Geopolitics and Boundaries Terminology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to geopolitics and boundaries, including definitions and explanations.

Balkanization

The process of fragmentation or dissolution of a region into smaller, often hostile units.

City-state

A sovereign state that consists of a city and its dependent territories.

Containment

A geopolitical strategy to prevent the expansion of an enemy, particularly during the Cold War.

Domino theory

The idea that if one country falls to communism, neighboring countries will also fall, like a row of dominos.

Geopolitics

The study of the effects of geography on international politics and international relations.

Heartland theory

The hypothesis that any political power based in the Heartland could dominate the world.

Imperialism

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

Nation

A group of people who share a common identity, often based on culture, language, or ethnicity.

Nation-state

A political entity characterized by a defined territory, a permanent population, and a sovereign government.

Organic theory

The idea that states are like living organisms that need territory to survive.

Rimland Theory

The concept that power lies in the coastal fringes of the Eurasian continent.

Satellite states

Independent nations that are politically and economically influenced by a more powerful nation.

State

An organized political community under a government.

Supranational organization

A type of multinational political union in which negotiated power is delegated to an authority by governments of member states.

World Systems theory

A socioeconomic perspective that views the world as a complex social system characterized by developmental disparities.

Antecedent boundary

A boundary that existed before the cultural landscape emerged.

Superimposed Boundary

A boundary that has been imposed on the cultural landscape, often disregarding existing cultural patterns.

Compromise capital

A capital city established as a compromise between conflicting groups or territories.

Enclave

A territory, or a part of a territory, that is surrounded by the territory of another.

Exclave

A portion of a country geographically separated from the main part by surrounding alien territory.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

A sea zone prescribed by the United Nations that extends up to 200 nautical miles from a state's coastline.

Forward capitals

A capital city that has been relocated to a more strategically advantageous location.

Geometric boundaries

Boundaries that are defined by straight lines or arcs, often established by treaties.

International boundary

A border that marks the territorial limits of sovereign states.

Introduced Capitals

Creating a capital city mainly for a break from regional interests and a hope to move economic activity from one central location and spread it equally.

Landlocked states

Countries that do not have a coastline and are surrounded by land.

Subsequent boundary

A boundary that has been established after significant settlement has occurred.

Law of the Sea

International law governing the rights and responsibilities of states in maritime environments.

Militarized boundary

A boundary that is heavily fortified or monitored by military forces.

Natural boundaries

Boundaries that follow physical features of the landscape, such as rivers and mountains.

Open boundary

A boundary that allows free movement of people and goods.

Relic Boundary

A boundary that no longer functions but can still be found on the cultural landscape.