Political geography and geopolitics are often identified, presented as part and whole, or, even worse, they are opposed to each other. In any case, it is hardly correct to do this. If we are guided by purely semantic considerations, then a "refined" geographical discipline will be only political geography , while in the phrase "geopolitics" there is a clear interdisciplinary subtext, although in real life the ontology of a particular science does not always "reckon" with semantics. At the disposal of the scientific community of geographers there are many definitions of the subject of political geography, given at different times by well-known foreign and domestic authors. Let us recall some of them: “the essence of political geography is the territorial differentiation of the political mosaic that has developed on the earth's surface” (R. Taylor); “the study of changes in political phenomena from place to place in connection with changes in other features on earth as the House of Man” (R. Hartshorne); “political geography is a part of human geography associated with a specific aspect of connections in the “land-human” system and emphasizing the special relationship between geographical factors and political processes” (X. Weigert); “poyaitiko-geographers deal with the geographical consequences of political decisions and actions, as well as the geographical factors influencing their implementation” (M. Peshine); “a special geographical science that studies the spatial organization of the political life of society and territorial combinations of political forces” (V. A. Kolosov); "study of spatial and areal structures and relationships between political systems and structures, or simply - a spatial analysis of political phenomena" (R. Kasperson); "the study of political regions or features of the earth's surface" (L. Alexander); “the study of political phenomena in relation to their territory” (V. Jackson), etc., etc. From these definitions, which largely overlap with each other, the general outlines of political geography as a discipline that studies the spatial organization of the political life of society emerge and relationships (relationships, interactions) between geographic factors and political processes. (For us, the emphasis on the relationship between the natural and “humanized” environment is of particular importance.) Gradually, the opinion emerged that the sphere of political geography covers issues of interstate and interethnic territorial demarcation, political and administrative structure and political federalism, relationships between the capital and the “periphery” , the alignment of political forces during election campaigns (electoral geography), etc. Nobody disputes the point of view according to which it became possible to speak about the political geography of natural resources or the political geography of the economy and its individual industries, meaning, for example, the formation of a transnational investment "field" and international flows of goods, labor and capital, etc. e. It would be a mistake to believe that a certain integral system of scientific ideas has already been formed, which could be designated as a special level of integration of political and geographical knowledge. This is partly due to the fact that our perception of the political organization of the world sometimes suffers from subjectivity. There is a certain convention not only in determining the cardinal points, but also in the delimitation of political regions. Thus, the cardinal points are not geostationary: they are fixed depending on the location of the observer (the classic eastern country of Japan - the "land of the rising sun" - in relation to the United States turns into a western one). In order for the cardinal directions to turn from relative concepts into geostationary ones, a “logical reference point” is needed - a spatial center. Something similar sometimes happens with political regions. For example, at one time, according to the logic of the conflict between East and West, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan suddenly became associated with the West, and socialist Cuba, located in the western hemisphere, with the East. (The very concept of “East” has repeatedly changed its content over the centuries. Until the 20th century, it was used, depending on the context, as a synonym for China, the Byzantine Empire, Orthodox Christianity, the Slavic world. From about 1920, the East became associated with the “communist world” and acquired a purely Asian contours, although later even Africa was often attributed to the East.) For several millennia, the leading role in recreating the political picture of the world was played by the so-called “mental (cognitive) maps”, which were based on a reflection of the personal worldview of their creators. For example, the ancient Chinese believed that the “Celestial Empire” was naturally located in the center of the world, surrounded on all sides by barbarians. A similar opinion was held by many inhabitants of ancient civilizations. In the minds of many, until recent decades, distances have been distorted. So, until the middle of the XX century. Australians felt closer to Great Britain than to the Philippines, and Jamaicans felt closer to Canada or the same Great Britain than to neighboring Antigua. As you know, all geographical maps distort reality (including political reality), so the cartographer's task is to minimize distortion. Of particular importance in this case are such elements as the type of projection, scale, symbolism. Thus, the political maps of the world in the Mercator projection, which were widely used in the last century, usually noticeably exaggerated the size of territories in high latitudes and practically ignored the polar regions, which undoubtedly influenced people's perception of political realities. One of the varieties of political maps is propaganda maps. In the 20th century, especially during the cold war”, the former caricature-like forms were replaced by more advanced cartographic materials, which were designed to emphasize the “aggressive nature of the enemy”. The US and USSR organized the release of a whole series of maps showing each other's militaristic preparations in order to prepare public opinion for an increase in military spending. At the end of the 60s. The USSR, where cartographic art was at a fairly high level, suddenly began to produce maps that noticeably distorted the physical and geographical parameters of some strategic regions. At the same time, both “pseudo-projections” of maps and deliberate territorial displacement of natural boundaries were used. It is unlikely that there was a need for such "tricks", since they became apparent when looking at old maps, as well as when using aerial photography tools (and later - Earth satellites and spaceships). We believe that our perception of the political organization of the world suffers from subjectivity the more often geographers avoid taking into account the natural-spatial substance, "floundering in the mud" of political scientific conclusions. As for geopottics, according to many geographers, it represents the theory and practice of the state foreign policy based on the maximum consideration of geographical factors. In Western literature, political geography and geopolitics are sometimes distinguished using the following "images" proposed by Haushofer: "Political geography considers the state from the point of view of space, and geopolitics - space from the point of view of