Powers and Borders Flashcards
Characteristics of a state
- Defined territory
- Sovereignty - Control - Authority
- Recognised government as having control
- Can engage in formal relations with other states
- Self -governing
- Permanent population with the right to self-determination. Afghanistan (Taliban)
How do states maintain power
Through their “state apparatus”
- Political and administrative organisations
- Legal systems
- Police and armed forces
- Health, education and welfare systems
- Fiscal and monetary policies
What is the Westphalian Model
Sovereign State System
1648 Treaty of Westphalia
It emphasizes:
Territorial integrity
Non-interference in domestic affairs
Legal equality of states
This model underpins the modern nation system, where each state has control over its territory and governance, shaping global geopolitics. However, globalisation and supranational organisations (e.g. The EU, UN) challenge its relevance today.
What factors influence a country’s level of power globally
Natural resources and the ability to exploit them
Human resources (e.g. level of education in country, demographic structure)
Geographical location (Prisoners of Geography Book)
Economic Powe, Industrial development and ability to regulate the economy
Links to global trade and ability to access global supply chains
Military Power
International relations and Government policy
Global spread of a country’s cultural attributes (e.g. ‘Americanisation’
What is the Fragile States Index
An index that links to how stale or resilient a state is.
4 key categories
12 indicators
COHESION
- Security Apparatus
- Fractionalized Elites
- Group Grievance
ECONOMIC
- Economic decline
- Uneven Economic Development
- Human flight and Brain Drain
POLITICAL
- State Legitimacy
- Public services
- Human Rights and Rule of Law
SOCIAL AND CROSS CUTTING
- Demographic Pressures
- Refugees and IDP’s
- External Intervention
Countries highest and most sustainable:
Norway
Iceland
Finland
Countries lowest and least sustainable
Somalia
Yemen
South Sudan
Challenges to Sovereignty/ Territorial Integrity: Terrorism
E.G. - Afghanistan (Taliban)
- Ireland (IRA)
Afghanistan - USA
Ireland - England
Challenges to Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
Erosion of Government Control – Terrorist groups weaken state authority by attacking institutions and security forces, reducing the government’s ability to maintain order.
Political Instability – Terrorism fosters fear and uncertainty, diminishing public confidence and hindering effective governance.
International Complications – Terrorist activities attract global scrutiny, leading to foreign interventions, sanctions, or international agreements.
Territorial Loss – In severe cases, terrorism can result in loss of territory, further destabilizing the region.
Challenges to Sovereignty/ Territorial Integrity: Terrorism - Impacts (short term/long term)
Short-Term Impacts:
· ETA: Bombings and kidnappings weakened Spain’s control in the Basque region, requiring heightened security and international cooperation with France.
· Taliban/Al-Qaeda: Afghanistan lost sovereignty over territories, faced U.S.-led military interventions, and experienced humanitarian crises. · IRA: Violence in Northern Ireland strained British governance, caused political uncertainty, and deepened societal divisions.
Long-Term Impacts:
· ETA: Greater Basque autonomy and peaceful negotiations bolstered Spain’s governance. · Taliban/Al-Qaeda: Afghanistan's reliance on international aid weakened sovereignty, while Al-Qaeda’s actions spurred global security measures.
IRA: The Good Friday Agreement granted Northern Ireland autonomy, influencing global peace processes despite enduring sectarian divisions.
Challenges to Sovereignty/ Territorial Integrity: Terrorism - Strategies/ Interventions used to try to reduce the challenge
· Enhanced Security Measures: Improved intelligence, border security, and counterterrorism operations.
· Legal and Institutional Reforms: Enacting anti-terrorism laws and building institutional capacities (e.g., UK’s Prevention of Terrorism Act, USA PATRIOT Act).
· Addressing Root Causes: Promoting political inclusion and countering extremist ideologies (e.g., the Good Friday Agreement).
International Cooperation: Partnerships, economic sanctions, and cross-border initiatives
Challenges to Sovereignty/ Territorial Integrity: TNC’s - How can TNC’s undermine sovereignty + examples
TNC’s (transnational corporation): a company that is involved with the global production and distribution of goods and services.
TNCs can undermine state sovereignty in several ways:
Influencing Economic Policies – Due to their vast capital, TNCs can pressure governments to adjust tax laws or regulations in their favor. Example: Apple in Ireland, where it was ordered to pay €13 billion in unpaid taxes after exploiting tax loopholes.
Bypassing Regulations – TNCs may operate in countries with weaker labor or environmental laws to maximize profits. Example: Nike’s labor violations in Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, where workers faced poor wages and conditions.
Profit Shifting – TNCs declare profits in low-tax jurisdictions, depriving states of revenue needed for public services. Example: Google shifting European profits through Irish entities.
This weakens government control, forcing states to lower regulations or lose investment, ultimately eroding their sovereignty.
Challenges to Sovereignty/ Territorial Integrity: TNC’s - Challenges caused by TNC’s and the impacts
Challenges Caused by TNCs and Their Impacts
Economic Challenges
Exploitation of Labour: TNCs outsource production to countries with cheaper labour, leading to low wages and poor working conditions. Example: Foxconn’s harsh working conditions in China.
Profit Repatriation: Profits are sent back to the home country instead of benefiting the host nation. Example: Shell profits leaving Nigeria, leaving oil-rich areas underdeveloped.
Environmental Challenges
Resource Exploitation: Overuse of natural resources can lead to shortages and long-term environmental damage. Example: Coca-Cola’s excessive groundwater use in India.
Pollution: Weak environmental laws allow TNCs to generate high levels of waste and pollution. Example: Texaco dumping toxic waste in the Amazon rainforest.
Social Challenges
Cultural Erosion: Globalized brands can overshadow local traditions and identities. Example: McDonald’s contributing to cultural homogenization.
Labour Exploitation: Weak labour laws allow for poor working conditions, child labour, and forced overtime. Example: Nike’s labour abuses in Southeast Asia.
These challenges often lead to economic inequality, environmental destruction, and loss of cultural identity in host nations.
Challenges to Sovereignty/ Territorial Integrity: TNC’S - Strategies and Interventions
Strategies and Interventions to Address TNC Challenges
Strengthening Regulations – Governments can enforce strict tax policies, corporate governance laws, and labor standards to hold TNCs accountable. Example: India’s Competition Act, which challenged Google’s market dominance.
International Cooperation – Countries can collaborate on global frameworks to close tax loopholes and enforce corporate accountability. Example: BEPS framework, which introduced a global minimum corporate tax rate.
Supporting Domestic Businesses – Governments can provide subsidies, training, and incentives to enhance local industries’ competitiveness against TNCs. Example: China’s “Made in China 2025” policy, which promotes domestic high-tech industries.
These strategies help regulate TNC influence, ensure fair economic practices, and support sustainable national growth.
Challenges to Sovereignty/ Territorial Integrity: Separatism (political dominance of ethnic groups)
Ukraine vs Russia conflict: Causes and challenges to Ukraine’s sovereignty/ territorial integrity
Ukraine vs Russia conflict: Impacts on people from the conflict
Ukraine vs Russia conflict: Impacts on places from the conflict
