AP Human Geography Unit 4 Review

Introduction

• Review of major concepts in Unit 4.
• Accompanying study guide recommended.
• Additional resources available in the ultimate review packet.

State vs. Nation

• State: Geographic area with a permanent population, defined borders, a sovereign government, and recognized by other states.
  • Sovereign government controls domestic and international affairs.
• Nation: Group of people with a shared culture, history, homeland, and desire to govern themselves.
  • Self-determination: Right or desire for self-governance.

Political Entities

• Nation-State: Self-governing state with a uniform population, strong national identity, e.g., Japan, Iceland, South Korea.
• Multinational State: Contains multiple nations within its borders, e.g., Canada.
• Multi-State Nation: A nation that spans multiple states, e.g., Kurds, Basque.
• Stateless Nation: A nation without a recognized state, e.g., Kurds.
• Autonomous Region: Region within a state with a high degree of self-rule, e.g., Native American reservations.
• Semi-Autonomous Region: Region with moderate self-governance, e.g., Hong Kong.

Historical Concepts

• Colonialism: Acquiring territories and settling to exert control.
• Imperialism: Exerting force over nations for power without settlements.
• Decolonization: Colonies gaining independence post-WWII, especially in Africa.
• Historical boundary creation often disregarded local cultures.

Devolution

• Transfer of power from central to regional governments.
• Can result from cultural divisions, political instability, economic/social inequalities, and geographical isolation.
• Examples: UK (Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly), Spain (Basque, Catalonia).

Territoriality and Political Power

• Territoriality: Establishing and defending geographic areas.
• Neocolonialism: Indirectly influencing countries for economic/political power.
• Shatter Belts: Regions caught between conflicting larger powers, e.g., Eastern Europe during the Cold War.
• Choke Points: Geographic areas crucial for travel and commerce, e.g., Panama Canal.

Political Boundaries

• Types: Geometric, Antecedent, Relic, Superimposed, Subsequent, Consequent.
• Boundary functions: International (between sovereign states) and internal (within a state).
• Boundary disputes: Definitional, locational, operational, allocational.

Governance and Sovereignty

• Unitary States: Centralized power, e.g., nation-states.
• Federal States: Distributed power between national and regional governments, e.g., USA.
• Supranational Organizations: Alliances for common goals; can challenge state sovereignty.
  • Examples: UN, NATO, EU, ASEAN.

Centripetal and Centrifugal Forces

• Centripetal Forces: Unite people, e.g., patriotism, shared history.
• Centrifugal Forces: Divide people, e.g., cultural differences, economic inequalities.
• Can lead to failed states or ethnic nationalist movements.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to use additional resources for better understanding.
• Take practice quizzes and review exclusive materials for exam preparation.