the state" (15). In general, these images are acceptable, although, strictly speaking, the content of political geography, according to prevailing ideas, is much broader. If the object of political geography is all forms of organization of society that arise in the process of interaction between political life and geospace, then the range of interests of geopolitics is limited only by questions of control over geospace. Geopolitics (from the Greek geos - "land", politike - "politics") in the original interpretation - the theory and practice of state foreign policy based on the maximum consideration of geographical factors, the discipline of the geographical conditionality of various political processes and phenomena. Here are some other definitions of geopolitics (sometimes very controversial!) - for their comparison and search for truth: “a political concept that uses geographical data (territory, position of the country, etc.) to justify imperialist expansion. Geopolitics is connected with racism, Malthusianism, social Darwinism" (Soviet encyclopedic Dictionary. M., 1988); geopolitics - the science of "the relationship between the physical environment in the form in which it is perceived, changed and used by people, and world politics" (K. Gray); is the science of "the geographical distribution and geographical character of political associations"(P. Savitsky); geopolitics can be “defined not simply as an objective dependence of the foreign policy of a particular nation on its geographical location, but as an objective dependence of a subject of international relations on a set of material factors that allow this subject to exercise control over space” (K. Pleshakov); “geopolitics is the science of the geographical determination of ethnopolitical processes in the state and international relations (Yu. Platonov); “geopolitics is a discipline that has as its subject matter “the use by states of spatial factors in determining and achieving political goals” (N. Mironenko), The variety of approaches in determining the subject of geopolitics stems from historical circumstances, from its closest connection in the past with ruling regimes and dominant ideologies - that is, with its transcendent sociomorphism. (Being an “independent geopolitician” is a privilege that, perhaps, appeared only at the end of the 20th - beginning of the 21st century.) Over time, some scientists, based on the closest connection of geopolitics with other areas scientific knowledge, began to defend its synthetic character, including in it elements of history, economics, political science, state studies, strategy, military affairs, sociology, psychology, ethnology, religious studies, ecology, etc. Moreover, today some “non-geographers” believe that “ geo" in the concept of "geopolitics" no longer simply indicates geographical aspect in politics, but denotes an all-encompassing scale and rules of conduct in the conditions of the world system. “In this sense, geopolitics is called upon to explore how, with the help of what mechanisms and on the basis of what principles this system lives and functions. It can be considered as a discipline that studies the fundamental structures and subjects, global or strategic directions, the most important laws and principles of life, functioning and evolution of the modern world community” (1, p. 9). There are attempts to “liberate” geopolitics from the supposedly narrow limits of political geography and proclaim it a complex science of modern multi-layered world politics. It seems that such attempts can lead to a gradual erosion of the very subject of geopolitics, its inevitable discrediting and loss of scientific identity in the "boundless sea" of political science. It should be remembered that the object of study of this discipline - "geo" - still remains the same, that, being an interdisciplinary branch of knowledge, its "maternal basis" - geography - is unchanged. Among the main concepts and categories of geopolitics: state, bloc of states, geostrategic and geopolitical regions, political border, sphere of influence, balances and counterbalances of power, mutual support, buffer zone (country), satellite states, geopolitical ally, superpower, centers of power, geopolitical forces, frontal rivalry, political integration and disintegration, an arc of instability, geopolitical scenarios for the future, etc. The content of the vast majority of them does not need any special explanation. For example, political space, as the basic concept of geopolitics, is associated with the extent and depth of the limits of political activity (only here space is considered as a direct political force). It is believed that the geostrategic region covers a fairly large part of the world political space, which is distinguished by the quality of its location, the intensity and nature of the orientation of trade and cultural and ideological ties. An integral attribute of such a region is the ability of a certain force to control the most important strategic routes on land and sea (for example, the Heartland or Rimland). In turn, the geopolitical region - component geostrategic region and is characterized by a more modest size and greater density of trade, economic and cultural-political ties. It is quite obvious that among the most important categories of geopolitics is the political border, which is always man-made (i.e. "artificial") and performs important geopolitical functions: a) political; b) protective; c) military-strategic. Such borders separate the zones of action of national sovereignties, serve as the frontiers of the advanced defense of states, act as points of control over the flow of people, goods and capital. Geopolitical lines are the structural moments of the organization of the geopolitical space, acting as the primary elements of the reconstruction of the world geopolitical picture. They seem to close on themselves various elements of geopolitical interaction. (For example, the main US oil routes from the countries of the Middle East are considered by this state to be the sphere of its vital interests.) The main functions of geopolitics include cognitive, predictive and integration.
V.A. Kolosov, N.S. Mironenko
GEOPOLITICS and POLITICS
GEOGRAPHY
Approved by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation as a textbook for students of higher educational institutions,
students in geographical specialties
ASPENT PRESS
UDC 327 BBK 66.4(0)
R e e n s e n t s:
Department of Geography of the World Economy, Lomonosov Moscow State University M. V. Lomonosov; doctor of geographical sciences, prof. A. I. Alekseev;
doctor of geographical sciences, prof. Yu. G. Lipets
Kolosov V. A., Mironenko N. S.
K 61 Geopolitics and political geography: Textbook for universities. - M.: Aspect Press, 2001, - 479 p.
ISBN 5-7567-0143-5.
For the first time, the textbook presents a general picture of the development of two genetically interrelated disciplines - geopolitics and political geography. The authors analyze their problems, directions, theories, concepts, models and hypotheses, including the latest achievements of world geographical thought, almost unknown in our country. The textbook is distinguished by a combination of deep theoretical analysis with rich and carefully selected historical material. The history of ideas is revealed in their manifestation in the system of international relations and the political life of many countries of the world. Particular attention is paid to the problems of geopolitics and political geography of Russia.
