Chapter 2 - Intro to Geopolitics

Geopolitics

The interplay of political, economic, and geographic factors

(Geography mixed w political decision making)

Nation State

Independent nation of people who have adopted a unique common identity and live together under one government within a defined geographical area

Geopolitics

The interplay of political, economic, and geographic factors

(Geography mixed w political decision making)

Nation State

Independent nation of people who have adopted a unique common identity and live together under one government within a defined geographical area

Characteristics of a Nation State

Characteristics of a Nation State Include:

1. Common Identity

2. Defined Territory

3. Sovereign Government

Characteristics of a Nation State Include - Common Identity

• Shared unique, common identity

• Based on shared history, language, customs, religion, and ethnic composition

• Promotes solidarity, loyalty, cohesion, and political stability

Border

Geographical boundaries that define the territory of a nation state

Characteristics of a Nation State - Defined Territory

• Clearly marked, often strategic

• Home to permanent population

• Changeable! Not “Static”

Demarcation

The act of setting boundaries

What are the two types of demarcation?

Physical and Artificial

Physical Demarcation

Naturally occurring geographical features (See: Rivers, Mountains)

Artificial Demarcation

Established by human intervention (See: treaties, agreements)

Sovereignty

A concept international law recognizing that the authority of the state is not subject to control by other states

Political Sovereignty

• Political Autonomy

• Can make laws, regulate activities, and enforce order

• Differentiated from that of another by borders

Ideology

A collective set of ideas and beliefs that a nation uses as the basis for its way of life, political and economic systems, and social goals

Ideology - Democracy

Citizens chose their leaders in open fair elections

Ideology - Authoritarianism

Limits political participation of citizens and demands obedience to gov authority

Democracy - Key Features

• Decision making system based on a rule of majority

• Guaranteed personal freedoms and liberties (Ex. Freedom of expression, religion, press, etc.)

• Government accountability

Direct Democracy (Purest form of democracy)

Citizens meet together to make political decisions

Indirect Democracy

Citizens choose representatives to participate in government on their behalf (Representative Democracy)

Authoritarianism - Key Factors

• Centralized Authority

• Limited personal freedoms and liberties

• Political dissent stifled

One-Party Nation State (Type of Authoritarian Gov)

Only one political party permitted

Absolute Monarchy (Type of Authoritarian gov.)

Authority rests entirely (absolutely) with a monarch - King, Queen, Sultan, etc.

Conflict

A struggle or clash between opposing forces, ideas, or interests

Sources of Conflict in The 21st Century

1. Natural Resource Conflict

2. Territorial Conflict

3. Cultural Conflict

4. Religious Conflict

Territorial Conflict

Disputes or disagreements between two or more parties over control, ownership, or governance of a specific piece of land or territory

Cultural Conflict

Disagreements between different cultural groups or societies, often stemming from differences in beliefs, values, customs, or practices

Natural Resource Conflict

Competition over access to, or control of, natural resources

Religious Conflict

Disputes or hostilities between different religious groups or ideologies, often rooted in conflicting beliefs, doctrines, or practices

The role of power in conflicts - Soft Power

• Persuasive

• Slow moving

• Human costs mitigated

Ex: Mediation and conversation

The role of power in conflicts - Hard Power

• Coercive

• Fast Moving

• Can be economic or military

Ex: Military Force

“Terrorism”

All criminal acts directed against a state and intended… to create a state of terror in the minds of particular persons.. or the general public”

Terrorism

The use of violence and intimidation to achieve political or ideological goals

Reign of Terror

1793-1794

al-Qaeda launch’s series of four attacks against USA

2001

Boston Marathon bombing

2013

Types of Terrorism - Domestic

Carried out by individuals or groups within their own country

Types of Terrorism - International

Carried out by individuals or groups that transcend national borders

Objective

Is the goal

Motivations for Terrorism

Is the motivation used to achieve the goal

1. Rational Motivation

2. Psychological Motivation

3. Cultural/Religious Motivation

War on Terror

Term used by the United States for its anti-terrorist activities after the 2001 attacks on the U.S.

Counter-Terrorism

Efforts made by the governments and international organizations to interfere with the planning, organization and carrying out of terrorist attacks

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected by law

Rational Motivation

Is the best solution that they have in their mind

Tried everything, last solution

Psychological Motivation

Psychology of the individual of where it gives the individual a sense of purpose

Counter-Terrorism Difficulties

1. Balancing Security & Civil Liberties

2. “Borderless” Nature of Terrorism

3. Funding & Resources

4. Discrimination and Profilling

Balancing Security & Civil Liberties

Governments must balance anti-terrorist methods against the need to protect civil liberties

Funding & Resources

Counterterrorism operations require significant financial and logistical support, which can strain national budget

(15% goes towards combatting terrorism)

Guns

Military Spending

(Ex: Weapons, Equipment)

Butter

Social programs

(Ex: Education, Healthcare)

“Borderless” Nature of Terrorism

Terrorist networks operate across national borders, making international cooperation essential, but challenging

Discrimination and Profiling

Governments must ensure that measures are not perceived as discriminatory against certain communities

Racial Profiling

The use of race or ethnicity as grounds for suspecting someone of having committed an offence

The Impact of Media - “Terrorism as a Theatre”

• Brain Jenkins, 1974

• Terrorists seek to reach a wide audience beyond victims of violence

• Increases psychological impact of violence

• Publicize existence and cause of terrorist(s)

• Broadcasts message aim or message of terrorist(s)

• Cause widespread fear and anxiety

Francis Fukuyama

• The End of History and the Last Man

• Globalization makes conflict less likely

• “Western Liberal Democracy, final form of human government”

• Too similar to fight (Our similarities make conflict less likely)

Samuel Huntington

• The Clash of Civilizations

• Globalization leads to conflicts and alliances

• “Globalization is a Western centred trend and, as such, is seen as a threat to other civilizations”

• The more a culture is under threat, the more they will push back. The more you’d want to retain and hold onto what is there, that is how he believes things will lead to conflict.