AP Human Geography Chapter 10 Vocab

Devolution

The transfer of political power from a central government to smaller, regional governments within a state.

European Union (EU)

A political and economic union of European countries that promotes free trade, open borders, political cooperation, and common policies.

Regionalism

Loyalty to the interests of a particular region within a country rather than to the country as a whole.

Ethnic separatism

When an ethnic group seeks independence or greater autonomy because it feels culturally, economically, or politically distinct.

United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA)

A trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (replacing NAFTA) that governs economic relations, tariffs, and trade rules.

Ethnonationalism

A form of nationalism where the nation is defined by a shared ethnicity.

Ethnic Cleansing

The forced removal of an ethnic group from a territory by another group, often through violence, intimidation, or forced migration.

Association of SE Asian Nations (ASEAN)

A regional organization of Southeast Asian countries promoting economic growth, political cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Nationalism

Strong loyalty, devotion, or pride in one’s nation, often combined with a desire for self-governance.

Terrorism

The use of violence or intimidation, especially against civilians, to achieve political or ideological goals.

Arctic Council

An intergovernmental forum of Arctic nations and Indigenous groups that cooperates on environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic.

Irredentism

A movement to unite people who share a common ethnicity or culture but live in different political states by reclaiming territory.

African Union

A continental organization that promotes political unity, economic cooperation, and peace among African countries

Autonomous Region

A region within a country that has been granted the power to govern itself with some degree of independence.

World Trade Organization (WTO)

An international organization that regulates global trade and resolves trade disputes between nations.

Subnationalism

Loyalty to a subgroup or region within a nation that may compete with or override loyalty to the state.

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

A group of major oil-producing nations that coordinates oil production and pricing policies.

Balkanization

The process by which a state breaks into smaller, often hostile, political units due to ethnic or political tensions.

Transnational Corporations

Companies that operate and conduct business in multiple countries.

Globalization

The growing interconnectedness of the world through increased movement of goods, ideas, people, and technology.

Democratization

The process through which a country transitions toward democratic governance and institutions.

Supranationalism

The practice of nations coming together to form organizations or unions that require giving up some sovereignty for collective benefit.

Time-Space Compression

The idea that modern communication and transportation technologies make places feel closer together and interactions faster.

United Nations (UN)

A global intergovernmental organization that promotes peace, security, cooperation, and human rights worldwide.

Centrifugal Forces

Forces that divide a state, such as ethnic conflict, regionalism, or economic inequality.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

A military alliance between North American and European countries focused on collective defense.

Centripetal Forces

Forces that unify a state, such as shared culture, strong leadership, national institutions, or common threats.