powers and borders Flashcards

Question

what is geopolitics

Answer 1

involves the global balance of political power and international relations geopolitical power is very uneven across the world

Answer 2

appropriate type of intervention? which countries and organisations should be involved? number and type of personnel deployed and their safety? estimates/sources of financial costs? impacts on the country/neighbouring areas concerned? is the intervention essential/sanctioned by the UN?

Answer 3

the interaction, co-operation and co-ordination of all organisations involved, at every scale, including the state government

Answer 4

the term encompasses all types of intervention: economic, military, the humanitarian work of CSOs including NGOs, and reinforcement of a growing number of positive societal and political norms, laws and treaties

Answer 5

the current system of nation-states with clearly defined political boundaries is based on this model this system was established in the seventeenth century on the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the sovereign equality of all states a state cannot violate the sovereignty or territory of another state because, in this respect, all are equal

Answer 6

contested territory separatism factional or sectarian tensions transnational movements of terrorist and extremist activity legacy of colonialism contested maritime boundaries

Answer 7

russia's annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Ukraine

Answer 8

where political and ethnic conflict challenge sovereignty and territorial integrity, for example, in the Middle East and North Africa

Answer 9

where movements of foreign fighters, oil, weapons and military supplies across international borders have threatened territorial integrity and sovereign control of countries, eg Turkey and Syria

Answer 10

many countries, especially LIDCs, have become reliant on TNCs to integrate their economy into the global economy, and to encourage development. In doing so, TNCs have brought many benefits to poorer countries

Answer 11

in the last two decades, many TNCs have expanded their operations regardless of state boundaries such is their economic power that some nation-states have in part lost control territory, work force, environment, and in some instances, their own political decision-making

Answer 12

for pursuing their own profit-making interests at a cost to the countries in which they have invested, for example abusing human rights, which challenges sovereignty

Answer 13

Nike Its stated aims are now to shed this reputation and conform to guidelines published in its policies on human rights, labour conditions, equality, and environmental sustainability

Answer 14

commitment and initiative of a corporation to assess and take responsibility for its social and environmental impact. this includes its ethical behaviour towards the quality of life of its work force, their families and local communities, and its contribution to economic development and the natural environment large TNCs like Nike attempt to achieve their corporate social responsibility and apply the ten principles of the UN Global Compact By incorporating these principles into their strategies, TNCs uphold their responsibilities and reduce any challenge they might pose to sovereign state authority

Answer 15

initiative that invites companies to align their strategies and operations according to universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and to take actions that advance societal goals

Answer 16

within supranational institutions, member states retain their sovereignty: they are independent countries, have equal rights, and exercise exclusive control over, and responsibility for, their citizens but, having achieved membership, they are bound to the requirements of the supranational body, including any treaties they sign in this respect, member states are said to 'surrender' some aspects of their sovereignty since they must comply with the international or regional laws of these institutions

Answer 17

the ability to address transnational issues such as air and water pollution and international crime economic and trade advantages such as protection of industry by common tariff and access to a large European market

Answer 18

states are required to implement EU laws and decisions even if they did not vote for them they cannot pass laws in the interests of their own state if they conflict with those of the EU the 19 members of the Eurozone have additional financial restrictions as being unable to set their own interest rates, and being forced to accept harsh austerity measures and contribute to large bail-out funds, as for Greece's debt crisis in 2015

Answer 19

a sovereign state may include more than one ethnic group within its territory: South Sudan is estimated to include 60 different ethnic groups or indigenous tribes, of which the Dinka and Nuer peoples are the largest a single ethnic group may be partitioned by modern state borders: eg Kurdistan extends across five states in Southwest Asia, and the Tuareg homeland stretches across five states in North and West Africa. In each instance, national borders bear little resemblance to these areas of common culture and ethnicity

Answer 20

challenges to the territorial integrity of a state come from ethnic groups that have strong identity, culture and political organisation, and demand full independence to create a new state. Eg the Tuareg in Mali claim independence and the right to self-determination in Azawad

Answer 21

challenges to the sovereignty of a state occur where internal conflict between ethnic groups results in a government being unable to protect all its citizens conflict between the Dinka and Nuer has been fuelled by political differences between leaders and politicians that originate from these different ethnic groups in South Sudan

