Unit 4

Question 1

State

Answer 1

A geographic area with a permanent population, defined borders, and a sovereign government, recognized by other states

Question 2

Sovereignty

Answer 2

A state’s authority to govern its own affairs, including domestic and international

Question 2

Nation-state

Answer 2

A sovereign state with a relatively homogenous population that has a shared language, culture, and history (one nation) Japan, Iceland, South Korea Multinational A state that has multiple nations residing within its borders Soviet Union, Russia, Canada.

Question 3

Nation

Answer 3

A group of people with a shared culture, language, history, homeland, and self-determination

Question 4

Self-determination

Answer 4

The right or desire for a nation or group of people to govern themselves

Question 5

What are four things a stateless nation lacks?

Answer 5

1) Control over its political boundaries 2) A sovereign government 3) Control over internal and external affairs 4) Recognition from other states

Question 6

What is the difference between autonomous and semi-autonomous regions?

Answer 6

Autonomous regions have a high degree of independence from the national government. These regions can govern themselves and have a significant level of freedom and self-governance. Semi-autonomous regions have a moderate degree of self-governance. These regions have some say over their own economic and political systems but the national government can step in when it deems necessary

Question 7

Explain what type of region Native American Indian reservations are

Answer 7

They are autonomous regions because they are located within the United States of America but have a high degree of autonomy.

Question 8

Explain the difference between colonialism and imperialism.

Answer 8

Colonialism is the practice of acquiring territoris and settling there to exert political, economic, and social control over the area. Imperialism is the idea of growing a state or empire by exerting force over other nations to gain economic and political power without establishing settlements.

Question 9

Identify three ways in which colonialism reshaped the world.

Answer 9

1) It spread languages, such as English and Spanish, around the world 2) New ideas and goods/services were traded 3) New agricultural products allowed for population booms 4) Citizens of countries were suppressed and, in some cases, killed or sold into slavery.

Question 10

Why does Africa have fewer nation-states compared to other parts of the world?

Answer 10

.This is because of colonialism and the Berlin Conference. When European powers created states in Africa, they based the borders on longitude and latitude, not ethnic groups. This made it difficult for homogenous nation-states to form.

Question 11

Describe why European powers created political boundaries in Africa that did not reflect the local populations.

Answer 11

Boundaries were set up to facilitate the extraction of resources from Africa. The goal was to create boundaries that were convenient for European powers and allowed those powers to get more raw resources

Question 12

Identify three problems the Berlin Conference created for African states.

Answer 12

1) Political boundaries did not align with cultural groups 2) Infrastructure was set up to extract resources, not operate a successful state 3) There was increased conflict within states between different cultural groups

Question 13

How did European powers exert power over countries in Asia?

Answer 13

European powers divided countries into spheres of influence, which split the area between the different European powers.

Question 14

Define decolonization

Answer 14

A process by which a colony becomes independent of the colonizing country

Question 15

Explain the concept of territoriality. How people use space to communicate ownership of territory that connects to their culture, economic system, or political interests.

Answer 15

Territoriality is often expressed through non-verbal communication, such as by controlling boundaries, building border walls, establishing boundaries, or controlling activities in a region

Question 15

Describe the concept of neocolonialism.

Answer 15

The use of political, cultural, or economic power to influence or control other countries. (Does not involve direct military rule or control)

Question 16

What does devolution mean?

Answer 16

Power is transferred from a national government to regional governments (i.e., power is broken up and distributed between lower organizations)

Question 17

Explain why multinational corporations and more economically advanced states would practice neocolonialism.

Answer 17

Multinational corporations often seek to exploit low-cost labor markets in economically developing regions, which helps reduce the cost of production. Countries use neocolonialism to promote their national interests on the global stage, often resulting in the country gaining more power and influence

Question 18

How has China been using neocolonialism in Africa?

Answer 18

China has been spending large amounts of money on African infrastructure projects. The goals are 1) to use their economic and political power to influence African countries to side with them politically and 2) to use their cheap labor to make cheap products for their country. China is indirectly influencing Africa without directly ruling it.

Question 19

Define “shatterbelt.”

Answer 19

An area where countries or people are subjected to political, cultural, and economic pressure from external powers that are in conflict with each other

Question 20

Identify three problems that a country in a shatterbelt region may experience.

Answer 20

1) Political and economic influence from outside countries 2) May get pulled into a war that does not concern them 3) Could see fighting within their country 4) Citizens have to live in uncertainty as they do not know what will happen with the larger conflict 5) States will see lower economic growth and possibly less autonomy

Question 21

What is a demilitarized zone?

Answer 21

An area between two states that cannot be occupied or used for military purposes

Question 22

Explain why countries around the world pay special attention to choke points.

