AP Human Geography unit 4

Allocational boundary disputes

Conflicts arising over the allocation of resources or areas among different entities.

Centrifugal forces

Factors that divide and weaken a population, such as ethnic diversity and economic disparities.

Centripetal forces

Factors that unify a population, promoting social cohesion and national identity.

Choke points

Narrow passages that restrict the flow of goods, people, or information, often of strategic importance.

Colonialism

The practice of one nation extending control over another region, exploiting its resources.

Consequent boundaries

Boundaries drawn based on existing cultural or political features of a region.

Decolonization

The process of undoing colonialism and restoring independence to colonized nations.

Definitional boundary disputes

Disagreements over the interpretation or delineation of a boundary between entities.

Devolution

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

Devolutionary movements in Belgium

Movements aimed at transferring power to regional governments due to linguistic and cultural differences.

Disintegration of states

Fragmentation of states due to political, social, and economic factors.

Ethnic cleansing

The systematic elimination or displacement of an ethnic group from an area, often through violence.

Ethnic separatism

Movements advocating for the separation or independence of a specific ethnic group.

Ethnonationalism

A political ideology emphasizing the interests of a specific ethnic group, often leading to conflict.

Federal states

Political entities with a division of power between a central government and regional units.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a specific political group.

Impact of terrorism on state sovereignty

Challenges to a state's control and legitimacy due to terrorist activities.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power through colonization or military force.

Internal boundaries

Lines that separate regions within a country based on factors like religion or ethnicity.

International boundaries

Lines demarcating territories between countries, establishing jurisdiction and governance.

Irredentism

The assertion that territories historically related to a state should be annexed.

Locational boundary disputes

Disagreements over the exact location of boundaries between areas.

Neocolonialism

Economic and political power exerted by former colonial powers over developing nations.

Operational boundary disputes

Conflicts over how boundaries are managed and administered.

Political boundaries

Artificial lines separating countries or territories that define governance and control.

Political conflicts

Disputes arising from differing political interests or ideologies.

Political Geography

The study of the relationship between politics and geography, focusing on states and borders.

Political Processes

Activities related to governance, decision-making, and policies within societies.

Relic boundary

A former boundary that still affects cultural or social practices despite being obsolete.

Role of technology and social media in state sovereignty

The impact of technology on state control and citizen engagement in governance.

Shatter belts

Regions with political instability due to competing cultural and economic interests.

Stateless Nations

Cultural or ethnic groups without their own independent state seeking sovereignty.

Subsequent boundary

Boundaries drawn after significant settlement based on cultural or political developments.

Superimposed boundary

A boundary imposed by an external force, often ignoring existing cultural divisions.

Supranational organizations

Alliances between multiple countries that transcend national boundaries for common goals.

Territoriality

The behavior of asserting control over a physical space, creating boundaries and identity.

Types of states

Classification of states based on their physical characteristics and political structures.

Unitary States

States with a centralized government holding primary authority over local governments.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

A convention establishing rules for ocean and maritime resource use among nations.

Key Terms

Important concepts or vocabulary relevant to the study of political geography.