POL - Political Geography [OVERVIEW]

Political Geography

Introduction

Welcome to the Political Geography module, where we dive into the complex topic of how people have divided, united, and controlled resources of the land and sea! Throughout this module, we will explore the dynamic interplay of cooperation and conflict among people, unraveling the factors that shape political boundaries, and understanding the impact of geography on global exchange. Get ready to embark on a journey using specific examples to unveil the stories behind nations, territories, and the political forces that shape the world we live in!

The image depicts a vintage-style world map with continents outlined in black against a light brown background. Gold-colored chess pawns are placed across the continents, connected by red lines, symbolizing global connections or strategies.

Guiding Questions 🧭

In this module, we will be unraveling these knowledge-based questions:

  1. Why are political boundaries created, and how do they evolve over time?
  2. In what ways does geography serve as an advantage or disadvantage in global exchange?
  3. What are the causes of external and internal conflicts among cultural groups, including ongoing border disputes and separatist movements?
  4. How do a variety of global power networks influence different places, countries, and regions?

Key Terms

Ethnic Sovereignty | Refers to the autonomy and self-governance of a distinct ethnic group within a larger political entity or territory. It involves the right of an ethnic community to govern itself in some ways according to its own cultural, social, and political norms, often seeking to preserve its unique identity and traditions.

Geopolitics | The study of the effects of geography, especially the political and economic aspects, on international relations and the strategic behavior of states.

Global Exchange | The interaction and trade between nations on a global scale.

Global Power Networks | Organizations and agreements influencing global politics, such as the United Nations, NAFTA, African Union, European Union, etc.

Nation | A group of people sharing common characteristics such as culture, language, history, and often a sense of identity, and who may aspire to have achieved self-governance within a specific territory.

Nation-State | A political entity where the state and nation largely overlap. Often referred to as a “country.”

Non-Governmental Organizations | NGOs |  Independent organizations working for humanitarian, environmental, or social causes (e.g., Amnesty International, World Wildlife Fund, & Doctors Without Borders).

Political Boundaries | Lines that define the borders of nations or states.

Political Sovereignty | Refers to the supreme authority and control exercised by a recognized political entity, such as a nation-state, over its territory, government, and population. It includes the ability to make and enforce laws, manage internal affairs, and engage in international relations independently, without external interference.

Separatist Movements | Efforts by a cultural or political group to gain independence or autonomy.

State | A politically organized and sovereign entity characterized by defined geographical boundaries, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Unrecognized States | Territories with a distinct political identity not widely acknowledged internationally (e.g., Palestine, Kosovo, & Taiwan).

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