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Challenges to Sovereignty

Caleb Lopez

Caleb Lopez

8 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This AP Human Geography study guide covers state sovereignty (meaning, challenges like foreign intervention, internal conflict, regional integration, globalization, and cyber threats), time-space compression (causes like improved transportation and communication, impacts like increased mobility and spread of ideas), and key vocabulary terms (sovereignty, supranationalism, devolution, micro-states, self-determination, functional region, United Nations). It emphasizes understanding these concepts, their connections, and applying them to multiple-choice and free-response questions. The guide also includes practice questions and scoring guidelines.

AP Human Geography: Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Human Geo rockstar! This guide is your secret weapon for acing the exam. Let's dive in and make sure you're feeling confident and ready to go! 💪

1. State Sovereignty: What It Means & Why It Matters

What is Sovereignty?

Sovereignty is a state's power to rule itself without outside interference. Think of it like a country having its own 'house rules' that no one else can change. 🏠

Key Concept

Sovereignty is the cornerstone of the modern state system. It's all about a country's right to govern itself.

Challenges to Sovereignty

Sovereignty isn't always a given. Here are some major challenges:

  • Foreign Intervention: When another country steps in (military, economic, or diplomatic pressure). 🌍

    • Example: The 2003 Iraq War, where the US intervened without UN approval, challenged Iraq's sovereignty.

  • Internal Conflict: Civil wars, revolutions, etc., weaken a government's control. ⚔️

    • Example: The Syrian Civil War, where various factions fought for control, undermined the state's authority.

  • Regional Integration: Joining supranational groups means giving up some control. 🤝

    • Example: The European Union, where member states ceded some power to the EU.

  • Globalization: Global trade and organizations can limit a state's control. 🌐

    • Example: Global trade limiting a state's ability to control its economy.

  • Cyber Threats: Cyber attacks can compromise a state's infrastructure and security. 💻

    • Example: The WannaCry ransomware attack showed how cyber threats can impact many countries.
Exam Tip

Remember, challenges to sovereignty often involve a tension between national control and global forces. Think about the push and pull between local and global.

Practice Question

Multiple Choice:

  1. Which of the following best exemplifies a challenge to a state's sovereignty through foreign intervention? (A) The establishment of free trade agreements (B) A military invasion by a neighboring country (C) The creation of a national park (D) A peaceful transfer of power (E) Increased cultural exchange

  2. Which of the following is an example of regional integration challenging state sovereignty? (A) A country increasing its military spending (B) A country joining the United Nations (C) A country joining a free trade zone with other countries (D) A country establishing a new national holiday (E) A country increasing its border security

Free Response Question:

Explain how globalization and regional integration can both challenge and reinforce state sovereignty. Provide specific examples to support your claims.

**Scoring Gui...

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