Political Geography Flashcards
Political geography
The struggle for control over people and space
Nation
People who self-identify as a distinct group
State
It is a institutionalized territory
People who have theories about state creation
- Friedrich Ratzel
- K. Deutsch
6 laws of spatial growth
- Friedrich Ratzel
1. Size increases as culture develops
2. States grow at the expense of smaller surrounding states
3. Boundaries are not fixed as growth occurs
4. The state will attempt to occupy choice locations
5. Initial stimulus for growth is external
6. the need to grow will only increase
Process of state creation
- K. Deustch Growth of: 1. Economy 2. Mobility 3. Urban centres 4. Communication network 5. National identity
Treaty of Westphalia
- Peaceful political self-determination
- Equality between states
- Treaties cannot be broken
- Non-intervention of internal affairs
Nation-state
When a whole nation is in the territory of a single state
How are centrifugal and centripetal forces like factors that affect a state?
Centrifugal: Tears state apart; internal divisions
Centripetal: Binds a state together; shared world view, undisputed boudaries
Types of internal divisions within a state:
- Secessionist movements: Nations within want to create a separate state
- Irredentism: A state seeking the return of people/territory formerly belonging to it
- A nation within several states wants to become a nation-state
Problems of a failed state
Global security:
- makes a safe haven for terrorists and drug production
- Allows pirates to operate freely
How do states acquire territory?
- Occupation (unclaimed land)
- Cession (freely given)
- Prescription (belonging to another state)
- Conquest (war)
- Accretion (natural forces)
Imperialism
A powerful state seeks to control another state
Motivations for colonialism
- Economic: Market, natural resources
- Strategically expand territory
- Prestige
- Allowed for dispersal of population
Jurisdiction
The area in which power can be exercised and the right to interpret and apply the law
