GEOGRAPHY STUDY ALL

What is geopolitics?

• Geopolitics is how geography influences political power and international relations.

What is sovereignty?

• A nation’s right to govern itself without outside control.

What is territorial control?

• Ownership and authority over land or sea areas.

What is an alliance?

• A partnership between countries for defense or cooperation.

What does EEZ stand for?

• Exclusive Economic Zone.

What is an EEZ?

• An area where a country controls resources up to 200 nautical miles from its coast.

What are trade routes?

• Paths used to move goods and resources around the world.

Why are trade routes important?

• They support global commerce and economic power.

What are resources?

• Natural materials like oil, gas, and minerals that have economic value.

What does influence mean in geopolitics?

• A country’s ability to affect other nations’ actions.

What is strategic importance?

• The value of a place due to its location or resources.

What are international relations?

• Political, economic, and military interactions between countries.

What is annexation?

• Taking control of another territory by force.

What are sanctions?

• Economic penalties used to pressure a country.

Why are sanctions used instead of war?

• To apply pressure without direct military conflict.

What is NATO?

• A military alliance for collective defense.

Why do countries form alliances?

• For security, protection, and shared goals.

What is a buffer zone?

• A country or area separating rival powers.

Why does geography affect power?

1. It shapes access to resources, trade, and defense.

Why is Ukraine geopolitically important?

• It is a buffer between Russia and Western Europe.

Why does Russia want influence over Ukraine?

• To expand power and reduce Western influence.

How does the Ukraine war affect energy?

• Russia exports oil and gas that impact global supply.

What does the Ukraine conflict test?

• International law and respect for sovereignty.

Why is the Black Sea important?

• It is a major trade and military route.

Why is the South China Sea important?

• About 30% of global shipping passes through it.

What resources are in the South China Sea?

• Oil, natural gas, and fisheries.

Why do countries compete over the South China Sea?

• Control means economic and military power.

What law is challenged in the South China Sea?

• Freedom of navigation and international maritime law.

Why is Israel important geopolitically?

• It is located at the crossroads of the Middle East.

Why is Jerusalem significant?

• It is sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

How does the Israel–Palestine conflict affect the world?

• It influences diplomacy, religion, and security.

Why is Taiwan important?

• It produces most of the world’s semiconductors.

Why are semiconductors important?

• They power phones, cars, and defense systems.

Why is Taiwan a flashpoint?

• It affects U.S.–China relations and global stability.

What is a flashpoint?

A location or specific situation with very high political tension and risk of conflict/war.

What does Taiwan symbolize?

• Democracy vs. authoritarianism.

Why is the Korean Peninsula important?

• It is a leftover Cold War division.

What threat does North Korea pose?

Nuclear Weapons

Why is South Korea important?

• It is a major economy and U.S. ally.

Why is the Arctic important now?

• Melting ice reveals resources and trade routes.

What resources are in the Arctic?

Oil Gas And Minerals

Which countries compete in the Arctic?

• Russia, U.S., Canada, and Norway.

What concerns exist in the Arctic?

• Environmental damage and Indigenous rights.

Why is military presence increasing in the Arctic?

• Countries want control over territory.

What connects ALL these conflict regions?

Resources, trade routes, and strategic location

What are physical factors?

• Natural features like climate, land, and resources.

What are human factors?

• Political, economic, cultural, and military factors.

How does location affect power?

• Access to oceans and neighbors improves trade and security.

Why do natural resources cause conflict?

• Countries compete to control valuable materials.

How can climate affect power?

• Harsh climates limit development and defense.

How does geography help defense?

• Mountains, deserts, and oceans block invasions.

What is a strategic waterway?

• A narrow route important for trade and military movement.

Why are chokepoints important?

• They control global trade flow.

How does government type affect alliances?

• Democracies often trust each other more.

Why does military strength matter?

• It deters attacks and projects power.

How does economy affect influence?

• Wealthy nations have more global power.

How does culture cause conflict?

• Nationalism and identity claims spark disputes.

Why is technology important?

• It improves defense and economic growth.

Why does population size matter?

• More workers and potential soldiers.

What physical advantage does the U.S. have?

• Large land and two ocean coastlines.

What human advantage does the U.S. have?

• Strong economy, military, and alliances.

What resource challenge does China face?

• Limited oil and gas.

Why does Japan rely on trade?

• It lacks natural resources.

Why is Russia powerful despite climate?

• It has large energy resources.

Why does Russia want Arctic access?

• New trade routes and resources.

How do physical and human factors interact?

• Together they shape power and conflict.

Which factor changes faster: physical or human?

Human Factors

Which factor is harder to change?

Physical Factors/Geography

Why do nations protect borders?

• To maintain sovereignty.

What Is Soverignety

The type of power a state or body holds over its territory and people

What is the purpose of the UN?

• Maintain peace and promote cooperation.

How does the UN handle conflict?

• Peacekeeping and negotiations.

What is the EU?

• An economic and political union in Europe.

How does the EU reduce conflict?

• Encourages cooperation instead of war.

What is NATO’s main goal?

Collective defense

What is Article 5?

• An attack on one NATO member is an attack on all.

When was Article 5 used?

After 9/11

What is the African Union’s goal?

• Unity, peace, and development in Africa.

How does the AU help stability?

• Peacekeeping and cooperation.

How is AU different from EU?

• EU is more economically integrated.

What is the WTO (WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION)’s purpose?

• Regulate global trade.

What does the WTO replace?

• GATT.

What is the WHO’s focus?

• Global public health.

What does the WHO do during outbreaks?

• Coordinates response and guidelines.

What is the IMF (International Monetary Fund)’s role?

• Financial stability and loans.

What does OPEC control?

• Oil production and prices.

Why is OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) powerful?

• Controls much of the world’s oil supply.

What does the ICC (International Criminal Court) prosecute?

• War crimes and genocide.

Why doesn’t ICC include all countries?

• Membership is voluntary.

Where is the ICC located?

• The Hague, Netherlands.

Why do countries join organizations?

• Shared goals and cooperation.

How do organizations prevent war?

• Dialogue and economic ties.

Which organization focuses on health?

WHO

Which focuses on trade disputes?

WTO

Which focuses on military defense?

NATO

What is capitalism?

• A market economy based on supply and demand.

What is competition?

• Businesses compete to improve goods and prices.

What is consumer sovereignty?

• Consumers decide what is produced.

What is socialism?

• Government controls key industries to reduce inequality.

What is communism?

• Government controls all production and distribution.