Chapter 8 Political Geography

The Kurds are an example of a stateless-nation. They are an ethnic group spread across multiple countries, primarily in the Middle East, but they do not have their own independent state. Despite their distinct culture, language, and history, the Kurds have faced challenges in achieving self-determination and establishing their own nation-state.

The correct answer is European colonialism because during the period of European colonialism, European powers established colonies and exerted their influence over various regions around the world. This led to the spread of European ideas, including the concept of the nation-state, to these colonies and eventually to other parts of the world. European colonialism played a significant role in disseminating European ideas and practices globally.

Spatial devolution refers to the transfer of power and decision-making to regional or local levels based on the geographical distance, remoteness, and marginal location of certain areas. This means that regions that are physically distant or isolated from the central government are more likely to have increased autonomy and self-governance. In this context, the given statement suggests that distance, remoteness, and marginal location enhance the potential for spatial devolution, as these factors contribute to the need for greater local control and decision-making.

Devolution refers to the transfer of power and authority from a central government to regional or local governments. This process allows the regional governments to have more control over their own affairs and make decisions that are specific to their needs and interests. It is a form of decentralization that aims to promote greater autonomy and self-governance at the regional level. This term is commonly used in the context of countries with a federal or decentralized political system.

During the era of colonialism, the European powers divided Africa into geometric boundaries without considering the cultural or physical landscape of the continent. These boundaries were imposed by colonial powers for their own political and economic interests, without taking into account the existing ethnic, linguistic, and tribal divisions. This artificial division of Africa into countries with straight lines on the map has had long-lasting consequences, leading to conflicts and tensions among different ethnic groups within the continent.

Yugoslavia was a multi-nation state because it was composed of multiple distinct nations or ethnic groups. It consisted of six different republics, each with its own distinct nationality, including Serbs, Croats, Slovenes, Bosniaks, Montenegrins, and Macedonians. These nations had their own languages, cultures, and identities. Yugoslavia aimed to unite these nations under one state, but ultimately failed due to ethnic tensions and conflicts. This makes it a prime example of a multi-nation state, where multiple nations coexist within a single political entity.

Yugoslavia is the correct answer because it experienced a violent devolution. In the 1990s, the country faced ethnic tensions and conflicts which ultimately led to its breakup. This breakup resulted in a series of violent wars and the creation of several new countries, including Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. The violent devolution of Yugoslavia resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement of people.

In order for a group of states to be considered supranational, at least three states need to contribute. This is because supranationalism refers to a form of international cooperation where power is delegated to an authority that is higher than individual states. With only two states, it would be a bilateral agreement, not supranational. Therefore, three is the minimum number of states required for supranationalism.

A boundary between countries is a vertical plane that cuts through the rocks below and air above because it signifies the separation between two countries in both the physical and airspace domains. This boundary is not limited to just a line on the ground or shown only on maps, but extends vertically to encompass the airspace and the underlying geological features.

The rise of the modern state idea, where territory defined society rather than society defining territory, occurred in the 1600s. This concept gained prominence during the period known as the Early Modern Era, as European nations began to consolidate power and establish centralized governments. This shift marked a departure from the feudal system and the emergence of sovereign states with defined borders. The 1600s saw the rise of influential nation-states such as France, England, and the Netherlands, which laid the foundation for the modern state system that continues to shape global politics today.