Political Geography

Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces

Attitude or force that unifies and enhances support for state Centrifugal force Centripetal forces vs. Attitude or force that unifies and enhances support for state Attitude or force that divides a state a single native language or a colonial “official” language nation-states English in India, Nigeria revived Hebrew in Israel homogeneous cultural factors Catholicism in Poland Hinduism in India patriotism, national symbols (anthems, flags, sports teams, common enemy) - 1980 Miracle on Ice many native languages – India, Canada, Nigeria or almost all African countries heterogeneous cultural factors Islam/Christianity in Nigeria “ethnicities” in Rwanda desire for self-determination in multinational states (Yugoslavia) language religion and ethnicity nationalism

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa African borders do NOT correspond to ethnic groups Legacy of imperialism Scramble for Africa SUPERIMPOSED! FIGURE 7-34

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa multilingual state interfaith conflict political corruption, competition for resources (oil, grasslands), terrorism, unequal wealth Nigeria (you should research these issues so you can provide depth)

Genocide vs. Ethnic Cleansing? intentional action to destroy a people (usually defined as an ethnic, national, racial, or religious group) in whole or in part. 6 million Jews killed by Nazis

Ethnic Conflict in Africa Rwanda Hutu vs.Tutsi ethnic divisions more “created” than real hierarchy created by colonial Belgians social construct Tutsi made “privileged” Hutus resent → take revenge in 1994 800,000 Tutsi and allies butchered over 100 days World stands by for fear of “getting involved” in a conflict it doesn’t understand, US had recently been “burned” in Somalia. “Blackhawk Down” Ethnic Conflict in Africa

Ethnic cleansing and genocide in Rwanda (1994)

Aftermath of Rwandan Genocide Ethnic conflict spills into neighboring countries failed state? a state whose political or economic system has become so weak that the government is no longer in control. “balkanized” (adj.) area that can’t stabilize due to ethnic conflict “balkanization” (n.) breakdown of state due to ethnic conflict

Genocide vs. Ethnic Cleansing? process in which a more powerful ethnic group forcibly removes a less powerful group from their territory purpose is not to subjugate, but to remove Post-WWII Europe Yugoslavian Civil War currently taking place in Myanmar as the Rohingya Muslims are being ethnically cleansed by Buddhists article posted on website

Ethnic cleansing in Europe Post - WWII Germans, Poles forced to “relocate” Goals: create USSR buffer zone Created along nation-state ideal

Ethnicities compete to dominate states in Africa Sudan Govt. in Khartoum = Arab/Muslim Darfur targeted Black Muslim Genocide or ethnic cleansing? “breakaway” South Sudan balkanized! Black, Christian/Animist Economic OIL!!!! Independent 2011 Now ethnic strife Failed state?

Other ethnicity issues in the Middle East Iraq 20% Sunni (Arabic, Saddam Hussein, oppressed/gassed other groups) 60% Shi’a (Arabic but tied to Iran, militias) 20% Kurds (non-Arabic, Sunni, national group, functions as autonomous, US-allied) US invasion unleashes centrifugal forces Sunnis now out of power become radicalized Terrorism → Al Qaeda, now ISIS

Leadership or government (be wary of morality here) Centrifugal force Centripetal forces vs. a common enemy may help to unite a people anti-British sentiment during Revolutionary War U.S. during the Cold War or after 9/11 Democracy can inspire civic participation Dictatorships can stifle dissent and other centrifugal forces Tito in Yugoslavia Communist party (USSR) Outside influences Leadership or government (be wary of morality here) (see later slides for internal govt. structure) irredentism superpower meddling (Africa, Latin America, Asia) funding rebels, etc. poor governance, corruption, inequality incompetence US???? Iran Lebanon dictatorship Arab Spring (2011 – Assad in Syria

Centrifugal force Infrastructure Shape of state (see later) and internal physical features can separate populations and lead to separatism Russia’ vastness has been a centrifugal force throughout its history Nepal’s mountains separate communities Less developed countries lack infrastructure. This may isolate areas and become a centrifugal force. Centripetal forces vs. Physical Features Infrastructure Mountain ranges, oceans, deserts etc. can limit outside influences and bind a country together Egypt along the Nile More advanced countries have things like airports, railroads and highways which allow people to remain in contact, people to move within the country, etc.