2.a. A multitude of factors pose challenges to sovereignty and territorial integrity

Case study on separate card

Economic factors influencing the erosion of sovereignty and the loss of territorial integrity

TNCs

Access to resources

Environmental factors influencing the erosion of sovereignty and the loss of territorial integrity

Global environmental issues such as climate change.

Social factors influencing the erosion of sovereignty and the loss of territorial integrity

Dominance of ethnic groups

Mass movement of people

How do current political boundaries challenge sovereignty and territorial integrity?

Many modern borders were created through war or colonialism rather than reflecting ethnic or cultural groups.

This can lead to contested borders, separatist movements, and territorial disputes, challenging state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

What are TNCs and how do they influence sovereignty?

• TNCs are companies that operate in more than one country (e.g. Apple, Nike).

• They can challenge and reshape state sovereignty through huge investment.

• If a TNC invests in an EDC or LIDC, it could lead to that state becoming dependent on it.

• This will allow the government to be coerced into making decisions that favour the TNC (e.g. trade laws), shifting the power away from the national government.

Positive and negative impacts of TNCs

Positives:

Provide FDI, funding development projects

Create jobs

Increase GDP, economic growth, and infrastructure

Negatives:

Create economic dependency

Weaken local businesses and culture

Exploitation of cheap labour

Environmental damage

Example of TNC influence

• Shell controls a large part of Nigeria's oil industry

• Nigeria relies heavily on oil exports, meaning Shell has significant influence.

• the government may avoid strict punishment for environmental damage (oil spills) because it fears losing investment.

Definition of ethnic group

A social group that shares a common cultural heritage, often linked by factors like language, religion, ancestry, or a shared history.

How do ethnic groups influence sovereignty?

• They may demand autonomy, independence, and greater political representation from the government.

• If the government reduces their demands, this can lead to political uprisings and protests which challenge a state's sovereignty.

• This can lead to political instability and separatist movements, fragmenting the state.

Example of ethnic group

Basque region - located between Spain and France - some people want independence from Spain and France.

Currently the region has its own parliament but isn't an independent state.

Definition of separatism

The advocacy/support of separation of a certain group of people or a state from a larger body (usually a nation-state).

Why does separatism occur?

It is caused by cultural differences, political disagreements, economic differences, or a desire for control over resources.

How does separatism challenge sovereignty and territorial integrity?

It threatens existing borders and aims to create new states, threatening territorial integrity.

When groups question the central government's authority over the whole country, this causes instability and reduces the government's ability to control all political decisions.

Example of separatism

Scotland is part of the UK but has its own parliament, and the Scottish National Party supports independence from the UK.

Causes of Scotland's separatist movement

• 62% of Scotland voted to stay in the EU, so when Brexit occurred this increased the number of Scots who wanted to separate from the UK because they felt their preferences were ignored.

• Additionally, the Scottish Parliament does not control issues such as trade, immigration, and foreign affairs, meaning some people believe Scotland doesn't have enough control over decisions affecting its people.

• Finally, Scotland has greater access to oil and gas resources, so if it separated from the UK it would have control over these resources.

What are supranational organisations?

An organisation that has power and authority over a number of countries.

For example: European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

How do supranational organisations challenge sovereignty?

• They can create binding rules that member states must follow.

• These rules can override some national decisions, creating shared sovereignty.

• Supranational laws may take priority over national laws

• Trade agreements require countries to follow common rules.

Example of how the EU affects sovereignty

• EU member states must follow EU laws and regulations.

• Some decisions are made by EU institutions rather than individual governments.

Brexit case study

Some people argue the EU reduced UK sovereignty as important decisions affecting the UK were made by the EU.

Brexit is an example of tension between national and shared sovereignty.

How does the UN affect sovereignty?

The UN allows states to cooperate and make decisions about global issues.

All member states are represented, but the Security Council gives greater power to five permanent members.

How does peacekeeping impact sovereignty?

• International soldiers are deployed by organisations such as the UN to reduce conflict and maintain peace.

• Peacekeepers monitor ceasefires, protect civilians, and reduce violence.

• This helps restore stability when governments fail.

• However, they are criticised for operating inside a foreign country as this can challenge a state's sovereignty.

Westphalian sovereignty

States have the right to control their own territory without outside interference.

Responsibility to Protect

Argues the international community has a responsibility to intervene when states fail to protect populations from:

• Genocide

• War crimes

• Ethnic cleansing

• Crimes against humanity