Political GeographyMs. Laura

Spring 2013Al-Bayan Bilingual School

How is control of the Earth’s surface divided?

How does the culture of a place influence its government?

Government and Development

There are about 200 countries in the world today.

Country- independent government with authority over territory within its borders.

Governments- ◦ free to make their own laws◦ Free to have their own leaders

Government and Development

Diplomacy- governments negotiating deals with each other in peace

Governments interact with each other-◦ For trade agreement purposes◦ For international organizations

Disputes between governments can lead to war

Government and Development

GOOD GOVERNMENTS:◦ Protect the lives of their people◦ Protect the property of their people◦ Protect the rights of their citizens◦ Protect the freedoms of their citizens

◦ By doing so, they ensure conditions for economic development and prosperity

Government and Development

UNSTABLE GOVERNMENTS:◦ Do not last long◦ Do not have much authority◦ Corruption may be a problem◦ Political leaders may use their power to benefit

only themselves/friends

Government and Development

Cultural beliefs of different groups affect how governments are set up and operate.

These cultural beliefs can influence government decisions and public policies.

Example: Cultural Belief: Business must close on a religious holiday

These cultural beliefs also affect the way a citizen sees their duties and responsibilities.

Cultural Beliefs and Government

Example:

◦ Religious Law vs. Secular Law

Cultural Beliefs and Government

3 main types of geographic boundaries separate countries from each other:◦ Natural Boundaries: boundaries that follow a

feature of the landscape; example- mountains, rivers, deserts, lakes, oceans, etc .

◦ Cultural Boundaries: boundaries that are based on culture traits, such as religion or language Example:

Muslim Pakistand/Hindu India (largely religious lines) Ireland/Northern Ireland (largely religious lines) Portugal/Spain (largely language lines)

Geographic Boundaries

Geometric Boundaries: boundaries that follow regular, geometric patterns (usually straight lines drawn without regard to environmental or cultural patterns; often based on lines of latitude or longitude)◦ Example: border between the US and Canada lies

mostly on the 49° parallel.◦ Some geometric borders can be problems as they

divide territory of different ethnic groups

Geographic Boundaries

Political Conflict- common within/among countries - WHY?

Nationalism: feeling pride/loyalty for one’s country or culture group; can be expressed in special songs, symbols, writing, etc.

◦ Competing nationalism of different groups can cause conflict with each other

◦ Differing culture traits Example- Religion (Sri Lanka: Hindus vs. Buddhists)

Conflict and Cooperation

How should people be governed?◦ Also a cause of conflict

Totalitarian Governments: one person or a few people have full authority to make laws or decisions; people have little to no say in how their country is governed.◦ Communist countries (North Korea, Cuba)

Conflict and Cooperation

Democracy: all citizens have a say in their government (people decide who will govern); leaders are chosen in free and fair elections; individual freedoms and rights are valued.

(U.S., U.K., Canada, France, etc.)

Conflict and Cooperation

Economic Issues can cause conflict:◦ Tariffs: taxes on imports and exports◦ Quotas: limits to the amount of a product that can

be imported

◦ Tariffs and quotas usually help protect a country’s industries from foreign competition but they can cause trade disputes among countries.

Conflict and Cooperation

Terrorism: use of violence and fear as a political force◦ Why?

Independence for homelands that may be part of or under control of another country

Political goals- different public/social policies

Do not usually act under authority of a particular government but some governments may protect or support terrorists with similar goals to their own.

Terrorism

Why do countries cooperate with each other?◦ Political and Economic benefits

United Nations: most important international organization; representatives of world’s countries can discuss international issues and voice their concerns Main goals:

To settle disputes To try to prevent wars To try to solve global problems: disease, hunger, illiteracy

May use peace-keeping military forces to warring regions

International Cooperation

Many countries benefit from economic cooperation and free trade◦ Can help countries produce goods at lower costs

and reach larger markets; goods can then be bought at lower prices

◦ Economic cooperation can also end or reduce tariffs and quotas

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO): works to make trade between countries fairer and easier.

International Cooperation