AP Human Geography U4: Political Geography

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions from the lecture on Political Geography.

What is the role of the United Nations regarding states?

The UN decides if a country is a legitimized, recognized state.

Define a sovereign state.

A sovereign state is independent from control and has control over its internal affairs.

Why is Taiwan considered not sovereign?

China believes Taiwan belongs to them, though the U.S. supports Taiwan due to its economic significance.

What is self-determination in political geography?

Self-determination is the right of people to decide their own domestic and foreign affairs.

Name one smallest microstate and its unique feature.

Monaco is a microstate, which is super small but autonomous, sovereign, and exercises self-determination.

What does irredentism refer to?

Irredentism is the geopolitical view of incorporating land into a state that is historically or ethnically associated with it.

What are centripetal forces in a state context?

Centripetal forces bring people together and strengthen the state, like strong leadership and common threats.

What is a stateless nation?

A stateless nation is a group of people who do not have a homeland but have a history of seeking sovereignty.

What is the significance of superimposed boundaries?

Superimposed boundaries are drawn by outsiders, ignoring cultural or ethnic divisions, often leading to conflict.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a compact state?

Advantages include centralized governance; disadvantages involve potential limited resources and internal division.

Define supranationalism.

Supranationalism is when two or more countries come together for a common cause.

What is state-sponsored terrorism?

State-sponsored terrorism occurs when a government supports terrorist groups with resources like intelligence and funding.

What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal forces?

Centripetal forces unify a state, while centrifugal forces divide it.

What role do frontiers play in political geography?

Frontiers are regions separating two countries with no political control, often ungoverned or undefined areas.

What is the Heartland Theory?

The Heartland Theory posits that controlling the central region of Eurasia leads to global dominance.

What are enclaves and how do they differ from exclaves?

Enclaves are homogeneous groups clustered within a country, while exclaves are separate parts of a country not connected to the main territory.