Answer 22

the Basque country straddles the international border of northern Spain and southwest France. has a population of more than 3.1 million basque people have a distinctive culture, including a unique language, Euskara, which is taught in schools. the Basques have a strong tradition of independence and they have achieved political autonomy, including the Basque parliament

Answer 23

Basque nationalists have demanded the right to self-determination and even full independence from France and Spain. the movement ETA has carried out violent acts in the past. This has been in the face of a history of suppression of Basque identity by the French and Spanish governments, who see this as a threat to their sovereign power and potentially their territorial integrity following the ETA ceasefire in 2011, protests by Basque separatists have been peaceful; this includes actions of **the Ernai group** that continues to support Basque independence, the right to self-determination and territorial unity

Answer 24

classified by the World Bank as a lower-middle-income economy. GDP per capita has been falling in recent years its population of 44.5 million in 2015 is also in decline as a result of net migration loss and natural decrease

Answer 25

ukraine gained independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 since then, democracy, civil liberty, economic reform and prosperity have been difficult to achieve.

Answer 26

geographical position: between Russia and the countries of the EU internal political division: Russian-speaking provinces in the east and the Ukrainian-speaking west ethnic disparities: the two main ethnic groups are Ukrainian (77.8%) and Russian (17.3%) inability to build a common national identity and develop strong state mechanisms: there has been endemic corruption, attempts to rig an election, unpopular government policies, and demonstrations, some of which have been extremely violent

Answer 27

the serious civil unrest in 2013, which resulted from the Yanukovych government's failure to sign the EU Association Agreement on trade and cooperation with the EU in favour of closer economic ties with russia the invasion and annexation of Crimea, an autonomous republic of Ukraine, in 2014 by Russia following shortly after the election of the pro-west Poroshenko government. there has been military conflict in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists have been supported by Russia providing manpower, weaponry and finance

Answer 28

needs to develop an electoral system which is fair, transparent and reliable the judicial system needs to be more capable of dealing with criminal activity, such as smuggling and corruption currently there are human rights issues that need to be resolved, especially concerning IDPs as a result of military conflict ukraine needs to become more energy dependent, reducing energy dependence on Russia

Answer 29

approx 1.47 million of the 5.2 million inhabitants of the Lugansk and Donetsk oblasts are IDPs, having fled their homes since April 2014; **a further 600,000 moved to neighbouring countries, mostly to Russia, as residential areas came under fire** **evacuees have moved to dormitories in summer camps**, disused huts in pinewoods and villages, and a sanatorium in Svetagorsk. their lack of income, poor quality of shelter, and poor access to health care and food have **added to the vulnerability of the many old and young and disabled** there have been **7000 deaths** and 13,900 injuries, including 298 people shot down in a civilian aircraft the town of Debaltseve has been bombed, causing damage to housing, services, places of work, communications and livelihoods. located on the highway linking other rebel strongholds of Donetsk and Lugansk, it is a strategically important rail link for goods from Russia. Those who stay, sheltering in basements, have no power or heating

Answer 30

**donetsk airport** has been the scene of heavy fighting. rockets were fired on the ukraine military HQ at Kromatorsk donbass industrial and residential areas have suffered loss of power, water supply and gas industrial plants have been damaged, **including the coal mine at Zasyodko, the Makiyvka chemical works**, an oil refinery, and the explosives factory and Petrovske areas of steppes and forests, usually prone to fire in the dry summer, have been burning more than usual. Movement of heavy vehicles has damaged nature reserves

Answer 31

economic sanctions by the EU and the USA have been effective in leading to increased prices and a drop in value of the rouble in Russia NATO has increased its strength in potentially vulnerable former Soviet states on the Baltic

Answer 32

unjust treatment of citizens; including limited opportunity to be represented in government competition for the same, or scarce, natural resources, such as water supply, agricultural land, or oil suppression or marginalisation of people by a state government such as those seeking autonomy, independence and self-determination government failure to protect its citizens from violation of human rights persecution of people for their religious or political beliefs ethnic conflict within a state invasion of a state by another, including annexation of an area government failure, through poor management or deliberate act, to supply basic human needs such as food, education and healthcare

Answer 33

The Institute for Economics and Peace has ranked countries according to a composite score based on 23 different 'peace' indicators. these are grouped into three main categories: militarisation; safety and security; and domestic and internal conflicts. in 2019, the four most peaceful countries were Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal and Austria The four least peaceful were Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen

