My political geography notes

Stateless nations

Groups that have the potential to cause global problems as they seek sovereignty and can become involved in conflicts with governing states.

Semiautonomous region

An area within a state that has some degree of self-governance but is under the control of the central government, e.g., Hong Kong.

Shatterbelt

A region caught between stronger external forces experiencing political instability, conflict, and fragmentation, e.g., The Balkans.

Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Established territorial waters and economic zones; territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles and EEZ extends up to 200 nautical miles.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to benefit a particular political party or group.

Separatist region

An area within a country where a group seeks independence due to ethnic, religious, or political differences.

Centrifugal political forces

Forces that divide a state, examples include ethnic conflict and economic disparities.

Centripetal political forces

Forces that unify a state, examples include strong national identity and effective transportation.

Federal state

A political system where power is shared between a central government and regional governments.

Unitary state

A political system where the central government holds most power with limited regional authority.