Answer 22

If these points were ever closed or transportation/travel was ever hindered, the world economy would be significantly affected.Choke points are geographic areas that have to be passed to reach a certain destination. Countries that control a choke point gain political and economic power over countries that do not own the choke point but wish to travel through it

Question 23

Identify three choke points.

Answer 23

1) Panama Canal 2) Suez Canal 3) Strait of Hormuz 4) Strait of Malacca

Question 24

Defining

Answer 24

A boundary is agreed upon, fixed, and set

Question 25

Delimiting

Answer 25

The process of drawing a boundary on a map and physically marking it

Question 26

Demarcating

Answer 26

The process of marking a boundary (e.g., with a border wall or sign)

Question 27

What is a geometric boundary?

Answer 27

A boundary that follows the lines of latitude and longitude

Question 28

What is an example of a geometric boundary?

Answer 28

The border between the United States and Canada

Question 29

4. Describe antecedent boundaries.

Answer 29

These are boundaries that existed before human settlement and the creation of the cultural landscape

Question 30

5. Identify an example of an antecedent boundary.

Answer 30

The boundary between Chile and Argentina, which is formed by a mountain range

Question 31

6. What is a relic boundary?

Answer 31

Provide an example. A boundary that is no longer active but still impacts the cultural landscape (e.g., the Berlin Wall)

Question 32

7. Describe a superimposed boundary and provide an example of one.

Answer 32

A boundary that was created by a foreign state or group. Many African states consist of superimposed boundaries, since they were created by European
powers

Question 33

8. Explain the difference between subsequent boundaries and consequent boundaries.

Answer 33

A subsequent boundary develops along with the development of the cultural landscape. A consequent boundary is a type of subsequent boundary established to settle conflict between opposing cultural, ethnic, or political groups

Question 34

9. Provide an example of a subsequent and consequent boundary.

Answer 34

1) Subsequent = majority of European countries 2) Boundary between India and Pakistan

Question 35

1. Explain the difference between international boundaries and internal boundaries.

Answer 35

International boundaries separate one sovereign state from another. Internal boundaries separate different regions within a single state

Question 36

2. What is a definitional boundary dispute?

Answer 36

A boundary dispute over the interpretation of the original documents that defined the boundary

Question 37

3. Explain what a locational boundary dispute is. Include an example.

Answer 37

A boundary dispute over the location of the boundary and ownership of the land. For example, due to the Mississippi River shifting, there is a dispute between the states of Louisiana and Mississippi over the boundary

Question 38

5. Describe an example of an operational boundary dispute.

Answer 38

The line of control between India and Pakistan. India wants to close the boundary due to terrorism concerns. Pakistan wants to leave the boundary open to allow people to migrate in and out of Kashmir

Question 38

4. What is an operational boundary dispute?

Answer 38

A dispute over how to manage the boundary and handle different issues/situations that occur on the boundary

Question 39

7. Briefly describe the goal of UNCLOS.

Answer 39

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea occurred in 1985 with the goal of helping countries better understand how to deal with boundaries in the sea

Question 40

6. What is an allocational boundary dispute?

Answer 40

A dispute over the use of what is on or in the boundary (e.g., natural resources)

Question 41

Baseline

Answer 41

This is the shoreline States have sovereignty over their internal and external affairs

Question 42

Territorial Zone

Answer 42

12 nautical miles from baseline States can set laws regulating passage of ships from other countries

Question 43

Contiguous Zone

Answer 43

24 nautical miles States may enforce laws concerning pollution, taxation, customs, and immigration

Question 44

Exclusive Economic Zone

Answer 44

200 nautical miles States have the sole right to all natural resources (eg. oil, natural gas, or fish)

Question 45

International Waters

Answer 45

N/A No state has control

Question 46

How has the Law of the Sea helped resolve disputes over boundary disputes in the sea?

Answer 46

It sets out clear rules to help statos better understand their rights off of their countries’ shoreline

Question 47

10. Briefly describe the conflict in the South China Sea.

Answer 47

More than seven countries have a claim to part of this sea. However, China disagrees and has asserted it has a historical claim to the sea.

Question 48

3. Explain why redistricting occurs after a census has been conducted.

Answer 48

Populations change over time as people are born, die, and migrate. These changes mean that districts must be periodically redrawn to more accurately reflect the population of an area

Question 48

Identify four examples of internal boundaries.

Answer 48

1) Congressional district 2) County boundaries 3) City boundaries 4) School districts 5) Voting districts

Question 49

2. What is a voting district?

Answer 49

A geographic area organized for the purpose of administering elections (such as election districts, precincts, or wards)

Question 50

4. What is gerrymandering?

Answer 50

The process of redistricting a voting district to favor one political party over another

Question 51

6. Identify three ways in which gerrymandering impacts political elections in the United States

Answer 51

1) Representatives do not reflect the beliefs of the people 2) Decreases the competition in political races 3) Weakens the democratic process 4) Creates safe districts

Question 52

Cracking

Answer 52

The process of spreading like-minded voters out across multiple districts

Question 53

Packing

Answer 53

The process of stacking like-minded voters into just a few districts to reduce the impact of their vote in other districts

Question 54

Unitary Federal Power is located in the central or national government.

