Power and Borders Theory

Question 1

state definition

Answer 1

and area of land with well defined boundaries, controlled by a single government

Question 2

nation definition

Answer 2

a large group of people with strong bonds of identity, often united by history, traditions, culture, and language

Question 3

nation-state definition

Answer 3

a nation with its own independent state. The boundaries of the state and sovereignty match the geographical area of the nation.

Question 4

sovereignty definition

Answer 4

the absolute authority that independent states exercise in the governing their territiory

Question 5

territorial integrity definition

Answer 5

the principle that states can exercise their sovereignty within a specific area or territory, recognised by international law.

Question 6

geopolitics definition

Answer 6

influence of human and physical geography on government activities, law making and decision making.

Question 7

what is intervention

Answer 7

actions of international organisations that try to resolve conflicts or crisis arising from challenges to sovereignty and territorial integrity

Question 8

what are examples of intervention

Answer 8

• economic sanctions
• military intervention
• missions from organisations
• humanitarian assistance

Question 9

examples of when intervention is necessary

Answer 9

• act of aggression by other states
• conflict between ethnic groups
• human rights violations

Question 10

How can sovereignty be challenged

Answer 10

conflict
separatist movements
dominance of ethnic groups
TNCs
supranational institutions issues with current political boundaries

Question 11

explain contested territory with an example

Answer 11

area of land that is claimed to be under sovereign control by two or more political entities
eg. Crimea

Question 12

explain fractional/sectarian tensions with an example

Answer 12

political or cultural conflict between 2 groups, often relations to form of government they live under
eg. Northern Ireland - Protestant unionists and catholic nationalists

Question 13

explain transnational movement of terrorist/extremist activity with an example

Answer 13

terrorist groups moving arms, people or goods across borders.
eg. Turkey-syria border

Question 14

explain separatist movements with an example

Answer 14

regions that feel separate from the state they’re part of.
eg. catalonia

Question 15

explain TNCs challenging sovereignty with an example

Answer 15

TNCs can have larger economic power than the countries they operate in. = states become reliant on TNC due to economic necessity despite poor human rights
eg. nike in philippines

Question 16

explain how supranational institutions can challenge/aid state sovereignty

Answer 16

UN - can intervene in countries if voted for, international armed forces may enter the country and take power from state.
EU - economic restrictions, need to comply with EU law eg. Economic sanctions on Russia

Question 17

explain how political dominance of ethnic groups can challenge sovereignty with an example

Answer 17

distribution of ethnic groups doesn’t line up with political boundaries. ethnic groups may want to feel united with their group rather than the state = lead to laws ignored / declaration of independence
eg. Mali