unit 4

State

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

Nation

A group of people who share a common culture, history, and homeland, desiring self-governance.

Self-determination

The right of a nation to govern itself and maintain its cultural identity.

Nation-State

A self-governing state with a relatively uniform population sharing a common language, culture, and history.

Multinational State

A state that contains multiple nations within its borders, each with distinct identities.

Multi-State Nation

A nation that spans across multiple states, such as the Kurdish population.

Stateless Nation

A nation that lacks an officially recognized state, exemplified by the Kurds.

Autonomous Region

A region with its own government, enjoying significant independence within a state.

Semi-Autonomous Region

A region with moderate self-governance under the control of a central state.

Colonialism

Acquiring territories and settling them for control over political, economic, and social aspects.

Imperialism

The expansion of a state or empire through force, gaining power without establishing settlements.

Decolonization

The process through which colonies gain independence from their colonizers.

Devolution

The transfer of political power from a central government to regional governments.

Territoriality

The tendency to establish and defend a specific geographic area, indicating ownership.

Neocolonialism

The indirect control of a country through political, cultural, or economic means.

Gerrymandering

Manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Unitary State

A state that centralizes power within the national government, implementing laws and policies for the entire state.

Federal State

A state that distributes power between national and regional governments.

Centrifugal Forces

Factors that divide a state or group, potentially leading to fragmentation.

Centripetal Forces

Factors that unite a state or group, fostering stability and cohesion.

Political Boundaries

Defined, delimited, and demarcated territorial limits between political entities.

Definitional Boundary Disputes

Disputes arising from differing interpretations of original boundary documents.

Allocational Boundary Disputes

Disputes focusing on resource rights along boundaries.

Internal Boundaries

Boundaries established within a state by governmental authorities.

External Boundaries

Boundaries that separate sovereign states and are established through treaties.

Consequent Boundaries

Boundaries established to separate different ethnic, religious, or linguistic groups.

Subsequent Boundaries

Boundaries that develop alongside cultural landscapes.

Berlin Conference

An assembly where European powers divided Africa without considering local populations.