For university students enrolled in geographic specialties
UDC 327 BBK 66.4(0)
FOREWORD
This book comes out at the very beginning of the new, XXI century. The past century was marked by brilliant scientific, technological and economic achievements, breakthroughs in the arts, widespread education and healthcare, and the expansion of citizens' participation in the management of state and local affairs on the basis of democratic principles. At the same time, the ending century went down in history with the tragedies of world wars. A nuclear threat has appeared, the impact of human activity on the natural environment has increased to a global scale, which has necessitated effective international cooperation and the renunciation of states from part of the sovereignty over their territory in the name of resolving environmental problems.
The implementation of the most fantastic scientific and military projects did not guarantee security and peace to any country. There is still a risk that local armed conflicts of “low and medium intensity” will escalate into full-scale wars. Waves of international terrorism threaten to shake the political stability of even the most prosperous states. There is a growing dramatic gap in living standards between a group of rich countries (the "golden billion") and the majority of humanity living in the so-called developing countries. After decades of the Cold War, Europe once again faces the danger of political division. Thus, despite encouraging trends, political contrasts in the world as a whole are not weakening, but are only being modified and remain critically sharp in a number of regions.
Under these conditions, the international academic community seeks to redefine the concepts of "progress" and "democracy" and discusses the main features of the "post-bipolar" world geopolitical order that has taken shape after the collapse of the USSR and the world socialist system. The possibility of the emergence of non-Western civilizational models that would take into account the ecological and socio-cultural limits of the Western "civilization of consumption" is discussed.
Revolutionary changes in society and a radical transformation of the geopolitical structure of the world required the rediscovery of two disciplines - geopolitics and political geography. Against the background of many other social sciences, they already have a fairly solid, although sometimes very controversial history. The term "geopolitics" was compromised by Nazi ideologists for a long time and remained virtually banned not only in the former Soviet Union and Eastern European countries, but also in Germany itself and a number of other countries. Political geography was also associated with the expansionist pre-war geopolitics. At the same time, there was an urgent public need
Foreword
in the analysis of the correlation of political forces on a global scale and in large regions, taking into account the emerging interchange of resources, capital, goods, sociocultural contacts, internal political situation, etc. The tasks of studying the relationship between global and regional political problems, the impact of political activity on shifts in the socio-economic geography of countries and regions.
There was a need for a constructive analysis of the theoretical heritage of traditional geopolitics and political geography and the creation of a new methodology for explaining territorial and political processes. For more than a quarter of a century, these disciplines have attracted growing interest in Western countries and beyond. New academic journals are being opened, fundamental theoretical monographs and textbooks are being published, scientific associations are being created. Specialists in geopolitics and political geography act as consultants to legislative and executive authorities, politicians.
In the last decade, both disciplines have taken a prominent place in scientific and social life in Russia as well. Quite naturally, their teaching in the system is expanding. higher education, in particular geographic. The authors of this textbook began teaching a course in political geography at the Faculty of Geography of Moscow University in the early 1980s. In the 1990s, it was transformed into a course in geopolitics and political geography.
Features of this tutorial in the fact that the authors sought to give an idea not only of the origin and history of both disciplines, but also in
features about them current state in the world and Russia, the most significant theoretical ideas and concepts. In recent years in
Our country has already published several books and manuals on geopolitics. However, almost all of them characterize in detail only the concepts of the traditional “geopolitics of power”, most of which were developed before the Second World War, as if the development of geopolitical thought in the world froze in the era of H. Mackinder and K. Haushofsr. At best, only a few later theories, directly or indirectly related to geopolitics, proposed by political scientists or specialists in international relations, are considered, which creates very misleading ideas about modern geopolitics. This approach is most often due to the subjective ideological positions of the authors - they are simply comfortable with the old concepts (this will be discussed below).
Political geography was somewhat less "lucky" than the now fashionable geopolitics: in the 1990s, as far as we know, only two textbooks were published in this discipline. With all the merits of these manuals, relatively little attention is also paid to the development of the theory of world political geography.
Therefore, we have tried to give as complete a critical
Foreword
cue and analytical review of foreign theoretical sources of the last twenty years - especially since since that time both geopolitics and political geography have been undergoing a period of rapid renewal. One of the authors was well-placed to solve this problem, being the chairman of the Commission of the International Geographical Union on political geography and participating in most of the scientific events organized by the Commission.
Without aiming at a specific, more or less exhaustive analysis of the modern geopolitical picture of the world or political and geographical problems in foreign countries and in Russia, focusing primarily on theory as the key to understanding them, the authors nevertheless tried to “in passing” characterize many of the them. In any case, we tried to illustrate the theoretical propositions with examples from the political practice of foreign countries, and especially Russia and other successor countries. former USSR.
The specificity of this textbook also lies in the fact that it conjugately examines the theoretical foundations and content - geopolitics and political geography - genetically interconnected, fro differing in object, subject and scale of research disciplines.
The first section highlights the problems of geopolitics, its subject and main categories, outlines the historiography of classical and the state of modern geopolitical thought in the West and in Russia. The textbook develops the concept of geopolitics as geopolitics of interaction, not confrontation.
Special chapter on processes and outcomes formation of the geopolitical space of the world since the time of the great geographical discoveries until the end of the 20th century. For the first time in our educational literature, "Theory of the Fourth World" whose goal is to fundamentally change the political geography of the world by providing a wide range the rights of numerous small peoples living within modern states.
Theoretical problems world geopolitical cycles are revealed on materials characterizing the ups and downs of great powers.
