APHG Unit 4

Neocolonialism

Control by a powerful country of its former colonies (or other less-developed countries) through economic pressures or cultural dominance rather than direct political or military control.

Peripheral States

Countries with less economic development, weaker infrastructure, and lower influence in global affairs; typically depend on core states.

Core States

Countries with strong economies, advanced technology, and high influence in global affairs; often dominate global trade and politics.

Shatterbelt

A region caught between powerful external forces and under persistent stress or conflict due to cultural or political fragmentation.

Choke Point

A narrow, strategic passageway (like a canal or strait) that can be easily blocked or controlled and is crucial to trade or military movement.

Boundary

A line that marks the limits of an area; divides political territories like states or countries.

Relic Boundary

A former boundary that no longer functions but still has cultural or historical significance, such as the Berlin Wall.

Superimposed Boundary

A boundary imposed by external powers without regard to existing cultural or ethnic divisions.

Subsequent Boundary

A boundary that develops along with the development of the cultural landscape; reflects cultural differences.

Antecedent Boundary

A boundary established before the area was well populated, often based on physical features.

Geometric Boundary

A boundary drawn using straight lines, often without regard for physical or cultural features.

Consequent Boundary

A boundary that is drawn to accommodate cultural differences, such as language or religion.

Exclusive Economic Zone

A sea zone extending 200 nautical miles from a state's coast where it has special rights to marine resources and economic activities.

Electoral College

A body of representatives in the U.S. that formally elects the president based on state votes.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of voting district boundaries to favor a specific political party or group.

Packing

A gerrymandering strategy where voters of one type are concentrated into a single district to reduce their influence elsewhere.

Cracking

A gerrymandering technique where voters of a particular type are spread across many districts to dilute their voting power.

Unitary State

A state governed as a single central authority where local governments have little power.

Federal State

A state where power is divided between a central government and various regional governments.

United Nations

An international organization formed in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among member countries.

EU

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

AU

The African Union, a continental union consisting of 55 African countries working together on political and economic goals.

North American Free Trade Agreement

A trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that removed trade barriers; replaced by USMCA in 2020.

ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional group promoting economic and political cooperation in Southeast Asia.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance of European and North American countries for mutual defense.

Nation

A group of people with a shared culture, history, language, and often a desire for self-rule.

Nation State

A state whose population is primarily made up of one nation that shares common traits and governance.

Nationalism

Strong loyalty and devotion to a nation, often including a desire for political independence.

Stateless Nation

A nation of people without a recognized state of their own, such as the Kurds or Palestinians.

Multinational State

A state that contains more than one nation within its borders, such as Canada or the United Kingdom.

Multi State Nation

A nation that stretches across borders and exists in multiple states, such as the Koreans in North and South Korea.

Autonomous Region

A region within a state that has a degree of self-governance and independence in certain areas.

Semi Autonomous Region

A region with limited self-governance, where the central government retains more control than in fully autonomous regions.