Answer 34

sovereignty over Kashmir has been contested between Pakistan and India since the partition of India in 1947 periodic firing across the border by both countries has caused deaths of military personnel and internal displacement of thousands of poor farmers and their families troops are even stationed high in the Karakoram Range at over 6000m to control territory of the Siachen Glacier, a major source of the River Indus

Answer 35

although there are ethnic, cultural and religious differences, water insecurity is at the heart of the Kashmir dispute the Indus is a very important natural resource to both countries for irrigation and hydro-electric power. mediated by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 shared the waters of the Indus and is still in force. But Pakistan, occupying the lower part of the Indus Basin, complains that India adversely affects its water supplies, damming the upper tributaries which flow through the parts of Kashmir under Indian control

Answer 36

the rapid growth of their populations, increasing demand for water the water resource itself depleting as global warming causes Himalayan glaciers to retreat

Answer 37

founded in 1945 an international organisation of 193 elected member states

Answer 38

to achieve worldwide peace and security to develop good relations between nations to foster co-operation among nations

Answer 39

in 2021, there were 12 peacekeeping missions they were backed by the legal and political authority of the UN Security Council, the UN Secretariat departments that carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of the UN, the support of the host country, and the use of personnel and finance contributed by member states the UN has the important role of co-ordinating the input of all organisations involved in areas of conflict

Answer 40

NATO is an alliance of European and North American countries. Its purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its 30 members through political and military means

Answer 41

NATO promotes democratic values and encourages consultation and co-operation on defence and security issues to help prevent conflict

Answer 42

NATO attempts to achieve peaceful resolution of disputes. If diplomatic measures are ineffective, it has the military capacity and mandate needed to undertake crisis management operations either alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organisations

Answer 43

peacekeeping preventative diplomacy and mediation delivering humanitarian aid settling disputes between states via International Court of Justice Counter-terrorism treaty-making upholding international law disarmament

Answer 44

after WW2, the aim of the EU was to foster economic co-operation on the understanding that international trade between member countries would enhance economic interdependence, making them more likely to avoid conflict in addition, today the EU has an important security role, providing forces from member states on an ad hoc basis for rapid response operations. this is achieved by OSCE

Answer 45

Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe the work of OSCE includes conflict prevention and resolution through border management, arms control, promoting human rights etc.

Answer 46

they work in co-operation with global institutions, national and local governments, and citizens resident in local communities within the conflict zones. this includes: - provision of humanitarian relief including health care, medicine, education, food and water - monitoring the situation and providing early warnings of any new violence - organising direct mediation and open dialogue between adversarial parties - promoting basic human rights

Answer 47

a written international agreement between two or more states and/or international organisations states that sign and ratify a treaty are bound to it by international law

Answer 48

'The Convention on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction' by 2020, 164 countries had signed or ratified this legally binding agreement it remains open for signature by others including China, India, Russia and the USA

Answer 49

**it defines the responsibilities of states in their conduct with each other and treatment of their citizens** in terms of conflict, there are laws relating to human rights, disarmament, refugees, nationality issues, treatment of prisoners, use of force, and conduct of war

Answer 50

cyber conflict is an increasing risk and a threat to sovereignty in our highly interconnected world. six new norms relating to cyber security have been suggested by Microsoft the development of international cyber security norms is an important step in limiting potential conflict and protecting national security

Answer 51

intervention + providing assistance in conflict zones (eg the UN missions and the involvement of regional organisations eg NATO) requires the movement of personnel into conflict zones and transfer of finances donated by member states in some instances, this amounts to more than 10,000 people and over US$1 billion per UN mission per year in addition, the input of NGOs requires flows of staff, volunteers and aid workers into conflict zones plus flows of financial aid from fund raising and donations. The money pays for operating costs such as equipment, transport and administration

Answer 52

ideas are exchanged in planning and carrying out intervention strategies consultation between organisations involved, including flows of intelligence, are inherently important in effective governance of conflict flows of ideas and information are a feature of bilateral and multilateral meetings of governments, UN conferences, etc.