Answer 54

Little to no power is given to regional and local governments 1) Create a strong sense of nationalism 2) Can quickly create new laws
Negatives 1) Can be inefficient 2) Has a greater chance of experiencing devolution
Examples China, France, or nation-states

Question 55

Power is shared between the central or national government and regional governments.

Answer 55

Decisions are made at both the local and national levels
1) Can quickly respond to local issues 2) Can represent local communities and minority groups more effectively.
1) Cannot react quickly to local issues 2) May not represent all communities
The United States, Australia, or multinational states

Question 56

1. What is devolution?

Answer 56

The transfer of power from a national government to regional governments (power is broken up and distributed among lower organizations)

Question 57

2. Identify six factors that could cause devolution.

Answer 57

1) Physical geography of a state 2) Divisions between different cultural groups 3) Political instability 4) Economic and social divisions 5) Governments abusing their power 6) Irredentism

Question 58

3. Explain how the physical geography of a state could cause devolution.

Answer 58

States that are geographically large or fragmented by mountains, rivers, or oceans may see cultures become isolated. This could cause different cultures to form, resulting in devolutionary pressures on the state as local cultures seek more autonomy and control over political policies for their people

Question 59

4. What is ethnic separatism?

Answer 59

When a person or group starts to identify more as their own ethnic group than as a citizen of the state

Question 60

5. Explain how the physical geography and cultural factors of the Basque people have impacted Spain.

Answer 60

The Basques are isolated from the rest of Spain by mountains. The Basque people have their own language and cultural identity that is unique to them. Over the years, they have continued to seek more autonomy from Spain, putting devolutionary pressures on the state

Question 61

6. Explain what has been happening in Catalonia and how it has impacted Spain.

Answer 61

Catalonia is an autonomous region in Spain populated by the Catalan people. Over the years, the Catalans have sought independence from Spain, as they see themselves as culturally distinct from the rest of the country. This has resulted in devolutionary pressures on the Spanish government

Question 62

7. Explain the current situation with the Kurdish people.

Answer 62

The Kurdish nation has its own language, culture, and history of self-determination. However, they do not have their own state. The Kurds have a historical claim to the nation-state of Kurdistan, but today, they reside within the borders of various other countries in the Middle East

Question 63

8. What is a stateless nation?

Answer 63

A nation that has a history of self-determination but does not have a recognized state

Question 64

9. List three examples of stateless nations.

Answer 64

1) The Basques 2) The Catalans 3) The Kurds

Question 65

10. Explain what has been happening in Nigeria that connects to devolution.

Answer 65

Nigeria has experienced ethnic and religious conflict between different cultural groups. Tensions with the government have increased due to the unequal distribution of resources throughout the state, leading to devolutionary pressures on the state of Nigeria

Question 66

11. Explain how devolutionary pressures are being put on Belgium.

Answer 66

Belgium is split between two linguistic groups: the Flemish community, known as Flanders, and the French-speaking community, known as Wallonia. This has led to an identity clash, with both sides seeking more control over their part of the state

Question 67

12. Describe how terrorism and political instability could cause devolution.

Answer 67

When citizens feel unsafe, they are more likely to demand government intervention and may desire greater control over their own protection

Question 68

13. Explain how economic and social inequality could cause devolution.

Answer 68

When citizens feel like there are not enough job opportunities or they see large inequalities, they are more likely to demand change. These demands can take the form of public protests, changes in political leaders, or requests for more control over regional governments

Question 69

14. What is ethnic cleansing?

Answer 69

When a government, organization, or group of people attack an ethnic group in a state with the goal of pushing the group of people out of the state. (Often carried out by mass incarceration or by killing members of the ethnic group)

Question 70

15. Explain the current conflict occurring in Myanmar.

Answer 70

The government has been accused of ethnic cleansing of the minority Rohingya people. The Rohingya have been denied rights and citizenship. The situation escalated in 2017 when the government started a brutal campaign against the Rohingya, burning settlements and killing people, forcing many to flee the country

Question 71

16. What is irredentism?

Answer 71

A movement by a nation to unite other parts of its nation that are located in another sate

Question 72

17. Provide an example of irredentism. Explain your answer.

Answer 72

The war between Russia and Ukraine. Russias president, Vladimir Putin, has stated that he views the war not as a conflict between two nations, but as Russia seeking to unify the Russian people under one state

