Mr. Sin Channel Lecture: Political Processes

Overview

• Historical expansion of states
• Colonialism vs. Imperialism
• Impact on global structure
• Modern implications
• Devolution and Balkanization

Historical Expansion of States

• States historically expanded by taking over other territories.
• Colonial era: nations established colonies worldwide.
• Colonies imposed political, economic, and cultural principles.

Colonialism vs. Imperialism

• Colonialism:
  • Establishing settlements known as colonies.
  • Involves claiming and settling territories.
• Imperialism:
  • Exerting force for economic/political power.
  • Does not involve creating settlements.
• Relationship: Imperialism often drives colonialism.

Global Impact of Colonialism and Imperialism

• Spread of religions, languages, and cultures.
• Creation of new countries; reshaping political boundaries.
• Forced migration and slavery (e.g., Atlantic slave trade).
• Power imbalances between core and peripheral countries.
• Former colonies face economic dependency on former rulers.

Historical Example: Berlin Conference

• European powers colonized Africa, creating arbitrary borders.
• Disregarded ethnic, linguistic, cultural groups.
• Infrastructure set to be dependent on Europe.
• Independence led to conflicts due to diverse ethnic groups.

Ethnic Map of Africa by George Murdoch

• Demonstrates the mismatch between political and ethnic boundaries.
• Conflicts within states often align with ethnic boundaries.
• Resource access (e.g., rivers) also contributes to conflicts.

Decolonization

• Movement for former colonies to gain independence.
• Still existing non-self-governing territories (per UN).

Devolution vs. Balkanization

• Devolution:
  • Shift of power from central to regional governments.
  • Example: UK granting authority to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.
• Balkanization:
  • Separation of a state into multiple states.
  • Example: Yugoslavia's breakup post-Tito.

Practice and Resources

• Review questions provided for self-assessment.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more educational content.

Additional Resources

• Ultimate review packet for AP Human Geography.
• Further readings on Yugoslavia's collapse available in video description.

End of Lecture Notes