POG: Africa, Middle East, India & Pakistan, Japan & Korea, Latin America, Arctic

What major consequence arose from the arbitrary borders drawn by European powers in the Middle East?

They disregarded local geography and cultures, leading to fragile states with diverse populations forced together.

What geographical feature defines the fertile area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers?

Mesopotamia

What is the most dominant geographical feature of the Middle East?

The vast Arabian Desert, which includes the Rub al Khalil (Empty Quarter).

How did the Ottoman Empire organize the Middle East before its fall?

It divided the area into administrative regions called Vilayets, based on tribal locations rather than cohesive nation-states.

What was the Sykes-Picot Agreement?

A secret agreement in 1916 that established British and French spheres of influence in the Middle East, creating arbitrary borders.

What historical split has amplified the fragility of Middle Eastern states?

The split between Sunni and Shia Muslims, dating back to 632 CE.

What are the three distinct administrative regions that were combined to form Iraq?

Mosul (Kurdish/Sunni), Baghdad (Sunni Arab), and Basra (Shia Arab).

What is the Sunni Triangle Dilemma in Iraq?

Non-jihadist Iraqi Sunnis are geographically trapped in the Sunni Triangle, facing economic challenges if Iraq fragments.

What advantage does the Shia-dominated region in southern Iraq have?

It has oil fields, ports, and a reliable ally in Iran, making it less vulnerable in case of an Iraq split.

How did French colonial rule affect Syria's demographics?

The French placed the Alawite minority in power, despite Sunnis making up about 70% of the population, leading to tensions.

What demographic changes have contributed to Lebanon's fragility?

Higher Muslim birth rates and the influx of Palestinian refugees have fractured its political system.

What is the significance of Jordan's creation?

Jordan was arbitrarily created from desert land, leading to demographic conflicts, especially with a majority Palestinian population.

What geographical feature provides Iran with a natural defense?

Mountains that deter conventional invasion and allow for centralized power in Tehran.

What strategic advantage does Iran have in the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran can close the Strait, through which about 20% of the world's oil passes, using it as leverage against international pressure.

What intensified the Saudi-Iranian Cold War?

The removal of Iraq as a buffer state heightened tensions due to conflicting ambitions for regional dominance.

What is Turkey's geographical significance?

Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, controlling critical choke points like the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits.

What is one of Turkey's ambitions in the Middle East?

To become a great power by using its location as a trade and transportation bridge.

What are the five key points summarizing the issues in the Middle East?

1) Arbitrary borders ignore geopolitical groups; 2) Fragile nation-states amplify sectarian divisions; 3) Geography grants advantages; 4) Critical choke points like the Strait of Hormuz; 5) Historical factors intensify the Saudi-Iranian Cold War.

What bodies of water border India and Pakistan to the south?

The Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea.

What mountain range forms the northern border of India and Pakistan?

The Himalayas.

What year did India and Pakistan gain independence from British rule?

1947.

What was a major cause of the violent partition of British India?

Postcolonial nationalism and religious separatism.

What was the estimated death toll during the partition of India and Pakistan?

At least one million people.

What percentage of financial reserves did Pakistan receive before its formation?

17%.

What are the five distinct regions that make up Pakistan?

Punjab, Afghania/Pashtun, Kashmir, Sindh, Baluchistan.

What is the demographic dominance in Pakistan?

Punjabis comprise 60% of the population.

Why is Baluchistan considered crucial to Pakistan?

It contains significant natural gas and mineral wealth.

What is a central feature of the relationship between India and Pakistan?

Intense antagonism and the embrace of nuclear weapons.

Why is the region of Kashmir critical for Pakistan?

It is vital for water security as the Indus River originates there.

What geographical vulnerability does Pakistan face against India?

Lack of strategic depth, particularly in the flat Punjab region.

What is Gwadar Port and why is it significant?

A strategic asset attracting Chinese investment for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

How do the Himalayas serve as a deterrent between India and China?

They make it nearly impossible for large military movements between the two countries.

What is Tibet referred to in the context of water resources?

The 'Water Tower' of the region.

What are the five key points summarizing the India-Pakistan relationship?

1) Natural framing by bodies of water and mountains complicates governance. 2) Partition created a fragile Pakistan with internal divisions. 3) Kashmir is critical for water security. 4) Pakistan lacks strategic depth against India. 5) Himalayas deter conflict between India and China.

