AP Hug

Location, Capitals, Boundaries and Political Geography

Objectives

  • Explain the difference between an enclave and exclave

  • Identify and explain the purpose of a forward capital

  • Describe the different types of boundaries and their consequences

Impact of Location

  • Location determines productivity   - Location is crucial as it directly influences the productivity of a region by determining the efficiency and availability of resources.   - Resources play an essential role in the economic capacity of a location.   - Some regions despite being small can be considered powerful due to their resource availability.

  • Landlocked countries   - Being landlocked can significantly disadvantage a country, limiting access to maritime trade routes and impact economic growth.

Enclave vs. Exclaves

  • Definitions:   - Exclave: A portion of territory of one state completely surrounded by territory of another state. An example of an exclave is Alaska, separated from the contiguous United States.   - Enclave: A territory that is entirely surrounded by the territory of another state but is politically aligned with a different country.

  • Map Reference: Reference to various countries and their positional relation highlighting enclaves and exclaves, specifically in Northern Europe including Norway, Finland, and the Baltic states.

Capitals and Political Geography

  • Capitals:   - Typically located in the core area of a country, although they can be on the edge due to urban growth.   - Often, capital cities are the largest cities in the country or significant urban centers referred to as Primate Cities.

Forward-Thrust Capital City

  • Definition: A capital city that has been deliberately sited or moved to a state’s interior, encouraging migration and development in that area.   - Examples:     - Brazil: Capital was relocated from Rio de Janeiro to Brasília.     - Nigeria: Moved capital from Lagos to Abuja.     - Kazakhstan: Shifted capital from Almaty to Astana.

Types of Boundaries and Their Consequences

  • Frontiers vs. Boundaries:   - Frontiers: Areas that are vast, uninhabited, or sparsely populated, acting as a separation between two states.   - Boundaries: Physical demarcations that bring neighboring states into direct contact.

Types of Boundaries

  1. Physical Boundaries:    - Natural physical features such as mountains and rivers.

  2. Water Boundaries:    - Governed by the Law of the Sea (1982) determining zones such as territorial waters (12 miles), contiguous zones (24 miles), and exclusive economic zones (200 miles).

  3. Relic Boundaries:    - Historical boundaries that no longer serve a function but still exist, such as those from previous political situations.

  4. Geometric Boundaries:    - These are lines drawn based on latitude and longitude and can be classified into:      - Antecedent – established before common settlement.      - Subsequent – drawn after settlement, often taking into account cultural landscapes.      - Superimposed – imposed on an area by an outside entity, often seen in colonial situations.      - Imperialism: Example of the Conference of Berlin (1884) where colonial boundaries were established.

  5. Cultural Boundaries / Religious Boundaries:    - Interfaith Boundaries: Separate areas of different religions.    - Intrafaith Boundaries: Separate groups within a single religion, commonly among denominations.

Case: Israel and Palestine

  • Demographics:   - Israel: Approximately 8 million inhabitants – 75% Jewish, 20% Arab, 5% minorities.   - Palestinians: Arabs who live in Israel.

  • Significant Historical Events:   - Post World War II:     - 1947: The United Nations passed Resolution 181 creating Israel.     - May 14, 1948: Israel declared independence; the Muslim world rejected the land division.   - Post-Creation Conflict:     - Following independence, neighboring countries (Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, etc.) invaded;     - Resulted in the creation of groups such as PLO and Hamas.

  • Current Issues:   - Palestine seeks recognition as a state and operates as a non-voting member of the U.N. with its flag displayed.   - The 1994 Oslo Peace Accords established the Palestinian Authority.   - Notably, on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched attacks against Israel, escalating conflict.

Gerrymandering

  • Definition: The process of redrawing voting district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

  • Impact on Elections: Creating 'majority-minority' districts to maximize political advantage.

  • Electoral Geography: Studies how electoral districts are formed and their political impacts.

  • Redistricting: Typically occurs every 10 years based on population changes; influenced by the political party in control.

  • Illustrative Example: How redistricting can manipulate the results to favor one party over another using differing district compositions.

  • Gerrymandering Example in the U.S.: Presentation of Maryland’s 3rd district as one of the most gerrymandered districts based on compactness index as reported by the Washington Post.

Issues Surrounding Current Gerrymandering Practices

  • Case studies from various states including Methuen, Haverhill, and Andover.

  • Examination through maps displaying gerrymandered districts and discussions on the implications of such political maneuvering.

The notes cover the significance of location in productivity and resource availability, noting how landlocked countries face economic disadvantages. Enclaves and exclaves are defined, with Alaska as an example of an exclave. Capitals typically reside in core areas, though sometimes on edges due to urban growth. Forward-thrust capital cities, like Brasília, Abuja, and Astana, encourage development in states' interiors. The distinction between frontiers and boundaries is made, with four boundary types explored: physical, water, relic, and geometric. The Israeli-Palestinian situation highlights demographic data and historical events, leading to ongoing issues of state recognition. Gerrymandering is discussed concerning electoral districts and its political impact.