Chapter 21Chapter 21GeopoliticsGeopolitics

The Nation StateThe Nation State

The Nation StateThe Nation State

An independent nation of people who An independent nation of people who have adopted a unique common have adopted a unique common identity and who live together under identity and who live together under one government within a defined one government within a defined geographical area.geographical area.

SovereigntySovereignty

The nation state possesses sovereignty The nation state possesses sovereignty (the ability to create policies and enforce (the ability to create policies and enforce laws within its borders without laws within its borders without interference from other nations).interference from other nations).

Recent nations which have gained Recent nations which have gained sovereignty include East Timor (May 20, sovereignty include East Timor (May 20, 2002), Montenegro (June 3, 2006), Serbia 2002), Montenegro (June 3, 2006), Serbia (June 5, 2006), Kosovo (February 17, (June 5, 2006), Kosovo (February 17, 2008), South Sudan (2011).2008), South Sudan (2011).

Formation of Nation States

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Pre

-100

0

1000

- 1

599

1600

- 1

799

1800

- 1

899

1900

- 1

950

1951

- 1

970

1976

- 1

999

Period

Nu

mb

er o

f N

atio

n S

tate

sNorthern & WesternEurope

Middle East & NorthAfrica

Central & SouthernAfrica

Central, Eastern, andSouthern Europe

Americas

Asia & Oceania

#3) How does the modern nation state #3) How does the modern nation state differ from empires or kingdoms?differ from empires or kingdoms?

Clearly marked/static boundaries vs Clearly marked/static boundaries vs shifting borders depending on success in shifting borders depending on success in the previous conflict. (Alsace-Lorraine)the previous conflict. (Alsace-Lorraine)

Unique common identity vs groups of Unique common identity vs groups of constantly changing cultures (Austro-constantly changing cultures (Austro-Hungarian Empire)Hungarian Empire)

Leader changes at the will of the Leader changes at the will of the electorate vs single ruler as member of a electorate vs single ruler as member of a dynasty (Tsar among others was dynasty (Tsar among others was appointed by God)appointed by God)

#4) Geography and the USSR/USA I#4) Geography and the USSR/USA I

ContainmentContainment was a policy to limit was a policy to limit the influence and spread of the influence and spread of communism;communism;

economic aid of Marshall Plan,economic aid of Marshall Plan, military alliances NATO & SEATO,military alliances NATO & SEATO, military support in Vietnam, Korea, military support in Vietnam, Korea,

AfghanistanAfghanistan

#4) Geography and the USSR/USA II#4) Geography and the USSR/USA II

SpheresSpheres of influence: areas in which of influence: areas in which countries have special political and countries have special political and economic interests.economic interests.

Encroaching into a nation’s sphere of Encroaching into a nation’s sphere of influence may cause influence may cause political/economic/military retaliation.political/economic/military retaliation.

NATO vs WARSAW PACTNATO vs WARSAW PACT Cuban missile crisis,Cuban missile crisis, Kashmir (India/Pakistan) is a conflict to Kashmir (India/Pakistan) is a conflict to

establish a sphere of influence.establish a sphere of influence.

#4) Geography and the USSR/USA III#4) Geography and the USSR/USA III

SpaceSpace, with increasing technological , with increasing technological advancement, became another area of advancement, became another area of competition.competition.

The ability of explore beyond the planet’s The ability of explore beyond the planet’s limits became a symbol of the superiority limits became a symbol of the superiority of the communist or democratic system.of the communist or democratic system.

Billions of dollars were spent on this Billions of dollars were spent on this symbolism but many important symbolism but many important discoveries resulted…discoveries resulted…

The following are all derived from NASA The following are all derived from NASA inventions for the US Space Program:inventions for the US Space Program:

Kidney dialysis machines Kidney dialysis machines Computer-Aided Tomography (CAT) scanComputer-Aided Tomography (CAT) scanMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Freeze-dried foodFreeze-dried foodCordless power tools & appliances Cordless power tools & appliances Disposable diapersDisposable diapersRotary blood pumpRotary blood pumpFiber opticsFiber opticsSatellite dishSatellite dishBar codesBar codesEar thermometerEar thermometerFire-resistant fabricsFire-resistant fabricsSmoke detectorSmoke detectorThermal gloves and bootsThermal gloves and boots

(according to Yahoo answers)(according to Yahoo answers)

#5) UN reluctance to intervene in internal #5) UN reluctance to intervene in internal conflicts, why a problem?conflicts, why a problem?

Voting nations’ sovereignty could then be Voting nations’ sovereignty could then be violated,violated,

Possibility of loss of support from other Possibility of loss of support from other member states.member states.

Problem because;Problem because; Minorities have suffered,Minorities have suffered, Dictatorships have terrorized populations,Dictatorships have terrorized populations, Genocides have occurred (Rwanda, Genocides have occurred (Rwanda,

Yugoslavia) Yugoslavia)