Answer 53

there is increasing dependence on technology in peacekeeping. the advanced technology of the military eg satellite imagery, remotely controlled drones and weaponry is used for surveillance and air strikes the growth of modern ICT enables information to be supplied via the internet, international databases and the media communications via mobile telephony and web-based social network are indispensable for transnational networking in the monitoring of behaviour and in conflict management

Answer 54

the world's newest sovereign state gained independence from Sudan in 2011 a landlocked country in east-central Africa population of 15 million in 2020

Answer 55

since independence, it has become one of the least peaceful countries and most fragile states there has been political instability, civil war, ethnic rivalry, and poor governance in 2013, the political infighting between President Kiir, a Dinka, and Vice-President Machar, a Nuer, turned into serious armed conflict with an ethnic component

Answer 56

people's livelihoods have been destroyed; most of the population relies on substinence agriculture 2 million IDPs and 2.2 million refugees estimated 7 million people require humanitarian assistance. most of these are women and children who have been subjected to gender-based violence and forced labour, including child soldiers and sex trafficking government investment has focused on defence and security rather than on sectors that would help reduce poverty recent UN reports of ethnic cleansing in different parts of the country

Answer 57

the WHO implements strategies to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates, prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases (eg cholera), strengthen the country's health systems and address environmental and social determinants of health

Answer 58

aims to protect civilians, monitor human rights, support implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement and support delivery of humanitarian assistance it has sent over 16,000 personnel (including 14,000 troops and 2000 police) and had a budget of US$1.27 million for 2019/20.

Answer 59

This UN body serves as humanitarian co-ordinator for UN agencies, NGOs, regional organisations such as IGAD, and the South Sudanese government Its role is to improve the effectiveness of the international response by negotiating access within each state, mobilising the funding and monitoring progress

Answer 60

By 2020, a 'revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity' had been formed following a power-sharing agreement between Kiir and the rebel parties, including Machar this brought the prospect of co-operation and peace in South Sudan IGAD played an important role in mediating this process

Answer 61

peace has been jeopardised by Kiir and Machar disagreeing on sharing control of the country's ten states there have been UN reports of looting of humanitarian supplies by armed youth groups, roadside attacks interfering with aid operations, mismanagement of government spending on services, government officials pillaging public funds, etc nevertheless, UN agencies and NGOs are attempting to interact with government departments over issues such as food, shelter and human rights protection

Answer 62

a platform through which NGOs, national government, the UN and donors can share info, establish state-level co-ordination and develop guidelines for effective aid strategies

Answer 63

263 national NGOs, such as Upper Nile Youth Development Organisation and Grass-Rooted Integrated Network for Development 116 international NGOs such as Save the Children and World Vision International

Answer 64

is a Swiss NGO currently working in communities in the southeast of South Sudan its work involves supplying families with basic necessities eg shelter, clean water and sanitation; helping to increase local food production and education in nutrition; providing food in schools and safe areas for child protection

Answer 65

their work is hindered by violent attacks on aid workers

Answer 66

aid agencies have co-ordinated their efforts to position essential supplies during the dry season, enabling easier access to food during the wet season when roads are difficult

Answer 67

villagers have received training under the WFP to maintain livestock health, use fishing equipment and crop production techniques to improve longer term food security

Answer 68

**NGOs such as Save the Children** are working to provide safe and uninterrupted education to children affected by conflict this includes training teachers and providing materials, for example, in Upper Nile and Jonglei states

Answer 69

despite the peace agreement, in 2020, approx 200,000 people were seeking protection **in UN Protection of Civilian sites in areas like Juba and Bor.** these sites provide shelter, sanitation and food during the rainy season for displaced, vulnerable people

Answer 70

increased numbers of civilian casualties displacement of population damage to housing/residential districts food insecurity as farmers are unable to grow crops/tend to livestock disruption to education escalation of violence and human rights violation, including ethnically targeted attacks and attacks on aid workers

Answer 71

humanitarian aid, via aid agencies and donated funds supply of food access to supplies of clean drinking water supply of medicines and medical treatments provision of shelter/safe havens for IDPs assistance for vulnerable refugees and returnees maintain peace, strengthen rule of law, and protect civilians

Answer 72

agricultural training to improve food security education programmes, which aim to prevent further conflict, help post-conflict rehabilitation and support minority groups building of democratic institutions integrate gender equality into policies and practices upholding of human rights, including training of police and military, and reinforcement of norms, treaties, laws

Answer 73

security and protection of civilians in conflict zones periods of ceasefire negotiated and monitored border control to facilitate movement of people and goods early warning of renewed/potential conflict assistance for IDPs and their return reduce forced conscription of child soldiers

