Political Organization of Space

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions from the lecture notes on political organization of space.

What is the difference between a nation and a state?

A nation is a group of people with common cultural characteristics, while a state is an area with defined boundaries that has sovereignty.

What are the five shapes of countries?

Compact, elongated, fragmented, perforated, and prorupted.

Who proposed the heartland theory?

Halford Mackinder.

What does the term 'sovereignty' refer to?

The political authority of a state to govern itself.

What is a stateless nation?

A group of people who share a common culture but do not have a recognized state.

Define colonialism.

The practice of establishing political dominance over a people for economic, political, and territorial gain.

What is an enclave?

A country that is completely surrounded by another state.

What is the definition of political geography?

A branch of geography that studies geographical influences on political systems and power relationships.

What is the purpose of the United Nations (UN)?

To provide a forum in which states can meet to discuss international issues.

What is the purpose of a supranational organization?

To promote shared objectives among three or more states.

What does the term 'frontier' refer to?

A zone of territory where no state has governing authority.

What is the concept of gerrymandering?

Manipulating political boundaries for political gain.

What is the definition of nationalism?

The doctrine that an ethno-cultural group has the power to control its own affairs.

What is 'balkanization'?

The fragmentation of a state into smaller, often hostile, states.

What is the median-line principle?

A line drawn in the water equidistant from each competing party to settle sea resource access.

What characterizes a core country?

A country that is well-developed with a strong economic base.

What is the definition of 'demarcation' in the context of boundaries?

The process of physically representing a boundary on the landscape.

What impact did colonial powers like Great Britain and Spain have on the world?

They engaged in colonialism, establishing dominance for economic and political gain.

What is a microstate?

A country that is small in both population and area.

Explain the term 'autonomous region.'

A segment of a country with some degree of self-governing authority.

What is the concept of 'self-determination'?

The power of a people to establish their own government.