Political Geography

Question 1

What are the characteristics of nation-states?

Answer 1

They are autonomous and act with a degree of national sovereignty.

Question 2

How does the globalising world affect politics?

Answer 2

Nation-states have less ability to exert sovereignty as People, Information, Goods and Services (P.I.G.S.) are able to move more freely around the globe.

Question 3

How do TNCs challenge national sovereignty?

Answer 3

TNCs are able to operate in multiple states and their ability to choose where they invest their resources gives them considerable power

Question 4

How do International Governments challenge national sovereignty?

Answer 4

Nations may form international forums (such as the UN) or supranational states (such as the EU)
Agreements, Treaties and alliances such as NATO also serve as a limited form of international governance.

Question 5

What are some negative consequences of resolving tension and conflict?

Answer 5

• Growing militarisation and authoritarianism
• Increasing regionalism and tribalism
• Declining environmental sustainability, intention cooperating and civil rights
• Increasing refugee flows

Question 6

What are some positive consequences of resolving tension and conflict?

Answer 6

Opportunities to address:

• wellbeing and liveability
• More equal distribution of wealth and resources.
• Greater recognition of human rights
• Increasing use of science and technology to overcome resource depletion

Question 7

How do NGOs challenge national sovereignty?

Answer 7

NGOs can help disadvantaged groups and provide scrutiny on government actions.

Question 8

What are some causes of internal political tensions and conflicts?

Answer 8

• Human and material resources
• land use and control of natural resources
• ideologies
• ethnicity
• social class
• culture
• religion
• Indigenous rights
• economic instability