Module+31

Main Ideas

  • Importance of maps for identifying supranational organizations.

  • Understanding the vocabulary related to these organizations is crucial.

Real-World Examples

  • Darfur Conflict: Sudan's military actions labeled by observers as genocide against distinct African cultures.

  • Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar: Denial of citizenship and persecution of the Rohingya people, leading to international court interventions.

Terrorism Overview

  • Definition: Violence against civilians to publicize a cause or intimidate.

  • Types:

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

    • Domestic Terrorism: Acted by groups within their own country (e.g., Oklahoma City bombing).

    • State Terrorism: Governments carrying out acts against perceived enemies.

    • Subnational Terrorism: Groups feeling wronged by state (e.g., ETA in Spain).

Regional Case Studies

  • Balkanization: Splitting of countries into smaller states, significantly affecting Poland historically.

  • Sudan and South Sudan: Split in 2011 marked by ongoing conflicts within South Sudan.

  • Eritrea's Independence: Gained in 1993 after a prolonged struggle against Ethiopia's control.

  • East Timor: Achieved independence from Indonesia in 2002 after a violent occupation.

Supranational Organizations

  • Definition: Political bodies that require member states to relinquish some sovereignty for collective benefits.

  • Examples:

    • United Nations (UN): Initially formed in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation.

    • European Union (EU): Political and economic union fostering member cooperation and trade.

    • African Union (AU): Aimed at promoting unity and development among African nations.

Communication Technology Impact

  • Challenges to Sovereignty: Development of the Internet and social media can both aid democracy and present risks for oppression.

  • State Responses: Governments may censor information, control internet access, or disconnect populations during periods of unrest, as seen during the Arab Spring.

  • Examples of Censorship: The Great Firewall of China regulates what citizens can access online.

Trade Agreements and Economic Cooperation

  • Regional Trading Blocs: Agreements like NAFTA (now USMCA) and ASEAN promote economic growth by reducing trade barriers among member states.

  • ASEAN Formation: Founded to promote mutual respect for sovereignty and independence among Southeast Asian nations.

Final Insights

  • Sovereignty Issues: Membership in supranational organizations can lead to debates over the loss of national sovereignty.

  • Stability and Membership: Countries face challenges maintaining sovereignty while participating in cooperative international ventures such as the UN or EU.