The synthesizing part of this section is the characterization of problems the current geopolitical position of Russia. It analyzes both external and internal conditions for the formation of the country's geopolitical codes. The position of Russia in the system of Great Spaces and within the surrounding concentres (shells) and sectors is considered.
The second section is devoted political geography. The first chapter deals with the stages of development of this discipline, associated with the evolution of the needs of society and changes on the political map of the world. Particular attention is paid to the theory of the so-called "new" political geography, emerged around the mid-1970s. At the end of the chapter,
Foreword
the concept of the territorial-political organization of society (TPOS) is being developed and a typology of directions of modern political and geographical research is given.
The following chapters focus on the essential elements of TVET at the national level, which is increasingly influenced by global and macro-regional factors.
The second chapter deals with the central problem of political geography - political and administrative boundaries. Theoretical approaches to their study are considered, the place in the study of the triad "territory - state - self-consciousness of the population", the relationship between the system of de facto (socio-cultural boundaries) and de jure (state
and political and administrative).
AT the third chapter is defined federalism, which becomes the general principle of the political and administrative structure at all territorial levels, especially at the district, substate. The distinctive features of the federal, confederal
and unitary state system, a comparison is made of the states of the world, which, according to the constitution, consider themselves federations, some specific elements of Russian federalism are shown.
The fourth chapter deals with the political and geographical problems of the local level - local self-government, municipal economy and administrative nistrative-territorial division.
The authors do not consider in the textbook the issues of electoral geography, political regionalism and territorial aspects of the formation of the party-political system, referring the reader to the recently published study guide R. F. Turovsky "Political Geography" (M.; Smolensk, 1999), in which they are given a lot of space, including using materials from the recent elections in Russia.
The first section was written by N. S. Mironenko, the second - by V. A. Kolosov.
S e c tio n I
GEOPOLITICS.
Models and processes of formation of the geopolitical space of the world
In troduction
O THE CONCEPT OF "GEOPOLITICS*
AT At present, in the post-socialist countries, there is an increased interest in geopolitics, which is connected, firstly,
With the need to assess the new international status of these states and, secondly, the legalization in them of this current of scientific and social thought.
AT socialist countries it was customary to talk about geopolitics in negatively critical. In "Brief political vocabulary”(1989) one can read that geopolitics is “a direction of bourgeois political thought based on the extreme exaggeration of the role of geographical factors in the life of society”, that this is the ideological justification for the “aggressive foreign policy of imperialism”. In many publications of the post-war period, geopolitics was defined as an American fascist doctrine, which allegedly substantiated the desire of American monopolies to establish direct economic domination over the whole world through aggressive war. The definitions did not omit the revanchism of the West German imperialists. Geopolitics was associated only with negative reader associations: neo-Malthusianism
in its Marxist interpretation, racism, social Darwinism.
For the first time, the “Soviet Encyclopedic Dictionary” turned out to be more “loyal” to geopolitics in 1989, which defined geopolitics as a Western political science concept, according to which “the policy of states, especially foreign policy, is mainly predetermined by various geographical factors: spatial location, the presence or absence of certain natural resources, climate, population density and growth rates, etc.”
Realizing that the real world is more complicated than all the models and theories about it, including geopolitical ones, one should objectively approach and understand such an ambiguously understood phenomenon.
Section 1. Geopolitics
leniya, as geopolitics. This is all the more necessary because, as a term, this word is widely used in a popular context, in particular in the media, where it is often used arbitrarily and inappropriately to the essence of this concept. At the same time, it is necessary to understand that the subject of study of geopolitics, like many other social sciences and scientific movements, is in constant dynamics, absorbing changes in the real world.
Perestroika in the second half of the 1980s, the collapse of the bipolar world ("USA - USSR"), the collapse of the socialist
I camp and the Soviet Union, anti-socialist revolutions in the countries Central and Eastern Europe, the collapse of Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, the unification of Germany - all these events are often referred to as "Yalta-2" (similar to the Yalta Conference of the Heads of Government of the Three Allied Powers in World War II in February 1945, at which principles and agreed plans for the post-war system of international security: Europe was split into two parts, including the later (1949) split of Germany into West and East), revolutionized the structure of international relations. In connection with the listed and domestic problems in Russia, as well as in the world as a whole, there was a surge of geopolitical thought.
Etymologically, the term "geopolitics" consists of two Greek words: deo - land, politikos - everything connected with the city: state, citizen, etc.
The term "geopolitics" in the scientific sense has, according to at least, two aspects: cultural-psychological conceptual.
Cultural and psychological aspect how a geopolitical idea reflects the historical experience of the subjects of international relations, i.e. empires, nation-states, peoples, and is supported by a certain ideology as a system of views on the existing world and the principles of its reorganization. It would be more accurate to say that cultural-psychological the geopolitical stereotype (both of the people and the elite) is viable only within the framework of a certain ideology or even mysticism. This stereotype helps to unite people, maintain faith in the future, even in cases where the ideology itself is chimerical or even anti-national (as, for example, extremely simplistic
Teacher: Maltieva K.B.
Subject: geography
Class: 10
Topic: Geopolitics and international organizations and geopolitical position
Lesson type: combined
TDC lesson:
educate - Show the influence of international relations on the political map of the world; to teach students to assess the political and geographical position of the country;
develop - develop the ability to conduct a discussion; to give knowledge about political geography and geopolitics; to form ideas about political geography as a scientific direction; help students assess the geopolitical position of individual countries
bring up: Contribute to the formation of an emotionally valuable attitude to the world,
patriotic education
Equipment: media materials; a political map of the World; atlases; textbook
Literature: 10th grade textbook, workbook
Teaching methods:
1. Methods for organizing scientific and educational activities:
Verbal: conversation
Visual: demonstration, illustration.