Answer 74

mediation and fostering of cooperation development of sustainable food and water supplies improve trade relationships to help reduce effects of economic shock restore territory according to international law re-establish state authority and state apparatus

Answer 75

the north is a vast area of desert and semi-desert in which the Tuareg are the dominant ethnic group the south has the most economic activity as well as the capital, Bamako, located on the Niger

Answer 76

the Tuareg ethnic group has declared independence for Azawad, an area of northeast Mali the claims for secession are based on Tuareg territorial and cultural rights in this area. the current international boundaries in this part of West Africa were drawn up by European colonial powers over 100 years ago. There was little regard for tribal lands and this resulted in the arbitrary division of the Tuareg between Mali and neighbouring countries the Tuareg seek greater autonomy in Azawad. This area has been marginalised and neglected by the Bamako-based national government. the most recent military coup in 2012 was caused by dissatisfaction with the government for its ineffective governance of the north and failure to handle the many conflicts in the area

Answer 77

in addition to separatist rebellions there have been attacks by Islamist groups there has been rapid growth in insurgency from new armed groups. These include those linked to Al-Qaeda, Islamic State, and others with ethnic or political affiliations. There have been serious extremist attacks on Malian and regional military forces and UN and French peacekeeping forces trafficking of people, smuggling of arms and other contraband have occurred across the remote porous borders between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Security has been threatened by extremists trying to create a safe haven in the Sahel as a base for attacks elsewhere schools have been targeted which reduces access to education and increases vulnerability to sex exploitation, forced labour and recruitment of children to armed forces

Answer 78

support for **2015 Peace and Reconciliation Agreement**, legal and democratic elections, and the opening of dialogue with terrorist leaders restoration of state authority/rule of law protection of civilians/human rights promoting co-operation between security forces

Answer 79

national military forces supported by regional forces from G5 Sahel Countries for security, and ECOWAS and African Union for mediation

Answer 80

security: 5100 French troops-- **significant, long-term security** ; the British military are training forces in the Sahel in counter-terrorism youth training project: Japanese financial support partnering UNDP

Answer 81

Oxfam International, MSF, Care

Answer 82

include reducing food insecurity, poverty, inequalities and injustices, etc improving living conditions attempting negotiation with rebel groups to allow access to people in most need

Answer 83

launched in 2017 to provide a co-ordinated response to the development and security challenges faced by G5 Sahel countries-- Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Chad.

Answer 84

preserving Mali's territorial integrity and restoring sovereign state control and rule of law in the centre and the north allowing some degree of autonomy for the north, with regionally elected leaders, fairer representation in national government and greater allocation of state budget ensuring peaceful, legal and democratic elections-- essential to stability in Mali protecting civilians, communities and their livelihoods through improved security and reduction in terrorist activity

Answer 85

strengthening governance of the mining sector (gold is the main export) for economic growth improving access to global supply chains, and diversifying industry to reduce Mali's vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations incorporating the north into the national economy by accelerating infrastructure projects such as rural electrification, road and air access encouraging youth training schemes to provide skills that will lead to gainful employment

Answer 86

improving access to health facilities, reducing malnutrition and food security, improving living conditions and disease protection **increasing school enrolment and retention**, training teachers, **reducing attacks on schools by terrorist groups** **helping subsistence farmers to become more resilient using sustainable techniques**, helping small holders to improve their products and gain access to markets

Answer 87

globally, Mali is one of the poorest and least developed countries, with a HDI rating of 0.427, ranking them 184th in the world internally, Malians experience a high level of income equality and serious impacts of gender inequality socioeconomic equalities between the north, which is poorly funded and has limited service provision, and the south and central regions deep-rooted cultural and linguistic divisions between ethnic groups are a challenge for peace urban-rural contrasts demonstrate inequalities in provision of infrastructure and access to basic services such as health clinics, electricity and water supply and sewage systems

Answer 88

government inability to protect citizens from human rights abuses, especially children and women who are subjected to a disproportionate amount of domestic and agricultural work, child marriage, FGM and gender based violence many people fleeing violence have been displaced internally or in neighbouring countries there is poor female representation in the National Assembly; few women are involved in decision making access to education is poor, especially for girls. there is a low adult literacy rate there are high rates of infant mortality, maternal mortality, and adolescent birth rate. life expectancy is low-- 58.9 years in 2018