Topic 4

Question 1

Autonomous Region

Answer 1

A region that has some degree of self-governance, but is still part of a larger state (e.g., Hong Kong, Tibet in China).

Question 2

Multinational State

Answer 2

A state that contains more than one nation or ethnic group, each with distinct cultural identities, within its borders (e.g., Canada, Russia, Belgium).

Question 3

Multi-state Nation

Answer 3

A nation or ethnic group that spans across multiple states or countries (e.g., the Kurds in Turkey, Iraq, Syria, and Iran).

Question 4

Nation

Answer 4

A group of people with a shared identity, often based on culture, history, language, or ethnicity, who typically occupy a specific territory (e.g., the French, the Japanese).

Question 5

Nation-State

Answer 5

A state whose borders coincide with the borders of a nation (e.g., Japan, Iceland).

Question 6

Semi-autonomous Region

Answer 6

A region with some degree of self-governance but less than an autonomous region, often granted autonomy over specific issues (e.g., Puerto Rico, Greenland).

Question 7

State

Answer 7

A political unit with a defined territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states (e.g., the United States, France, Brazil).

Question 8

Stateless Nation

Answer 8

A nation or ethnic group without a recognized state or independent country (e.g., the Palestinians, the Kurds).

Question 9

Self-determination

Answer 9

The principle that a group of people has the right to choose their own government and political status without outside interference (e.g., the independence movements of Catalonia or Scotland).

Question 10

Sovereignty

Answer 10

The authority of a state to govern itself and control its territory, free from external interference (e.g., national sovereignty, territorial sovereignty).

Question 11

Choke Point

Answer 11

A narrow geographical feature (such as a strait or canal) that is strategically important because it controls or limits passage between larger areas (e.g., the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal).

Question 12

Geopolitics

Answer 12

The study of the effects of geography, economics, and demography on international politics and relations.

Question 13

Decolonization

Answer 13

The process by which colonies gain independence from colonial powers, often involving political, social, and economic challenges (e.g., African decolonization in the mid-20th century).

Question 14

Enclave

Answer 14

A territory that is completely surrounded by another state, often leading to political or economic isolation (e.g., Lesotho, which is entirely surrounded by South Africa).