Question 73

1. What does it mean if a state disintegrates?

Answer 73

The state broke up into small parts. It ceases to exist in its current form and new states are created

Question 74

2. What are two examples of a state disintegrating?

Answer 74

1) Sudan (into Sudan and South Sudan) 2) Soviet Union (into 15 different states)

Question 75

3. Identify four different ways in which social media and the internet can negatively impact a state’s sovereignty.

Answer 75

1) Can lead to devolution as information is more easily shared 2) Can cause a state to disintegrate 3) Access to more information reduces a states control over citizens

Question 76

4. Explain how the internet challenged the sovereignty of countries during the Arab Spring.

Answer 76

People used Facebook and Twitter to share information on government corruption and abuse. The internet provided people with information on life in other countries and how the government was abusing its power. This sparked the start of revolutions as people demanded change

Question 77

5. What does democratization mean?

Answer 77

A process through which a political regime becomes more democratic

Question 78

6. Explain how globalization has negatively impacted states sovereignty.

Answer 78

Countries that participate in the global market must consider global factors when determining their policies. Today, countries often depend on trade with other countries and must be careful when making decisions that may disrupt trade or hurt a political alliance. This could result in countries losing some control over their policies since they now must consider the wants and needs of other countries

Question 79

7. What is a supranational organization?

Answer 79

An alliance consisting of multiple countries, traditionally three or mort that work together to achieve common goals or address specific issues/challenges that impact the states

Question 80

United Nations

Answer 80

A global government that seeks to maintain peace and stability around the world

Question 81

African Union

Answer 81

An organization of 55 different African states that seek to promote stability across Africa and eradicate all forms of colonialism in Africa

Question 82

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Answer 82

Created to counter the diffusion of communism and the Soviet Union. Today, it exists as a political and military alliance that seeks to provide security to its members

Question 83

Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Answer 83

An organization that strives to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development between member states

Question 84

Arctic Council

Answer 84

The leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic indigenous peoples, and other Arctic inhabitants

Question 85

9. Describe how supranational organizations may challenge a state’s sovereignty.

Answer 85

Member countries must agree to abide by the rules and regulations set by the organization, which may result in countries surrendering some of their autonomy and sovereignty

Question 85

European Union

Answer 85

A political and economic organization that helps all of its member countries compete with countries around the world.

Question 86

10. Why would a state join a supranational organization?

Answer 86

They believe it will benefit them in the long run by increasing their economic and political power

Question 87

1. What is the difference between centrifugal forces and centripetal forces?

Answer 87

Centrifugal forces are factors that divide people, a state, or a group. Centripetal forces are forces that unite people, a state, or a group

Question 88

2. Identify different political, economic, cultural, and geographic factors that can lead to centripetal forces and centrifugal forces.

Answer 88

Centripetal :
Political State has a unified government, political system that allows citizens to participate in society, or strong sense of patriotism
Economic State has a growing GDP, low unemployment, a sense of mobility in the economic system, equal distribution of resources, and opportunities for all
Cultural State has a homogenous society, one national identity, a sense of patriotism, or has multiple ethnic groups that retain their identity but do not wish to separate from the state
Geographic Compact state that has citizens living in a geographically close area, preventing groups from becoming isolated for long periods
Centrifugal :
State has corruption in the government, prevents citizens from speaking their mind, oppresses the rights of citizens, or has rampant discrimination against certain citizens
State has high inflation, lacks economic opportunities for citizens, has high unemployment, and lacks economic growth
State has ethnic conflicts between citizens, has discrimination against different minority groups, or lacks political, social, or economic opportunities for certain groups
Fragmented states that have isolated groups or states with physical features that divide different groups of people in society.

Question 89

3. How can centripetal forces and centrifugal forces apply at the state/regional scale and country/national scale?

Answer 89

Regionally, people are bound over local rivalries, cultural traditions unique to the area, and sports. People become divided over local politics or major changes in the cultural landscape. Nationally, people are held together with a sense of nationality, identity, and pride in the country. They are pulled apart due to cultural differences or debates over how the country should be run.

Question 90

4. What is a failed state?

Answer 90

A state that no longer has a functioning government. (The government cannot carry out its basic duties and loses authority over the land)

Question 91

5. What is an ethnic nationalist movement?

Answer 91

When a cultural group wants to separate or wants the right to self-determination based on a specific ethnicity or nationality.

Question 92

6. How can an ethnic nationalist movement be a centrifugal force and a centripetal force?

Answer 92

Provide examples. If the ethnic nationalist movement is around a cultural group that wants independence from the rest of the state, it will act as a centrifugal force (e.g., Catalonia and Spain). If an ethnic nationalist movement is around the main nation of the state, it can act as a centripetal force (e.g. nation-states like Japan)