Powers and Borders Case Studies Flashcards
Basque Nation
They have struggled for independence, located in Northern Spain/ South West France. Population of 3.1 million. Basque people have a distinctive culture and language (Euskara). They have political autonomy, as they have a Basque Parliament. Basque Nationalists have demanded the right to self-determination and full independence. They have carried out violent attacks in the past, challenging France and Spain’s sovereignty.
Ukraine
The country gained independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. It has faced a lot of challenges to sovereignty, this is because of its position between Russia and the EU, the internal political division (Russian speaking in the East and Ukrainian in the West). Ethnic disparities between the two major groups. Inability to build common identity. In 2013 due to civil unrest, Yanukovych failed to sign an EU association agreement and favoured economic ties with Russia. The annexation of Crimea by Russia sparked conflict in the Donbass region, where pro- Russian separatists have been supported by Russia’s weaponry and manpower. NATO has assisted the Ukrainian government. The government needs to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity over the area. Impacts on People and Place: 1.47 million people have fled Donetsk and Lugansk. 7,000 deaths and 13,900 injuries. Donetsk airport has been the scene for heavy fighting. Donbass has suffered power/ water loss.
Kashmir
Sovereignty of Kashmir has been challenged between Pakistan and India since 1947. Periodic fighting has caused deaths on both sides. Although there are ethnic, cultural and religious differences, water insecurity is at the heart of the dispute. The river Indus is a very important natural resource for irrigation and hydroelectric power. The Indus Water treaty of 1960 shared the waters between the countries, however, Pakistan complains that India dams the water supply.
South Sudan
Oil generates 98% of South Sudan’s income. Largest ethnic groups are the Dinka and the Nuer. In 2013 the political infighting between President Kiir (Dinka) and Vice President Machar (Nuer), turned into serious armed conflict (Culture based). This has led to thousands of deaths, 1.5 million IDP’s and 730,000 refugees. 8 million are risk of food insecurity. South Sudan is a very fragile state. There has been intervention by the global community, the UN, IGAD and many NGO’s have been involved. UNMISS, UN peacekeeping mission - 16,000 personnel, emphasis was to consolidate peace and protect civilians. UNICEF and the WHO have also been working in South Sudan.
South Sudanese Government have been criticised by UN for failing to protect its citizens, it has managed to sign 4 treaties Convention against torture, Human Rights, Rights of a child and the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. Lack of government co-operation leaves long-term challenges such as alleviating poverty. 300 NGO’s have been working with the UN eg Save The Children and Oxfam.
Effects of Global Governance in South Sudan
NGO’s have supplied emergency supplies during the dry season, for the rainy season. Villagers have received long-term training in fishing and maintaining live-stock health. Vulnerable children have received treatment for malnutrition. The WHO have set up cholera treatment centres and provided advice about hygiene.
However many inhabitants of the Upper Nile have suffered as roots have been blocked to them, so NGO’s can’t reach them. Also some NGO workers have been harassed and have witnessed violence.
Mali
In 2013 Malian government requested assistance to defend Mali’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, this was in response to a military coup and terrorism. This was due to the Tuareg the largest ethnic group in Mali, declaring independence of Azawad, an area they claim territorial and cultural rights. There was fighting in the North to control routes for trade and smuggling. Ineffective state governance. The UN’s mission MINUSMA in 2013 its aim was to stabilise Mali with 11,300 personnel, providing humanitarian assistance. In 2015 there was a peace deal between the Mali government with the Tuareg. NGO’s have also been involved also, providing assistance to local communities- Reproductive health projects, food insecurity and poverty alleviation and addressing educational barriers.
Opportunities and Challenges from Mali
Stability - MINUSMA providing mechanisms for political, social and economic stability. Provision of military force.
Growth - GDP per capita recovering after it fell following the coup.
Development- The UN mission paving the way for stability to precede development. Water Aid providing more sustainable water supply.
Inequality - Socio-economic inequalities between North and South remain. North is under-developed.
- Deep rooted cultural and linguistic divisions between Tuareg, Arab, Songhai and other groups.
Injustice - The government’s inability to police its own country- high levels of trafficking, drug smuggling and corruption. Government unable to protect its citizen’s from human right abuse.