Practical exercises: work on the map
Problem-search.
Reproductive.
Methods of self academic work schoolchildren.
2. Methods for stimulating educational and cognitive activity:
Creating situations of success in studies.
Presentation of educational requirements.
Methods of cognitive game.
educational discussions.
3.Methods of encouragement
During the classes:
1. Organizational moment
2.Updating knowledge
"Brainstorm" What is it called:
hotbeds of international tension on the political map of the world - regional conflict or hot spot of the planet
a state with sovereignty, i.e. political independence from other states, in solving internal and external affairs.- sovereign
countries politically and economically dependent - colonies
Geopolitical problems and features of the spatial organization of the political life of society are studied by political geography that arose at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
A single process of progressive development of mankind - world civilization
The science of managing the world, which is designed to answer questions that arise when solving global problems - geopolitics
Introduction by the teacher.
.1 station Quiz in a square Find 8 European countries
Team rating: Compare your results with the slide and count the points. 1 answer - 1 point. Do not forget to enter the results in the tables
2 station "Capitals of States"
The whole team is working. You need to match countries and their capitals within 2 minutes. 1 point for each correct match
Match countries and capitals
| 1. country | capital | 2. country | capital | 3. country | capital | 4. country | capital |
| Germany | |||||||
| Portugal | Bulgaria | ||||||
| Belarus | Tajikistan | ||||||
| Uzbekistan | Kyrgyzstan | ||||||
| Finland | |||||||
| Ireland | |||||||
| Mongolia | Brasilia | ||||||
| Colombia | Norway |
3 station "Own game"
I propose to continue the journey through the countries of Foreign Europe as if we were with you on the TV game "Own game"
Rules of the game: Teams themselves choose the nominations of questions and their cost. The higher the price of the issue, the more difficult the issue.
| Nomination | questions | answers |
| Better to see once than hear a hundred times | ||
| The tower, 320 meters high, was assembled in record time short time- for 2 years. Her openwork silhouette is known all over the world. However, not all French artists and writers did not accept this technical creativity for a long time, calling it a factory chimney. It got its name from the name of its creator | (Eiffel Tower, engineer Alexander Gustaveeiffel (1832-1923) |
|
| The clock tower near the parliament building has become a national symbol of the state. Its stone walls rise to a height of 100 meters and end with a gilded spire. This tower was built by an architect named Ben, for which it got its name. | ||
| This is perhaps the most amazing city in the world. It has no streets, instead of them there are canals. And palaces and houses rise straight out of the water. Houses standing on opposite sides of the canal are connected by curved bridges. The city goes under water every year. Movement along the canals takes place on oblong boats - gondolas. This city is located on 180 islands | Venice, Italy) |
|
| Symbol of Copenhagen | The Little Mermaid, Andersen G.H. |
|
| The center of ancient Athens, where all life was concentrated. Here were the temples of Hera and Zeus, Artemis and Aphrodite | Acropolis |
|
| for fun | This is nowhere else. She stands in the water. There are many palaces and spiers, but there are no cars | |
| Learn the country by its description | ||
| This country is located on two large and several small islands. It is famous for its fogs. It is sometimes called “foggy Albion”. At the head of the country is a queen who reigns but does not rule. Such is the tradition. Following traditions and established order is the main national feature. The capital of the country was founded by the ancient Romans on the River Thames. And one of the small streets of the capital, Baker Street, is known all over the world. | Great Britain |
|
| This country is located in the north of Europe. It is called the long country. From south to north, it stretched for almost 1800 km. And walk across it northern part You can walk in half a day. The capital of the country with its facades faces the sea. From the huge capital port, sea roads lead to all continents. It is also famous for its fjords. The great composer Edvard Grieg was born in this country. | Norway, Oslo |
|
| This country is one of the largest in Western Europe. She is considered a trendsetter of taste and high fashion. She is also famous for her architecture. Its capital is decorated with Notre Dame de Paris and the Louvre built at different times - one of the greatest museums on the planet. The capital of the state stands on the river Seine. We know this country literary works. She gave the world both the three musketeers and Fantômas. | ||
| This country is located in the south of Europe, on a peninsula. Its history goes back to ancient times, where reality is mixed with legends. According to them, the ancient Gods of this country lived on Mount Olympus. Wonderful myths and legends about her brave and resourceful heroes are known all over the world. This country is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. | Greece, Athens |
|
| This small country is located in Western Europe. It is divided into 22 small republics - cantons. Picturesque mountain landscapes attract tourists and climbers. The country has three state languages- French, German and Italian. She is the most peaceful in the world, because she has not participated in wars since 1815, but the guard of the Pope is entirely composed of her natives. Local banks keep money and securities from all countries of the world. Accurate and reliable watches made by the masters of this country are highly valued everywhere. | Switzerland, Bern |
|
| Cities | ||
| The huge city, in which about 2 million people live, arose about 2000 years ago on an island in the middle of the Seine River. Now it is the largest financial center, the trendsetter of the world fashion. The main ensembles of the city: Place de la Concorde, the Louvre, the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower. | ||
| The city is over 150 years old. Founded by the Slavs on the banks of the Dnieper on the way "from the Varangians to the Greeks." The city has many ancient churches and cathedrals, the remains of ancient fortifications. | ||
| It is a recognized center of international tourism. The world famous Prado Museum of Art is one of the richest museums in the world. | ||
| The capital of the state was formed in the X century. The city is located on 5 hills of the Vyatava valley. One of most beautiful cities Europe. This capital is affectionately called "Zlata ...". | Prague, Czech Republic |
|
