Chap 8 Political
Geography
Quick Chapter Overview
• We talked about Nation vs State vs
Country and used George Demko’s
definitions, I find this a better set of tools
then provided by Rubenstein. Make sure
you know Demko’s definitions, review that
powerpoint
8.1
The definition here of a State is similar to
Demko’s but not as complete, read this
and compare with Demko’s in the
Powerpoint using Japan as an illustration
8.2 Challenges in Defining
States
• A good bit of the globe is still up for grabs
• Russia recently planted its flag on the
seabed below the North Pole.
• Also refer back to the powerpoint layingout Demko’s definitions
• Look ahead to section on colonies
Anacrtica: Not a
Soveriegn State –
at least not for
now
8.3 Development of
States
As you read about ancient states and city
states does this make you reconsider how
you think about Afghanistan or Somolia?
Is tribalism still strong in these places?
Note that most European nation-states were
created mainly in the 19th and 20th
centuries.
Ancient city states and empires strongly linked to the environment
(i.e. food production)
8.4 Nation-States &
Multinational States
• Under Demko and Ethnicity we discussed
much of this. Please review
8.5
Review the three reasons for establishing
colonies.
Note that number two was the most
important
Note that most current colonies are rather
small isolated islands.
8.6 Boundaries
Physical and cultural features and geometric
have mainly been used to create political
boundaries. This practice has both pluses
and minuses, what might these be?
Such boundaries may or may not reflect
cultural boundaries.
Mountain Boundaries
Mo
Historical Instability of
Desert Boundaries
Geometric Boundaries
Cultural Boundaries
Surrounded Countries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V
ui-qGCfXuA&feature=kp
8.7 Shape
The shape and location of a state both
represents a historical heritage and
indicates possible challenges to future
stability. Why?
Elongated State
Fragmented State
Perforated State
Prorupted States
Compact
States
8.8 Governing States
Know the difference between
• Democracy—Anocracy—Autocracy
• And the three elements related to them
What is the difference between a unitary
and federal state? What is the US and
why? What about Canada or China?
http://www.systemicpeace.org/warlist/warlist.htm
Why is
Africa so
fragile?
What are the
5 reasons
given?
8.9
All you need to know about how
“representative government” works or
doesn’t work. Recently Californians voted
to end Gerrymandering. Texas on the
other hand is Gerrymanders paradise at
present.
The Original Gerrymander
Review the
various tricks for
modern
Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering Explained – click and watch this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mky11UJb9AY&list=PLqs5
ohhass_TF9mg-mqLie7Fqq1-FzOQc&index=7
Booo… no Gerrymandering in
Iowa
Hurrah!!!
Gerrymandering is
not an threatened
species inTexas,
Florida or Georgia
2008 California stopped Gerrymandering!!!
In November 2008, California
voters passed Proposition 11,
authorizing a state redistricting
commission.[
While the long-term results will
bear out over time,
independent studies by the
Public Policy Institute of
California, the National
Journal, and Ballotpedia have
shown that California now has
some of the most competitive
districts in the nation, creating
opportunities for new elected
officials.
Now the Supreme Court has weighed in
Even
Florida is
changing
Gerrymandering and
Legislatures
• Did you ever wonder why a national party
could lose the presidency but win the
House of Representatives -- one possible
cause (although not the only one) is
Gerrymandering.
8.10
Supra-National organizations, is this the
wave of the future in a globalizing world?
8.11 & 12
Terrorism, one way that nonstate entities attempt to
effect state activities. Are
there others?
State sponsored terriorism –
Libya had been highly
involved before the Arab
Spring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNu8XDBSn10&list=UU2C_jShtL725hvbm1arSV9w