Module 31

Page 1

Main Ideas

  • Review unit 4 topic 8 content for understandings of supranational organizations.

Real World Examples

  • Pay attention to the maps that illustrate the roles of these organizations.

Vocabulary

  • Familiarize yourself with relevant terminology related to these topics.

Page 2

Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide

  • Darfur Conflict: Sudan's military identified as committing acts of genocide against non-Arab African cultures in Darfur.

  • Rohingya Crisis: Ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people forced them into Bangladesh; Myanmar's government denies their citizenship.

Definition of Terrorism

  • Terrorism: Use of violence for political goals, affecting civilians and government actions through intimidation.

  • Types of Terrorism:

    • International Terrorism: Transcends national boundaries (e.g., 9/11 attacks).

    • Domestic Terrorism: Targets citizens/government within a country (e.g., Oklahoma City bombing).

    • State Terrorism: Government acts against perceived enemies.

    • Subnational Terrorism: Non-government groups act against their government (e.g., ETA in Spain).

Page 3

Balkanization

  • Definition: The disintegration of a country into smaller, often hostile units (historically linked to World War II and Poland).

Page 4

Sudan and South Sudan

  • Division: Sudan separated into two countries in 2011; South Sudan remains conflict-ridden post-independence.

Eritrea's History

  • Independence: Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after a long struggle.

  • Current Status: Eritrea is an independent nation under autocratic rule.

East Timor

  • Historical Context: Gained independence from Portugal in 1975; invaded by Indonesia, leading to a prolonged conflict.

  • Independence Achieved: Full independence in 2002; United Nations assisted in guiding that process.

Page 5

Information Technology and Governance

  • Governments increasingly control citizens' access to information for maintaining power.

  • Censorship Examples: The Great Firewall of China to manage and restrict information flow; Google’s censorship agreements within China.

Internet Challenges to Sovereignty

  • The Internet connects people globally but can undermine state authority through uncontrolled information distribution.

Page 6

Repressive Internet Policies

  • Governments (e.g., Egypt, Libya) attempted to sever internet connections during political unrest, showcasing the web's power.

Democratization

  • Transition from non-democratic to democratic governance often linked to increased internet access and communication.

Page 7

The Role of the Internet

  • The Internet can foster both democracy and oppression; its role in political movements evident during the Arab Spring.

Page 8

Growth of Supranational Organizations

  • Definition of Supranationalism: When nations voluntarily give up some sovereignty for collective goals.

  • Key Organizations: UN, EU, AU – formed to enhance cooperation in addressing global issues.

Page 9

Understanding Supranational Political Organizations

  • Features: Know the names, locations, and purposes of major supranational organizations like EU, CIS, ASEAN.

Page 10

The African Union (AU)

  • Purpose: Promote unity, economic development, and democratic governance among African countries.

Page 11

Environmental and Health Challenges

  • Global Interconnectivity: States share challenges that transcend borders, requiring collaborative action for sustainability.

Page 12

Trade Agreements

  • NAFTA/USMCA: Key regional trading blocs promoting economic cooperation among Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. through reduced trade barriers.

Page 13

NATO

  • Definition: A military alliance ensuring collective defense among its member states, critical for maintaining regional security.

Page 14

Conclusion on Devolution and Supranationalism

  • Overview of how various factors, including terrorism and ethnic complexities, challenge state sovereignty and spark questions on the effectiveness of supranational organizations.