Introduction to Political Geography - AP Human Geography

The area of sea around a country's coast recognized as under that country's jurisdiction. Typically extends 12 nautical miles from coastline.

A region caught between stronger colliding external forces. Often experiences political instability and conflict.

The study of the spatial organization of political processes. Examines how politics and power are organized across space and place.

A boundary that evolves as the cultural landscape takes shape. Develops after settlement patterns are established.

A political unit with a permanent population and defined territory. Must have sovereignty, government, and recognized boundaries.

A state whose territory corresponds to that occupied by a nation. Ideal match between political boundaries and cultural identity.

The authority of a state to govern itself. Supreme power within a territory, free from external control.

A nation is a cultural entity; a state is a political entity. Nations share culture; states have political control over territory.

A state containing multiple nations within its borders. Examples include Canada, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

A nation lacking a sovereign state of its own. Examples include Kurds, Palestinians, and Basques.

A political movement to reclaim a lost homeland. Often leads to territorial disputes and conflicts.

A force that divides people and countries. Creates instability and threatens national unity.

A force that unifies people and enhances support for a state. Promotes stability and strengthens national identity.

An invisible line marking the extent of a state's territory. Separates one political unit from another.

A state with a division of power between central and local governments. Examples include the United States, Canada, and Germany.

A state governed as a single entity with central authority. Examples include France, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political gain. Creates unfair electoral advantages for specific parties.

The transfer of power from central to regional governments. Can lead to increased autonomy or even independence movements.

The connection of people, their culture, and their economic systems to land. Creates emotional attachment and sense of belonging to place.

The study of the effects of geography on politics and relations. Geographic location influences political power and strategy.

A geopolitical concept that suggests control of Eastern Europe leads to control of the world. Developed by Halford Mackinder in early 20th century.

An entity composed of multiple countries that forgo some sovereignty for mutual benefit. Examples include the European Union and United Nations.

A capital city relocated for economic or strategic reasons. Examples include Brasília, Islamabad, and Astana.

A small neutral country situated between two larger hostile countries. Serves as a protective zone between rival powers.

The right of a nation to govern itself autonomously. Fundamental principle in international law and democracy.

A very small sovereign state with a small population and area. Examples include Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino.

A state without direct access to an ocean or sea. Must rely on neighbors for access to maritime trade.

A boundary that no longer exists but has left a mark on the cultural landscape. Examples include the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain.

A state that completely surrounds another state. South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho.