4.8-4.10 Presentation

4.8 Defining Devolutionary Factors

I. Introduction to Devolutionary Factors

  • Definition of Devolution: Devolution refers to the transfer of political power from the central government to subnational levels of governance, primarily following regional lines.

  • Factors Leading to Devolution:

    • Physical geography

    • Ethnic separatism

    • Ethnic cleansing

    • Terrorism

    • Economic and social issues

    • Irredentism

II. Causes of Devolution

A. General Causes of Devolution

  1. Division of Powers:

    • Powers within a state can be divided between national and subnational levels, including:

      • Administrative powers

      • Judicial powers

      • Legislative powers

    • The division of powers varies by country influenced by whether the state operates under a unitary or federal system.

  2. Forces Leading to Devolution:

    • Factors that can lead to or accelerate the devolution process include:

      • Physical geography

      • Ethno-linguistic divisions

      • Terrorism

      • Economic factors

      • Social conditions

B. Physical Geography

  1. Physical geography plays a crucial role in promoting isolation, which can increase the likelihood of separatist movements advocating for devolution.

  2. Example: Kurdish Region

    • Characteristics:

      • Landlocked

      • High dependence on neighboring countries for trade

      • Dominated by high mountains that create navigational difficulties

C. Ethnic Separatism

  1. Ethnic separatism often emerges along regional lines within states where ethnic groups and minorities are concentrated in specific areas.

  2. Results in:

    • Emergence of independence movements.

    • Possible government granting autonomy to avoid separation.

  3. Examples: Basque and Catalan in Spain

    • Key points:

      • Both groups are culturally and linguistically distinct.

      • The intensity of separatism may increase with government regulation, suggesting that providing more autonomy can lead to fewer desires for independence.

D. Ethnic Cleansing

  1. Separatist or independence movements can escalate to ethnic cleansing rather than peaceful devolution.

  2. Definition: Ethnic cleansing refers to the forced removal of a minority ethnic group from a territory, often involving violence.

  3. Example: The breakup of Yugoslavia (1991)

    • Causes:

      • Escalation of long-standing ethnic tensions.

    • Consequences:

      • Hundreds of thousands perished in the ethnic clashes among Serbs, Bosnians, and other groups.

      • Emergence of several independent countries.

III. Challenges to Sovereignty

A. Overview of Sovereignty Challenges

  1. Devolution challenges state sovereignty as it fragments states into autonomous regions or disintegrates them.

  2. Examples of Fragmentation:

    • Autonomous regions within Spain, Belgium, Canada, and Nigeria.

    • Disintegration examples included Sudan and the former Soviet Union.

  3. Advancements in Technology:

    • Communication technology advancements facilitate devolution and create challenges to sovereignty.

B. Global Efforts and Supranationalism

  1. Globalization leads to increased collaboration among states to address transnational issues, fostering supranationalism.

  2. Definition of Supranationalism: An alliance involving three or more states whereby each forfeits some degree of sovereignty in pursuit of shared goals.

  3. Supranational organizations aim for mutual benefits in various areas including:

    • Economic development

    • Cultural preservation

    • Political stability

    • Military protection

  4. Types of supranational organizations include:

    • United Nations (UN): Focus on international peace and security.

    • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): A military alliance.

    • European Union (EU): Promotes human rights, trade, and development among member states.

    • World Trade Organization (WTO): Regulates international trade.

IV. Supranational Organizations

A. Overview of Key Organizations

  1. World Health Organization (WHO):

    • Goal: Attainment of the highest possible health level for all peoples.

    • Members: 194 member states.

    • Founded: 1948.

  2. European Union (EU):

    • Goal: Promotion of human rights, trade, development, and humanitarian aid.

    • Members: 27 member states.

    • Founded: 1993.

  3. World Trade Organization (WTO):

    • Goal: To facilitate and regulate international trade.

    • Members: 164 member states.

    • Founded: 1995.

  4. International Monetary Fund (IMF):

    • Goal: Foster global monetary cooperation and secure financial stability.

    • Members: 190 member states.

    • Founded: 1944.

B. Environmental Organizations

  1. Arctic Council:

    • Goal: Promote cooperation among Arctic countries and indigenous communities regarding environmental protection.

    • Members: 8 member states.

    • Founded: 1996.

V. Centrifugal and Centripetal Forces

A. Centrifugal Forces

  1. Definition: Centrifugal forces are factors that divide people within a state.

    • Examples:

      • Differing religions

      • Differing languages

      • Unstable governments

      • Internal conflicts

      • Physical geography (barriers)

  2. Consequences of Centrifugal Forces:

    • Failed states

    • Uneven development

    • Stateless nations

    • Ethnic nationalist movements

    • Ethnic tensions or violence.

B. Centripetal Forces

  1. Definition: Centripetal forces are factors that unite people within a state.

    • Examples:

      • Shared religions

      • Shared languages

      • Stable governments

      • Responses to external threats

      • Lack of physical barriers (mountains, rivers)

  2. Consequences of Centripetal Forces:

    • Promotes ethnonationalism

    • Encourages equitable infrastructure development

    • Enhances cultural cohesion

    • Fosters economic growth and technological advancements.

VI. Summary and Understanding

Check for Understanding

  1. How can physical geography lead to devolution?

  2. How can ethnic separatism lead to devolution?

  3. How can ethnic cleansing result from ethnic separatism?

  4. How do advances in communication technology challenge state sovereignty?