4.5 The function of political boundaries

How are boundaries formed?

Definition, Delimitation, Demarcation

Definition

Agreement on positioning, exact positions defined-written down/similar to a treaty

Delimitation

Cartographers create boundaries on map to show where they would run

Demarcation

The actual division of two regions

Frontiers

zones of separation, not clearly owned by one group/beyong boundaries (historically common; few exist today)

Buffer state

Weaker state in between 2 powerful states (Nepal for China/India; Mongolia for Russia/China)

Median-line principle

Boundaries that straddle water give each state “half” of said body of water

UNCLOS

UN Convention on laws of the Sea

4 zones UNCLOS

territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zones, international waters

More law of the sea fun

Territorial waters (out to 12-mile limit)=states can set laws, regulate use, and use any resource; foreign ships can sail through due to the right of “innocent passage”

Contiguous zone

(12 miles to 24 miles)=states can continue to enforce laws in four specific areas: customs, taxation, immigration and pollution

Exclusive economic zones

areas of the ocean extending 200 miles beyond one’s territorial waters

• states with EEZ have jurisdiction all over the sea

• artificial islands and structures

High Seas: International waters

Any oceanic area outside of states’ territorial/contiguous/EEZ

• Open to all states (freedom of oceanic navigation, overflight laying of cables, scientific research)

• Still rules/Regulations regarding use conservation, laws against piracy, etc.)