1.a. The world political map of sovereign nation-states is dynamic.

State definition

An area of land of an independent country, with clear boundaries and a single-government.

What do states need to be classified as such

• Defined territory that is internationally recognised.

• Overall sovereignty over its territory.

• Government recognised by other states (usually though the UN).

• Can engage in formal international relations.

• Independent and self-governing

• A permanent population that has the right to self-determination

 

Nation definition

A large group of people with a shared, strong identity

Characteristics of nations

• Nations have: A shared culture, language, history, traditions.

• Nations do not have: Sovereignty (control) over an area. Unless they are nation-states (A nation which has a state of its own)

Sovereignty definition

Complete authority of the government over the area and its people.

Characteristics of sovereignty

To have sovereignty the government has to have authority over the people (internal sovereignty) and be recognised by other countries.

Territorial integrity definition

The principle that a state's recognised borders should not be changed by force and should remain intact.

How are states, nations, sovereignty, and territorial integrity fundamental in understanding the world's politics

They explain why the world is divided into sovereign states with recognised borders. They help us understand why disputes over identity, borders and political control lead to conflict, intervention and changing political maps.

Norms definition

the universally accepted standard of behaviour based on morals and customs used in international decisions

intervention definition

When international organisations act to resolve conflicts, challenges and crises in other states.

Examples of intervention

• Sanctions such as trade embargos

• Military action (when authorised by the UN)

• Peacekeeping missions by the UN and others such as NATO.

• Humanitarian aid from CSOs

Examples of when intervention occurs

• Human rights violations

• Civil war

• Violence between states

• Ethnic tensions and mass movement of people

• Terrorism

Geopolitics definition

The study of how geography influences political power and relationships between states.

Why is geopolitical power uneven?

• Advanced countries have the wealth and strong state apparatus to control international trade and migration.

• Supra-national organisations such as OPEC and the EU have greater power.

• Emerging and developing countries are becoming increasingly powerful.

• Low income developing countries have less money, access and control and so have little power.

• TNCs are increasingly important

• Military power (hard power) varies greatly between states.

Why is the world political map dynamic?

• Borders change through war and conflict.

• States can gain independence (e.g. South Sudan, 2011).

• States can merge or split.

• Territorial disputes continue (e.g. Kashmir, Crimea).