APHG Unit 4

Administered Boundary

The final process in the creation of a state's boundary, this allows for a country to run the day-to-day operations.

African Union

Continental union of 55 member states within Africa with the goal of moving the continent towards peace and prosperity through boosting development, eradication of poverty, and bringing Africa into the global economy.

Antecedent Boundary

A boundary that existed before the cultural landscape emerged and stayed in place while people moved in to occupy the surrounding area.

Arctic Council

An intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic indigenous communities, and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, particularly on sustainable development and environmental protection.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Supranational organization promoting the acceleration of economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors.

Autonomous Regions

A region that exists within another larger entity and has the power to govern itself; typically geographically distinct or populated by an ethnic minority.

Choke Points

Geographic features on land or sea that are much narrower than the overall landscape, causing decreased military power and serving as strategic targets.

Colonialism

The policy of a state seeking authority over other people and territories, accompanied by the transfer of their population.

Consequent Boundary

A boundary drawn to accommodate existing religious, linguistic, ethnic, or economic differences between countries.

Cultural Cohesion

The capacity to live together in harmony with a sense of mutual commitment among citizens of different circumstances.

Defined Boundary

The second stage of the creation of a boundary where parties formally write down an agreement.

Delimited Boundary

The stage of boundary creation where parties draw borders on a map.

Demarcated Boundary

The third stage of boundary creation where borders are marked on the landscape.

Demilitarized Zones

Areas where treaties forbid military installations, activities, or personnel.

Democratization

The introduction of democratic systems within a society.

Devolution

The process whereby regions within a state gain political strength and autonomy at the expense of the central government.

Economies of Scale

Cost advantages obtained through the scale of operation, typically with per cost unit decreasing as scale increases.

Equitable Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure construction with community input to create equitable resource distribution.

Established Territorial Seas

Countries’ right to establish a territorial border extending to 12 nautical miles based on international law.

Ethnic Cleansing

The attempt to create an ethnically homogeneous area through expulsion or killing of an ethnic minority.

Ethnic Nationalism (Ethnonationalism)

The right of a group to determine their statehood and government form based on their distinctness.

Ethnic Separatism

Movements demanding greater independence or autonomy from a larger territorial unit.

European Union

A supranational organization aimed at promoting peace, citizens' well-being, and sustainable development.

Exclusive Economic Zones

Coastal waters extending no more than 200 nautical miles from a country's territorial sea, claiming exclusive rights to resources.

Failed States

A political body where governance conditions cease to exist or operate normally.

Federal States

Governing systems that share power among various levels of governance.

Geometric Boundary

A political boundary defined and delimited as a straight line or arc.

Gerrymandering

The redrawing of political boundaries to favor one party over others.

Imperialism

Domination of one people over another through settlement or control mechanisms.

Independence Movements

Regions and peoples seeking control over their internal political affairs.

Independent State

A country free of external control.

Irredentism

A policy aimed at establishing cultural cohesion and political expansion by targeting nationals in neighboring countries.

Land Boundary

A physical boundary composed of features of land like mountains.

Maritime Boundary

A physical boundary composed of features such as rivers, lakes, determined by UNCLOS.

Military Alliances

Supranational organization promoting cooperation through military measures.

Multinational State

A country with a population from various national backgrounds.

Multistate Nation

A group of nationals living within two separate states.

Nation

A group of people with a common ethnic background seeking political self-determination.

Nation-State

A state whose borders align with the national distribution.

Neocolonialism

Modern form of colonization where MDCs exert control economically and culturally.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

A military alliance formed to protect the US and Western Europe during the Cold War.

Redistricting

The redrawing of electoral districts for equal representation.

Relic Boundary (Relict)

A boundary that no longer serves its original purpose.

Self-Determination

The process by which a country determines its own statehood.

Semiautonomous Region

A region that governs itself in certain areas but lacks complete governing power.

Shatterbelt

A region experiencing fragmentation due to internal and external pressures.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself.

State

A politically organized body of people occupying a defined territory.

Stateless Nation

An ethnic group dispersed between multiple states without their own.

Subsequent Boundary

A boundary established after settlement to accommodate cultural differences.

Superimposed Boundary

A boundary established by outside powers without regard to existing cultural boundaries.

Supranationalism

Cooperation among multiple states to promote shared objectives.

Territoriality

Attitudes based on control of physical space or ideas.

Terrorism

The unlawful use of violence against civilians for political aims.

Trade Agreements

Contractual arrangements between states regarding trade.

Uneven Development

Unequal distribution of people, wealth, and resources, often critiqued from a Marxist perspective.

Unitary State

A country with centralized governing power.

United Nations

A supranational organization created after WWII for global peace.

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

An international agreement that defines nations' rights on ocean use.

Voting Districts

Territorial subdivisions for electing members of the legislative body.