APHUG Unit 4 Summary

B.L.O.P.S.

An acronym representing the five essential elements a state needs: Boundaries, Land, Other state’s Recognition, Population, Sovereign Government.

Nation-State

A state where the cultural boundaries align with the political boundaries, typically consisting of a homogeneous population.

Multi-National State

A state that contains multiple distinct nations within its territorial boundaries.

Stateless-Nation

A group of people sharing an ethnicity who lack a territorial state, often leading to movements for independence.

Devolution

The transfer of power from a central government to regional or local authorities, which can weaken the central authority.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself without external interference.

Balkanization

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

Choke Points

Narrow passageways that are controlled by a specific state, critical for trade and resource management.

Centrifugal Forces

Factors that divide or pull people apart in a state.

Centripetal Forces

Factors that unify or pull people together within a state.

Gerrymandering

The illegal manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over another.

Self Determination

The principle that nations have the right to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.

Relic Boundary

A boundary that no longer exists but continues to affect the area it once enclosed.

Superimposed Boundary

Boundaries that have been imposed on the cultural landscape, often without regard for existing cultural or ethnic divisions.

Ethnic Nationalism

A form of nationalism in which the nation is defined in terms of ethnicity.

Imperialism

A policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Colonialism

The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Independence Movements

Movements of nations seeking recognition and power in order to govern themselves.

Unitary Government

A form of government where power is concentrated in a central authority, with little power given to regional authorities.

Federal Government

A form of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Supranationalism

The idea or movement towards greater cooperation and integration between countries, often requiring countries to give up some sovereignty.

Neo-Colonialism

The practice of using economic, political, and cultural pressures to control a country, even after it has achieved independence.

Census

The periodic process of counting and recording details of a population.

Reapportionment

The redistribution of representation in a legislative body, often based on changes in population.

Diplomatic

Relating to foreign affairs and the management of international relations, often through negotiation and dialogue.

Choke Points

Strategically valuable narrow passages, particularly in terms of controlling trade routes.