowed to remain.
102
First Nations in Canada
6 groups of indigenous people. Globalisation takes oil barrels from native land and polluting the lakes.
103
Totmorden transition town
Bottom up initiatives. 40 public fruit and vegetable gardens regular talks and events in town.
104
Evaluating ethical consumption schemes
Fair trade
Supply chain monitoring
NGO action
105
Economic restructuring of the UK
Deindustrialisation of the steel industry
| The overheated south (over-populated)
106
San Francisco
Reputation for economic energy. Growth in STEM biotec, life science ad digital media. Created some discontent with less affluent displaced locals
107
Rust belts and urban divides
Pittsburgh Chicago and Detroit. Teeside.
108
Cornwall struggling rural area.
Loss of mining and agricultural and fishing sectors causes of spiral of decline
109
Airport development
£18.6 billion privately funded. Anti expansion- London mayor mps protest groups. Pro expansion - businesses protect 114000 local jobs and create 70000 new ones
110
High speed two HS2
Rail network from London to Birmingham. Two phases with end dates 2026 and 2033 long time for big infrastructure project
111
Cambridge science park
More than 100 in UK. First is Cambridge science park built 1970s grew rapidly 1990s. Expansion 2000s attracted TNCS. Cancer research and hospital.
112
Tensions 2012 Olympic Games
Newham estate 430 residents were forced to move.
113
Liverpool waters
£75 billion growth 9000 flats shops and offices.