| The city is eternal, like a clay pot. But still well preserved. And even ancient ruins So neatly, carefully disassembled. | Rome - the eternal City |
|
| for fun | There is a glorious city Went up the tower And around the fields are not rural And solid Champs! | |
| What would that mean? | ||
| number of monarchies in the world |
||
| political geography | branch of geography that studies PCM and the patterns of its changes |
|
| changing the names of the country and the capital is a stake or a qualitative change on the RMB | quality |
|
| Which state declared its independence, but it is not recognized internationally. | Nagorno-Karabakh |
|
| What is the main task of geopolitics | definition and generalization of the geostrategy of the state |
|
| The best | ||
| The largest state by area | ||
| The largest country in Europe by population | Germany |
|
| Most small state Europe and the world | Vatican area 0.44 km2 829 people |
|
| The very first state to renounce nuclear weapons | RK 21.08.1991 closing of the landfill |
|
| The iciest country in the world | Iceland |
|
| for fun | The oldest flag in the world | Denmark - 600 years |
| flora, fauna | ||
| Fertile soils and mild climate contributed to the development of agriculture in Moldova. The most important agricultural crop in the country | grape |
|
| Agriculture France almost completely provides the country with food. In terms of the number of these animals, France ranks first in Europe. | ||
| A monument to which representatives of the animal world stands in the German city of Bremen | Donkey, dog, cat and rooster - the Bremen town musicians |
|
| The nature reserve famous for its bison | Blovezhskaya Pushcha |
|
| On this square European capital there is a bear and a strawberry tree. Patriots of the city claim that earlier a whole grove of evergreens grew here, the fruits of which taste like strawberries, and many bears roamed | ||
| for fun | Well, what scientists came up with cunningly. There is a subway from England to France. There is an underground tunnel to spite the sea gods. Here, in any weather, it is quiet and light. There is a tunnel under the sea, water is making a noise above it. And to us in Moscow from London The trains are coming. The train passes A ship floats above her. And overseas England becomes kindred. | Tunnel across the English Channel |
Evaluation of teams: count the number of points. 1 answer - 1 point
4 station "Tell me a word"
Here are cards with missing words. You need to fill in these gaps using the reference words below. The maximum number of points is 6. We work as a team.
1. In the most populous country ___________ there are schools for losers.
2. For violation of discipline, in fact big island _____ The students copy the pages from the textbook.
3. On the largest peninsula __________ is the largest lake ______________.
4. In the largest state in terms of area __________ there is the city of Happiness.
5. The most well-fed people live in the country __________.
Answer: Germany, UK, Scandinavian, Venern, Ukraine, Greece.
4 station "Political"
International relations affect the political map, but international tensions have now subsided, but not all problems have been resolved yet. So there are regional conflicts, many countries have nuclear weapons, the NATO bloc is expanding, and international terrorism is unpredictable.
Until the end of the 20th century, the world was bipolar: it was dominated by the USA and the USSR, which led the main world military-political blocs - the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Warsaw Pact Organization (WTO). It was an era of tough confrontation, which received the figurative definition of the "cold war". The geopolitical picture of the world changed radically at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. The world has become multipolar: the role of China, India and the countries of the European Union has sharply increased.
On the present stage the role of political geography is constantly growing, because the alignment of political forces, ethnic processes changes political situation both in individual states and regions, and in the world as a whole. For example, the events in Yugoslavia, the coming to power in Pakistan of the military. Political factors influence the state of the environment, the development of the economy, the life and activities of people, and international relations. In addition, political geography studies the influence of political forces and events on the development of the world economy.
Why is the UN one of the most influential international organizations in modern world?
But conflicts remain.
EXERCISE.
Group 1 - The problem of conflicts
The main task of geopolitics is to study the geography of international relations, the alignment of forces between the great powers.
No state can exist autonomously from the international community and is obliged to maintain relations with its members, primarily with neighboring countries.
- Let's answer the problematic question: are such global changes expected? political map of the world in the first half of the 21st century. (most likely not, because the world has become calmer and safer; there are regional hotbeds of conflict, but the world community is making every effort to localize them. If there are changes, then they will be small.)
Group 2 - International relations
3 group - The problem of the struggle for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons is still relevant! Why
Group 4 - International organizations
instruction card. Read the text and find out the reasons for the conflicts.
1 group "Europe" The situation in Spain.
In Spain, the national problem arose after the Catalans, Galicians and Basques were stripped of some of the administrative, financial, and legal privileges they used to enjoy and were forcibly subjected to the central government in Madrid. During the 40 years of Franco's reign, any manifestation of their national feelings was severely persecuted. It was not allowed to hang out the Catalan and Basque flags, to speak national language and even perform national dances.
Republic of Sri Lanka.
The Republic of Sri Lanka, whose population is mainly made up of two large peoples: the Sinhalese in the southern and central parts of the country - their 74% and the Tamils in its northern and northeastern parts - their 19%. Disagreements between the Sinhalese and the Tomils have deep roots. Sinhalese are devout Buddhists, and Tamils are no less convinced Hindus. Back in the mid 1970s. among the Tomils, the ideas of separatism, the creation of their own independent state of Tamil Eelam, became widespread. In practice, they led to numerous armed clashes and in total claimed the lives of about 60 thousand people. Basic strike force Tamil separatists are militarized by the Tigers of Liberation of Tamil Eelam, which is associated with numerous armed attacks by tiger militants on Sinhalese lands, terrorist acts.
