Unit IV Political Geography

Nation: A large group of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language.
Nation-states: A type of political entity characterized by a defined territory and recognized sovereignty.
Stateless nations: Groups that share a common identity but lack sovereignty over a specific territory.
Multinational states: States with multiple nations within their boundaries.
Multistate nations: Nations that span across the borders of multiple states.
Autonomous: Having the freedom to govern one’s own affairs.
Semiautonomous regions: Areas that have a degree of self-government but not complete autonomy, such as Native American Reservations.
Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.
Self-determination: The right of people to choose their sovereignty and international political status.
Colonialism: The practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country.
Imperialism: The policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force.
Independence movements: Efforts by a group to assert their right to self-rule.
Devolution: The transfer of power from a central government to a lower level of government.

Territoriality: The emotional connection of people and their culture to a specific land.
Neocolonialism: Using economic power to influence countries, sometimes without physical control.
Shatterbelt: Regions that are prone to conflict due to political instability and ethnic tensions.
Choke points: Strategic narrow routes or passages that control movement and access.
Forward capitals: Capitals that are relocated to achieve specific political goals.
Relic boundaries: Historical boundaries that no longer serve as formal borders but still have cultural significance.
Superimposed boundaries: Boundaries created by outside powers that disregard existing cultural landscapes.
Subsequent boundaries: Boundaries drawn after the cultural landscape has emerged, often reflecting social or ethnic divisions.
Antecedent boundaries: Boundaries drawn before the cultural landscape develops.
Geometric boundaries: Straight-line borders that do not consider physical or cultural features.
Consequent boundaries: Boundaries that correspond to cultural divides.
International boundaries: Borders between separate sovereign states.

Delimited boundary: The process of drawing boundaries on a map.
Demarcated boundary: Clearly established boundaries marked with physical signs or barriers.
Berlin Conference: A meeting among European powers in the late 1800s that divided Africa among colonial powers.
Maritime boundary: Lines that dictate the territorial waters of a state under maritime law.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): An area extending from a state's coast where it has exclusive rights to resources.
Territorial sea: The area of sea extending up to 12 nautical miles from a state's coastline, subject to its laws.
Voting district: An area where voters cast ballots in elections.
Redistricting: The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, often for political advantage (gerrymandering).
Ethnonationalism: Nationalist movements that emphasize ethnic identity.

Infrastructure: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for operation of a society.
Centripetal force: Factors that unify a nation, causing political stability.
Centrifugal force: Forces that divide a nation and can lead to conflict or disintegration.
African Union: A continental union consisting of 55 African countries aimed at fostering unity and cooperation.
Arctic Council: Addresses issues faced by Arctic governments and indigenous peoples.
NATO, EU, United Nations: Organizations aimed at promoting peace and cooperation among nations.
ASEAN: A regional organization aimed at promoting political and economic cooperation.
Supranationalism: A form of international cooperation where countries give up some independence for shared governance.
Irredentism: The political policy of reclaiming lost territory.
Terrorism: The unlawful use of violence, often targeting civilians for political purposes.
Ethnic cleansing: The deliberate removal of an ethnic group from a territory.
Ethnic separation: The process of separating different ethnic groups.
Unitary state: A state governed as a single entity.
Federal state: A state with a division of powers between central and regional governments.

Discusses the separatist movements within Spain, particularly focusing on Catalonia and its aspirations for independence.
Highlight how regional identities can lead to political tension within nation-states.

Outlines Belgium's linguistic divide into three communities:
- Flanders (Dutch-speaking)
- French community
- German-speaking community
Divided into regions:
- Flanders Region
- Brussels-Capital Region
- Wallonia Region

Discusses various separatist groups in Nigeria, such as:
- Oduduwa Republic
- Arewa Republic
Focus on claims for autonomy and independence within Nigeria.

Describes the Eritrean Independence War (1961-1991) fought against Ethiopian rule.
Key players included Eritrean rebels, the Ethiopian army, and international support from the USSR and Cuba.
Details the geographical context, including key battles and territorial claims.

Overview of East Timor (Timor-Leste) and its struggles for independence from Indonesia.
Key geographical features include:
- Dili (capital)
- Liquisa
- Savu Sea

Discusses areas of Ukraine with separatist claims, particularly Luhansk and Donetsk.
Highlights military involvement and geopolitical tensions stemming from Russian actions.
Illustrates the complex interrelations within Eastern Europe.

Outlines the partition of British India in 1947, leading to the creation of Pakistan and India.
Highlights ongoing territorial disputes in the Kashmir region with claims from Pakistan and India, leading to significant geopolitical tension.