APHG Unit 4 Vocab. (Begin Semester 2)

Physical Geography

The branch of geography that deals with the natural features and processes of the Earth, including landforms, climate, vegetation, and ecosystems.

Ethnic Separatism

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.

Ethnic Cleansing

The process by which a more powerful ethnic group forcibly removes a less powerful one in order to create their own nation or nation-state.

Terrorism

The use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes.

Economic Problems

Areas of different economic development could create devolution.

Social Problems

Areas of different societal development could create devolution.

Irredentism

Occurs when the majority ethnicity on one side of a boundary wants to claim territory from a neighboring state to bring in a minority group of the same ethnicity or other commonality who reside across the border.

Subnational Political-Territorial Units

A result of devolution where a region is given greater autonomy from the central government.

Disintegrate

The collapse of a country into two or more smaller independent countries.

Democratization

The process of moving a nation's government from an authoritarian, meaning dictatorship system, to a democratic system.

Economies of Scale

Refers to the cost advantages that businesses experience as they increase their production levels.

Trade Agreements

A legal pact between two or more countries that outlines the rules and regulations for trade between them, aiming to reduce or eliminate barriers such as tariffs and quotas.

Military Alliances

One country would pledge to assist another in case of attack.

The United Nations

Purpose: International; maintain peace and security; promote economic and social development. 193 member states (global)

NATO

Purpose: Military alliance. 29 member states in Europe and North America, with partners across the globe.

European Union

European organization governing common economic, social, and security issues. 27 member states (Europe)

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

Purpose: International; accelerate economic growth; maintain peace and security in SE Asia. 10 member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam (Southeast Asia)

Arctic Council

Purpose: High-level Intergovernmental; issues related to the Arctic, such as sustainable development. 8 member states: Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States

African Union

Purpose: Intergovernmental; promote unity and solidarity in Africa; spur economic development. 55 member states (Africa)

Failed States

One where the government loses the ability to provide basic functions such as security, economic stability, and public services, leading to widespread disorder.

Uneven Development

The unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities across different regions and populations.

Stateless Nations

A nation of people without a state that it considers home

Ethnonationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a specific ethnic group, often advocating for the establishment of a nation-state based on shared ethnicity, language, and cultural identity.

Cultural Cohesion

The capacity of different national and ethnic groups to make a mutual commitment to live together as citizens of the same state.