Falkland Islands.
Short war between Britain and Argentina. In 1982, a war broke out between Argentina and Great Britain over the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands are a colonial possession of Great Britain, which opposes the implementation of the UN decision on the decolonization of the islands and on the peaceful settlement of the dispute with Argentina regarding sovereignty over the islands. In the armed conflict with Argentina in 1982, Great Britain restored its colonial status by force.
Additional material on conflicts
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military-political alliance. Until 1990, it included 16 countries. In 1949, it included: the USA, Great Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Iceland. Greece and Turkey joined NATO in 1952, the FRG in 1955, and Spain in 1982. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO's functions have changed. The reduction of armaments began, some military bases were liquidated. Western supporters argue that the NATO bloc has become military organization to a civilian peacekeeping organization. NATO members are provided with a democratic path of development.
Russia has its own weighty arguments. The country has taken steps unprecedented in history towards the West in order to avoid confrontation with it. The Warsaw Pact organization was disbanded, there is no Soviet Union. Russia was significantly weakened both economically and militarily. Russia does not accept the promotion of NATO to the East in connection with the admission of new members. Became members of NATO: Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia.
The problem of preventing regional conflicts. Most of the territorial and border conflicts occur in Asia. These are the contradictions between India and China over the border in the Himalayas, between India and Pakistan over the state of Jammu and Kashmir, between Iraq and Iran, Iraq and Kuwait, Cyprus and Turkey, China and Taiwan, between Russia and Japan over the Kuril islands. In Africa, conflicts between Somalia and Ethiopia, Morocco and Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania, etc.
Conflicts on a political-religious-ethnic basis in the 90s engulfed both Europe (Former Yugoslavia, Spain, Belgium, Ulster in the UK) and Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Iraq, Cambodia, Indonesia, etc.). ), and Africa (South Africa, Sudan, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, etc.), and the CIS countries (Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, etc.). In the 1990s, progress was made in resolving the conflict between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, as a result of which a Palestinian autonomy was created, to which several cities on the banks of the Jordan River and the Gaza Strip were transferred. The racist apartheid regime in South Africa has been abolished. Important role the United Nations plays the role of a mediator in resolving conflicts contentious issues in the former Yugoslavia, Cyprus, the Middle East, Cambodia, Angola, Mozambique, El Salvador, etc.
In the settlement of some conflicts, the role of the great powers, especially the United States and Russia, is significant.
3rd group.The problem of the struggle for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons is still relevant! Why?
It is known that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was concluded in 1970. According to this agreement, the "Nuclear Club" got the right to include five states: the USA, the USSR (now Russia), Great Britain, France and China. In 1998, these countries were armed with about 6.5 thousand nuclear warheads. (Including the USA - 3264 and Russia - 2272). The NPT has already been signed by more than 150 states of the world. but India, Pakistan, North Korea are not among them. . Known. that they have been developing nuclear weapons systems for a long time, and India tested them in 1974. The “threshold” ones include Israel, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Brazil, etc. But if such work was carried out, then in secret, no one performed open tests. All the more unexpected were the new explosions undertaken by India in 1998. at a training ground in the Thar Desert. These explosions were intended as a kind of warning to India's neighbors Pakistan and China. A retaliatory explosion in Pakistan.
4 group. International organizations page 88 and page 303
The main direction of geopolitics is: GWP (geopolitical)- this is the position of the country on the political map, its relationship with other states (especially with neighboring ones) and international unions and organizations. GWP is a historical category that changes over time.
Conclusion: in order to understand the qualitative and quantitative shifts on the political map of the world, the problems of economic and political cooperation between countries, the development trends of the MGRT, it is important to study political geography. It can help to develop recommendations for solving many political and social problems.
Discussion of problems. Conclusions.
Speech by the representatives of the groups
Let's conclude:
1. What can be causes of regional conflicts? (the causes of regional conflicts can be: political, ethno-political, territorial disputes between states, religious
2. What types of international relations can be?
1. How have international relations changed since the 1990s? (Possible answers: the Cold War has ended and the confrontation between two systems, two major nuclear powers: the United States and Russia; the world has become calmer and safer; there are regional hotbeds of conflicts that pose a threat to the world; the NATO military bloc is growing; the process of unification is underway in Europe: the number of EU member states is growing; international terrorism can lead to an aggravation of regional conflicts; there has been a spread of nuclear weapons.)
Why is Russia against NATO expansion to the east?
What is the role of the UN in settling international conflicts?
What is Russia's role in settling regional conflicts? Can Russia play the role of the world's policeman?
International relations can develop from confrontation to mutual understanding and cooperation. Give examples of the development of international relations in this sequence. (Relations between Russia and the United States, the countries of Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, the NATO countries proclaimed the program "Partnership for Peace".)
Is a third world war possible in the 21st century?
III. Practical work
The teacher gives a definition of the political and geographical position of the country. (GWP is the position of an object in relation to other states and their groups as political objects. GWP is a set of political conditions associated with the country's geographical location, expressed in a system of political relationships with the outside world.)
Work is done in groups or individually. The group selects a country to characterize its GWP. The teacher introduces the students to the plan for characterizing the country's GWP.
A sample of work.
Conclusion:
IV. Homework
1. § Repeat the basic terms and concepts of the topic.