What geographical challenges does Japan face as an island nation?

Japan is resource-poor and lacks natural resources, relying heavily on maritime trade.

Why is Korea referred to as the 'Hermit Kingdom' historically?

Korea's vulnerability to external powers due to its geography led to a desire for isolation.

What is the significance of the 38th parallel in Korea?

The 38th parallel is an artificial boundary dividing North and South Korea, not a natural geographical line.

How does Seoul's proximity to the demilitarized zone affect its security?

Seoul is only 35 miles from the DMZ, making it vulnerable to North Korean artillery.

What role does China see North Korea playing in regional security?

China views North Korea as a buffer zone to prevent a unified Korea allied with the U.S.

What was the U.S. strategy regarding Korea in 1950?

The U.S. intervened to prevent the invasion from undermining confidence in U.S. allies in the region.

What historical event strained relations between Japan and Korea?

Japan's brutal occupation of Korea starting in 1910, which aimed to destroy Korean culture.

What territorial dispute exists between South Korea and Japan?

The dispute over the Dokdo/Takeshima Islands, which are rich in gas reserves and fishing grounds.

How does Japan's geography contribute to its security?

Japan's islands are 120 miles from the Eurasian landmass, historically protecting it from invasion.

What is the impact of Japan's mountainous terrain on its economy?

Japan's mountainous terrain limits trade and makes it dependent on external energy sources.

What drives Japan's push toward remilitarization?

Anxiety over China's growing military power and naval capabilities.

What are the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands and why are they contested?

They are uninhabited islands with strategic access and potential underwater gas deposits, leading to disputes between Japan and China.

What is the significance of the U.S. military presence in East Asia?

It reflects a commitment to regional stability and supports Japan and South Korea against potential threats.

What are the five key points summarizing the geopolitical situation of Japan and Korea?

1) Korea's vulnerability due to geography; 2) Artificial division along the 38th parallel; 3) Japan's security vs. resource scarcity; 4) Japan's historical expansionism; 5) Tensions over China's naval expansion and territorial disputes.

What is the relationship between Japan and South Korea today?

Relations are strained due to historical grievances, but they cooperate on military intelligence indirectly through the U.S.

What is the strategic importance of the Ryukyu Islands for Japan?

They contain a significant U.S. military base and control key maritime chokepoints.

How does the geography of Korea affect its defense strategy?

Korea's lack of natural defensive lines makes it vulnerable to invasions and occupation.

What historical events led to Korea's division into North and South?

The division was influenced by post-World War II geopolitical tensions and the Cold War.

Why is Japan considered an industrial and maritime power despite its resource scarcity?

Japan has developed advanced technologies and relies on maritime trade for resources.

What is the significance of the term 'blue-water navy' in the context of China?

It refers to China's goal of developing a navy capable of operating far from its shores, in response to Japan's strategic positioning.

What mountain range runs parallel to the Pacific and is the longest continuous mountain range in the world?

The Andes Mountains, which run for 4,500 miles.

How does the geography of Latin America hinder trade?

Latin America lacks natural deep harbors and has rivers with muddy banks, making development and trade difficult.

What colonial pattern established severe inequality in Latin America?

Colonial powers imposed a culture of landowners and serfs, concentrating European settlers near the coasts.

What is meant by the term 'demographically hollow continent' in the context of Latin America?

It refers to the pattern where major cities were established along the coasts, leading to a lack of population centers in the interior.

What geographical feature acts as a buffer zone between Mexico and the US?

The 2,000-mile long desert border.

How does Mexico's geography affect its ability to centralize power?

Mountains and jungles prevent Mexico from expanding and centralizing power effectively.

What has led to the rise of violent cartels in Mexico?

The shift of drug trafficking routes to Central America and Mexico due to US anti-drug efforts, leveraging the Pan-American Highway.

What geographical challenges does Brazil face despite being a large country?

Brazil struggles with internal isolation due to dense jungles, the Grand Escarpment, and inadequate infrastructure.

What advantage does Argentina have over Brazil in terms of geography?

Argentina controls the flat, agricultural regions of the Rio de la Plata and has a navigable river system, facilitating trade.

What is the significance of the Falklands/Las Malvinas in the context of Argentina and the UK?

The dispute is intensified by the potential for offshore oil and gas reserves in the area.

Why is Central America strategically important to China?

China views it as a way to bypass American influence over the Panama Canal.

