Unit 4.8-4.10

What is devolution

Transfer of power from central → regional governments(or subnational levels)

How does physical geography lead to devolution

Physical features(mountains, water bodies, deserts) isolate groups, causing an increase in regional identity

How does ethnic cleansing lead to devolution

Forced removal of ethnic groups

How does ethnic separatism lead to devolution

when people of a particular ethnicity in a multinational state identify more strongly as members of their ethnic group than as citizens of the state

An example of ethnic separatism

Catalonia (Spain): unique language + high economic power lead to demands for independence

How do economic + social problems lead to devolution

Regions that are either wealthier or poorer than the rest of the state may want autonomy

What is irredentism, and how does it cause devolution

When a group seeks to unify with people of the same ethnicity living across borders. This challenges state borders and can trigger separatist movements

How does devolution challenge state sovereignty

When regional governments gain more power reducing central control over territory, identity, and laws

Example of devolution challenging state sovereignty

Spain: Catalonia and Basque Country

Belgium: Flemish vs. Walloon regions

what is autonomous regions with example

Have self-governance but remain part of the state, Scotland in the UK

Devolution outcomes (examples)

Creation of autonomous regions (Spain, Nigeria) or new states (Eritrea, South Sudan)

Communication technology’s impact

Speeds spread of ideas → supports devolution, democratization, and supranationalism

What is supranationalism

When multiple states join organizations for political, economic, or military goals

Why states join supranational organizations

For economies of scale, trade, environmental cooperation, or security alliances

How supranational organizations challenge sovereignty

They limit what member states can do politically or economically

Examples of supranational organizations

United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), European Union (EU), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Arctic Council, and African Union

What is centrifugal forces

Forces that divide a country and weaken state unity

Effects of centrifugal forces

Failed states, uneven development, stateless nations, ethnic nationalism

Examples of centrifugal forces

Ethnic conflict, language barriers, economic inequality

What is centripetal forces

Forces that unify a country and strengthen state stability

Effects of centripetal forces

Nationalism, equal infrastructure, stronger cultural unity

Examples of centripetal forces

National holidays, shared religion, strong transportation networks