Unit #2 Review - Geopolitics

Define Geopolitics and explain

Geopolitics is the study of the influence of geography on politics and international relations.

Define Sovereignty

A political concept that refers to a dominant power or supreme authority.

Fragile States Index

It is a annual report that analyzes and measures the pressures on states that can lead to failure, causing them to collapse.

Soft Power

It measures all 193 member states of UN (countries) and how they are perceived internationally, like for example: influencing its ability to attract investment, trade, or tourism.

Hard Power

The measure that evaluates a country’s ability to influence other nation’s through economic and military might (exerting their power through force).

Types of Conflict (resource, territorial, cultural, religious, geopolitical etc.)

Different forms of disputes among nations or groups, characterized by their underlying motivations such as competition for resources, territorial claims, and cultural or religious tensions.

NATO alliance

The North Atlantic Trade is an international alliance/ military alliance formed of 32 member states. It formed 1949 after World war II.

ASEAN alliance

Association of Southeast Asian Nations. To foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural development with Southeast Asia.

AU alliance

African Union, to promote unity, solidarity, and economic development. Formed 2002.

OAS alliance

Organization of the American States, more-so a military pact and it works to advance democracy, human rights, security, and unity within Western countries.

APEC alliance

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, several economies work together to promote trade, investment, and economic growth within that region.

Paris Agreement

It aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius pre-industrial levels. Adopted in 2015 to pursue helping awareness for climate change.

USMCA agreement

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade agreement between those countries that was made in 2020.

Convention on Biological Diversity

A Treaty that aims to conserve nature, and ensure its sustainable use and to share the benefits of genetic resources.

International Pandemic Agreement

The WHO pandemic agreement will strengthen and coordinate national and international efforts to prevent , prepare for, and respond to Pandemics.

Convention Law/Sea

A treaty that establishes a legal framework for all marine and maritime activities.

United Nations

A global intergovernmental organization established in 1945, the stated purpose to maintain international peace and security and international friendly relations among states.

North Korea’s Nuclear Arms

A controversial program developed by North Korea aimed at advancing its nuclear capabilities, leading to regional and international tensions.

Indian-Pakistan Kashmir Conflict

A territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir region, marked by military conflicts and political challenges since the mid-20th century.

Arctic Ocean Sovereignty (Canada, USA, Russia, China)

A complex issue of the ownership and rights around the Arctic Ocean and the countries surrounding it

War in Sudan

A series of conflicts in Sudan, primarily between the northern government and the southern rebels, leading to significant humanitarian crises and Independence for South Sudan.

Israel-Palestine War

An armed conflict in the Gaza Strip that is ongoing since 2023.

Yemen Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Yemen that began in 2015, involving multiple factions including the Houthi movement and the internationally recognized government exacerbated by external interventions, primarily from Saudi Arabia and Iran.

DR Congo Crisis

A complex conflict involving political instability, armed violence, and humanitarian issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by ethnic tensions and resource exploitation.

Canada’s Involvement / Role in Afghanistan

Combat operations and mentoring/training missions. Ten’s of thousands of Canadians served in Afghanistan and also many lost their lives. There was also high levels of corruption, violence, and widespread poverty factoring from this.

Rwandan Genocide

A mass slaughter of the Tutsi ethnic group by the Hutu majority in Rwanda during 1994, resulting in the deaths of approximately 800k people over a span of 100 days.