Geography of Borders and Boundaries

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to borders, boundary types, and international law as discussed in the lecture.

Boundary

A boundary is not just a line but extends vertically up and down, encompassing resources and airspace, defined by international law.

Geometric Boundary

A geometric boundary is a straight line drawn using latitude and longitude, often disregarding natural features.

Physical Political Boundary

A physical political boundary is defined by a geographic feature, like a river or mountain, agreed upon by both states.

Antecedent Boundary

An antecedent boundary exists before humans placed a line on the map, often based on cultural agreements.

Subsequent Boundary

A subsequent boundary is established after a conflict, typically drawn as a result of negotiations or war outcomes.

Superimposed Boundary

A superimposed boundary is a border created by an external power without consideration of existing cultural or ethnic boundaries.

Relic Boundary

A relic boundary is a former boundary that no longer functions as a political division but leaves cultural remnants.

UNCLOS

UNCLOS, or the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, defines the rights countries have over maritime zones and resources.

Territorial Sea

The territorial sea extends 12 nautical miles from the shore, giving a country complete control over that area.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

The EEZ extends from 12 to 200 nautical miles offshore, granting a country exclusive rights to resources in that zone.

High Seas

High seas refer to waters beyond 200 nautical miles, which are open for all to use without any state control.

Contested Border

A contested border is a border over which two or more groups disagree about its location or sovereignty.

Allocational Boundary Dispute

An allocational boundary dispute involves conflicts over resources located near or within border areas.

Operational Boundary Dispute

An operational boundary dispute arises when two parties disagree on how the border should be managed or enforced.

Locational Boundary Dispute

A locational boundary dispute occurs when there is disagreement on where exactly the border lies.

Definitional Dispute

A definitional dispute occurs when the parties involved have differing interpretations of the legal agreements defining the border.

Senkaku Islands

The Senkaku Islands are an area of contested territorial claims between China and Japan, primarily due to resource rights.

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a physical barrier that represented a relic boundary between East and West Berlin during the Cold War.

Rio Grande

The Rio Grande River serves as a natural physical boundary between the United States and Mexico.

Kurdish Boundary Issue

The Kurdish people desire to create an independent state, leading to conflict over territory in four different countries.

Geopolitical Conflict

Geopolitical conflict arises from competition over land, resources, and national sovereignty among states.