What is the Nicaragua Grand Canal project?

A project funded by China to create a wider and deeper link between the oceans, serving China's interests in global trade.

What historical event caused a bitter relationship between Bolivia and Chile?

Bolivia lost 250 miles of coastline in the 1879 War of the Pacific.

What are the economic consequences of Bolivia's loss of coastline?

It prevents economic cooperation, such as gas sales, due to national pride overshadowing economic needs.

How has geography historically constrained economic development in Latin America?

Difficult terrain dominated by the Andes and jungles has limited internal unity and economic growth.

What is the significance of the Pan-American Highway in drug trafficking?

It has become a major route for drug trafficking, exacerbating internal conflicts in Mexico and Central America.

What is the relationship between geography and strategic rivalries in Latin America?

Geography influences rivalries, such as the Bolivia-Chile dispute, where loss of coastline prevents cooperation.

What role does China play in Latin America's future?

China is investing heavily in the region to position itself as a major trading partner and reduce reliance on the US.

What is the Arctic region primarily defined by?

The area around the North Pole, including the Arctic Ocean and land from 8 nations.

Which nations are included in the Arctic region?

Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the US (Alaska).

What extreme conditions characterize the Arctic climate?

Extreme temperatures, often below minus 45°C for long periods in winter.

How does global warming impact the Arctic ice?

It causes the ice to melt, exposing open water that absorbs more heat, accelerating further melting (albedo effect).

What natural resources are being revealed due to melting ice in the Arctic?

Previously inaccessible reserves of natural gas, oil, gold, zinc, nickel, and iron.

What are the two new sea routes opened by melting ice in the Arctic?

The Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route.

How do the new sea routes affect global shipping?

They drastically cut travel time between Europe and Asia, threatening the revenues of the Suez and Panama Canals.

What is the 'New Great Game' in the context of the Arctic?

The increasing competition among nations for sovereignty, resources, and control of strategic waterways.

What treaty governs territorial claims in the Arctic?

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

What is Russia's position in the Arctic?

Russia is the dominant power, with established cities, infrastructure, and the largest fleet of icebreakers.

What significant territorial claim did Russia make in 2007?

Russia planted a titanium flag on the seabed of the North Pole.

What vulnerability does the US face in the Arctic?

The US has only one functioning heavy icebreaker and has not ratified the UNCLOS treaty.

How are NATO allies responding to Russia's military buildup in the Arctic?

Countries like Norway and Canada are reinforcing their cold weather military capabilities and relocating military centers north.

What is the dispute between the US and Canada regarding the Northwest Passage?

Whether it is an 'internal waterway' as Canada claims or a strait for international navigation as the US claims.

What is the significance of the Svalbard Islands dispute?

It involves territorial claims between Russia and Norway, with Russia using it to assert its claims.

What is the conflict over Hans Island about?

A dispute between Denmark (responsible for Greenland) and Canada over territorial claims in the Nares Strait.

What drives competition in the Arctic region?

The desire to secure access to military and commercial shipping and to control natural resources.

What challenges does the Arctic face despite international agreements?

Geographical challenges necessitate cooperation for safety, environmental management, and search and rescue.

What is the significance of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) under UNCLOS?

Nations can claim an EEZ up to 200 nautical miles from their coast, leading to legal disputes over territorial claims.

What is the impact of the melting Arctic ice on global shipping routes?

It opens new shipping lanes that reduce transit times but threaten established routes like the Suez and Panama Canals.

What is the albedo effect in the context of the Arctic?

The phenomenon where darker land and open water absorb more heat, accelerating ice melt.

What is the role of the Arctic Council?

It serves as a forum for cooperation among Arctic nations, contrasting with a colonial mindset.

What geographical features isolate Africa from the rest of the Eurasian continent?

The Sahara Desert and the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

How does the Mercator map distort Africa's size?

It makes Africa appear smaller than it is; Africa is actually three times larger than the U.S.

What are the characteristics of the top third of Africa?

It turns into the Sahara Desert, which is sandy, semiarid, and rock-strewn.

What is the climate and vegetation like in the bottom two thirds of Africa?

It is more diverse with temperate weather, green vegetation, jungles, and deserts.

What challenges does Africa face in agriculture?

Difficulties in growing crops like wheat or rice and challenges in domesticating animals.

What diseases are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to environmental conditions?

Diseases like malaria and yellow fever, exacerbated by crowded living conditions and poor healthcare.