Power and Borders theory Flashcards
What is a nation
A group of like minded people or ethnic group that could extend state borders, often united by language, history, culture or traditions
What is a state
an area of land with defined borders controlled by a politically organised body of political entities which exercise state sovereignty over the territory
What is a nation state
a nation that has an independent state of its own - most countries refer to themselves as nation states despite containing more than one nationality
What is sovereignty
The absolute authority that independent states exercise in the governing of their territory
What is territorial integrity
The right under international law that a state has to defend its borders and the territory within those borders
How can sovereignty be challenged?
Conflict, separatist movements, dominance of ethnic groups, TNCs, supranational institutions, problems with current political boundaries
Explain and give an example of a contested territory
An area of land that is claimed to be under sovereign control by two or more political entities. - Crimea, Falklands, islands in South China sea
Explain and give an example of fractional or sectarian tensions
a political or cultural conflict between 2 groups often related to the form of government they live under (e.g. oppressive). Can be due to persecution, discrimination or hatred of certain groups and this can arise in these tensions and cause political problems and/or conflict. E.g. Syria and much of the Middle East and North Africa
E.g. Northern Ireland - protestant unionists and catholic nationalists
Explain and give an example of transnational movement of terrorist and extremist activity
Terrorist groups moving arms, people or goods across borders, as well as carrying out acts of terrorism internationally. E.g. Turkey-Syria border where terrorist goods are often smuggled over the border.
Explain and give an example of separatist movments
Regions/nations that feel separate from the state they are a part of, e.g. Basque country or Catalonia
Explain and give an example of contested maritime boundaries
a dispute related to the different maritime zones between or among states e.g. South China sea where China claim sea and islands that under UN law belong to other states.
Explain and give an example of TNCs challenging sovereignty
TNCs are large international organisations that can have larger economic power than the countries they operate in. Therefore the states (often LIDCs/EDCs) become reliant on the TNC and give up sovereignty in order to keep the TNC active in the country. TNCs often operate with poor human rights records but are forgiven due to economic necessity E.g. Shell in Nigeria or Nike in the Philippines
Explain and give an example of how supranational institutions can challenge state sovereignty (they can also aid it)
UN - can intervene in countries if voted for, this means that an international armed force may enter the country, taking power away from the state
EU - economic restrictions, need to comply with EU law, harsh austerity measures such as during Greek recession, enforced fishing quotas
Explain and give an example of how political dominance of ethnic groups can challenge sovereignty
Distribution of ethnic groups doesn’t line up with political boundaries. Nations or ethnic groups may want to be united or feel more in common with their group than the state they live in, can lead to laws ignored or declaration of independence.
E.g. Mali, Basque country - different language and culture used both violent and peaceful resistance (ETA)
