HUG unit 4

Geopolitics

Geopolitics

The study of the effects of geography on international politics and international relations, with a focus on the geographical factors influencing the power and behavior of states.

Sea Power Theory

A strategic concept that emphasizes the importance of naval and maritime strength in achieving and maintaining national power and influence.

Heartland Theory:

Proposed by Halford Mackinder, it suggests that control of the "heartland" or central Eurasia would lead to dominance over the world island (Eurasia) and, consequently, global power.

Organic Theory:

A geopolitical theory that views states as living organisms, with geographical space as their habitat and territorial expansion as a natural instinct.

Lebensraum:

A term associated with Nazi Germany's territorial expansion policy, it means "living space" and was used to justify the acquisition of additional territory for the Germanic peoples

Pan Regions Theory:

The idea that geopolitical power is concentrated in specific regions, and global influence depends on control or cooperation within these regions.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO):

A political and security alliance comprising countries from Central Asia and Eurasia, with a focus on addressing regional security issues and promoting economic cooperation

Rimland Theory

Proposed by Nicholas Spykman, it suggests that power lies in controlling strategic coastal areas or the "rimlands" rather than the interior, as opposed to Mackinder's Heartland Theory

Air Power Theory:

A strategic concept that emphasizes the use of air forces and aerial capabilities in achieving military objectives

Force Multiplier:

A capability that enhances the effectiveness of a force, making it more potent than it would be without that capability.

Gulf War (1991):

A conflict in 1990-1991 between Iraq and a coalition of countries led by the United States, triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

World System Theory:

A social science theory that analyzes the global economy as a complex system with core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral regions.

Core, Semi-peripheral, Peripheral Regions

Concepts in World System Theory; core regions are economically developed, semi-peripheral regions are intermediate, and peripheral regions are less developed economically.

Economic Interdependence:

The mutual dependence of countries on each other for economic resources, trade, and financial stability.

Global Exploitation:

The unequal use of global resources, often associated with economic, political, or cultural dominance of one group or nation over others.

Domino Theory:

A geopolitical concept suggesting that the fall of one country to communism could lead to a chain reaction of other countries falling as well.

Cold War:

A period of geopolitical tension and ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, lasting roughly from the end of World War II to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Korean Conflict:

The conflict between North Korea (supported by China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (supported by the United States and other Western allies) from 1950 to 1953.

Vietnam War:

A conflict that took place in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1955 to 1975, involving the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States.

Shatterbelt

A region where political, cultural, and economic forces are in constant competition and conflict.

Federal State:

A political entity characterized by a division of powers between a central government and regional entities

Unitary State:

A political system in which power is concentrated in a central government, and regional entities have limited autonomy.

Annexation:

The incorporation of one territory into another, often involving the extension of a state's sovereignty over the annexed area.

Devolution:

The transfer of certain powers from a central government to regional or local governments.

Ethnic Separatism:

The advocacy or pursuit of independence by an ethnic or cultural group seeking to establish its own sovereign state.

Ethnic Cleansing:

The systematic and violent removal or extermination of an ethnic, religious, or cultural group from a particular area.

Terrorism:

The use of violence or intimidation, often targeting civilians, to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives.

Irredentism:

A political or nationalist movement advocating the recovery of territory historically or ethnically related to one's nation but currently under the control of another state.

Autonomous Region:

A defined area within a state that has a high degree of self-governance and autonomy.

Semi-autonomous Region:

A region with a moderate degree of self-governance and autonomy, falling between full autonomy and subordination to a central authority

Balkanization:

The process of breaking up a region or state into smaller, often ethnically or culturally defined, independent entities.

Globalization:

The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.

Supranational Organizations:

International organizations or entities formed by multiple countries with the aim of pursuing common goals that transcend national boundaries.

United Nations (UN):

An international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among member states.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO):

A military alliance formed by Western countries in 1949 for collective defense against aggression.

European Union (EU):

A political and economic union of European countries that aims to promote economic integration and cooperation

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):

A trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, replacing NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):

A regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries, promoting political and economic cooperation.

Arctic Council:

An intergovernmental forum addressing issues related to the Arctic region, including environmental protection and sustainable development.

World Trade Organization (WTO):

An international organization that regulates and facilitates global trade negotiations and dispute resolution.

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC):

A cartel of oil-producing countries that aims to coordinate and unify petroleum policies to stabilize oil markets.

Transnational Corporations:

Large companies that operate in multiple countries, often with headquarters in one country and production or services in others.

Democratization:

The process of transitioning to a more democratic political system, often involving the expansion of political freedoms and participation.

Time-Space Compression:

The concept that technological advancements in transportation and communication have reduced the perceived distance between places, making the world seem "smaller" in terms of the time it takes to connect.