Unit 4 Topic 8 Flashcards
What is ethnic separatism?
When a person or group starts to identify more as their own ethnic group than as a citizen of the state. (Often resulting in the group seeking more autonomy/political power).
What is ethnic cleansing?
When a government attacks an ethnic group in a state with the goal of pushing the group of people out of the state. (Often occurs by either mass incarceration or by killing members of the ethnic group).
What is terrorism?
The use of violence and/or intimidation against civilians to try and promote terror for political reasons
What is devolution?
The transfer of delegation of power to a lower level, especially by a central government to a local or regional administration.
What is irredentism?
A movement by a nation to unite other parts of its nation that are located in another state
Example: Crimea of Ukraine
What are autonomous regions?
Areas within a state that have their own local government and some degree of independence from the central government
Examples: Catalonia, Tibet, Kurdistan, Quebec, etc.
What are sub-nationalists?
Groups within a nation who advocate for greater autonomy or independence
Mostly based off of cultural, historical, linguistic, or ethnic factors
Examples: Catalan, Scottish, Quebec, Basque, Flemish, etc.
What affects devolution?
POLITICS: The balance of powers can change impacts of decisions; A strong government
Economic FACTORS: unequal wealth; Some regions of a country may seek ways for more economic growth
Historical/CULTURAL: A strong local culture/identity can affect relationships ; Old historical events can affect people’s views
Legal/Constitutional FACTORS: Some countries may not have devolution in their constitution ; Some countries may have mechanisms for devolution in their constitution
International FACTORS: Influence from international organizations/famous figures around the world
What can devolution occur from?
Physical GEOGRAPHY: big or fragmented –> isolated ; Distance decay –> seek local power
Example: Basque region of Spain
CULTURE: People may feel that they are more inclined with their own region than the entire state/that their culture is being threatened
Example: Catalonia in Spain, Kurds in the Middle East, Quebec in Canada
Government Corruption/Ethnic CLEANSING:
A dominant group abuses its power; desperation of ethnic groups can also be devastating; Example: Rwandan Genocide, Rohingya people in Myanmar
TERRORISM: Regions of a state may feel that the government is not doing anything or not doing enough.
Economic/SOCIAL: States that fail to provide jobs, provide equality, and provide a stable economy are more prone to devolution.
The opposite is also true. Some people want more control over the gains and losses/over the use of their natural resources; protecting local territory Example: Catalonia in Spain, Nigeria