Political geography – it is a branch of political and social geography. it separate science, which studies the territorial the distribution of political forces and processes predominantly within a country.
Geopolitics – (according to V. A. Kolosov) is a scientific direction that studies the dependence of the foreign policy of states and international relations on the system of political, economic, environmental, military-strategic and other relationships determined by the country's GP and other physical and economic-geographical factors. The range of interests of geopolitics goes beyond the boundaries of one country.
Grading table:
| group 1 Composition: | station 6 |
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| group 2 Composition: | station 6 |
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| station 6 |
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| station 6 |
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UNITED NATIONS. The UN is a universal organization that performs both general political and specialized functions, since it includes more than 30 interconnected associations. Founded in 1945, it now covers 192 countries of the world and is the center for solving the problems that humanity faces. Every day this organization works to promote human rights, protect the environment, fight disease and reduce poverty. The UN develops rules and regulations for safe and efficient air traffic, pays attention to improving telecommunications and protecting the interests of consumers. She is the initiator of international campaigns in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism. Operating in all regions of the world, this organization provides assistance to refugees, helps to increase food production, plays a leading role in the fight against AIDS. The main organs of the UN are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the International Court of Justice, the Secretariat, and others. Special attention should be paid to sectoral organizations created by the UN to solve certain problems of international development.
Among them, one of the most authoritative was UNESCO - UN Specialized Unit for Education, Science and Culture. The purpose of this intergovernmental organization is to promote peace and strengthen international security through the development of cooperation between states in the humanitarian sphere. UNESCO brings together 188 countries. One of its activities is the protection of cultural and natural world heritage and its use for the needs of international tourism. The list of world cultural heritage, compiled under the auspices of UNESCO, has 890 objects (as of 2009). Of the many attractions Ukraine it includes the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, the historical center of Lviv, the oldest beech forests of the Ukrainian Carpathians, the Ukrainian part of the Struve geodetic arc.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at the UN was established to improve the quality of nutrition and productivity in the agricultural sector, improve the living conditions of the rural population, and promote world economic growth. FAO shares experience in agricultural policy making, planning, drafting legislation and creating national development strategies and overcoming malnutrition and hunger. For the implementation of local projects, FAO provides technical and limited financial assistance from developed countries and banks.
World Trade Organization (WTO) - An international association that deals with the rules of trade between countries, makes sure that trade exchanges take place easily, predictably and freely, and also regulates trade disputes. This organization brings together more than 150 members who carry out 97% of the world trade turnover.
World Health Organization (WHO ) - A specialized association of the United Nations, whose main goal is to promote the protection of public health in all countries of the world. This organization coordinates international cooperation for the development and improvement of health systems, the eradication of infectious diseases, the introduction of universal immunization, the fight against the spread of AIDS, epidemics and pandemics, and the coordination of pharmaceutical activities. The founding day of WHO - April 7 (1948) - is celebrated annually as World Health Day. The WHO includes 193 countries. Ukraine has been a member of WHO since 1948 (as an independent country, renewed membership in 1992).
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA ) - International Organization for Scientific and Technical Cooperation in the Field of Peaceful Use nuclear technology. Its members are 146 states. The IAEA sets standards for nuclear safety and environmental protection, provides countries with technical assistance, and encourages the exchange of scientific and technical information on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The name of the organization "United Nations" was proposed by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was first used in 1942 in the Declaration, when during the Second World War, representatives of 26 states undertook, on behalf of their governments, to continue the joint struggle against the countries of the fascist coalition (Germany, Italy, Japan).
GENERAL POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONCouncil of Europe , which has been functioning since 1949, is an intergovernmental organization whose task is the protection of human rights and the rule of law. The organization promotes European cultural identity and diversity of European cultures, solves the problems that exist in society (regarding national minorities, racial and interethnic intolerance, environmental protection, AIDS, drugs, organized crime and etc.). The Council of Europe helps establish democracy in the region by supporting political, legislative and constitutional reforms. This organization, together with the countries of Europe, includes Ukraine(Since 1995) and such post-Soviet countries as Russia, Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia.
History of creation European Parliament associated with European integration processes that began back in 1950-1970. In the past, this association had the status of an advisory and supervisory body in deciding common problems member states. Today, the European Parliament includes representatives of 27 European countries that are members of the EU (Table 6), and it occupies a leading position among the institutions created within the EU. The defining principles of the organization are the equality of the member countries in resolving issues, freedom, security, solidarity and ensuring long-term peace on the territory of the EU states.
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) founded in 1991 as an economic, political and economic union Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. In the same year, eight more former republics of the Soviet Union joined the CIS: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, And in 1993 - Georgia. In 2005, he left the CIS Turkmenistan. Ukraine is a co-founder of the organization, but did not approve the CIS Charter, so formally it remains a member, but an observer. In 2008, the Georgian parliament decided to terminate its membership in the CIS, but so far this country remains a member of the Commonwealth.
SPECIALIZED ORGANIZATIONS. European Union (EU)- Political and economic integration association of 27 European countries, founded in 1993 (Table 4). The EU combines the characteristics of an international organization and a state, but formally it is neither one nor the other. The EU countries have come a long way of integration: from the signing in 1951 of an agreement on the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, to the 2007 Lisbon Treaty on reforming the EU. It plays a huge role in international relations. The EU countries pledged to pursue a joint foreign policy course, to agree on the main directions of economic, environmental and social policy.
Table 4 EU Member States(As of 2009)
| Year of admission | Countries |
| Founding countries: Belgium, UK, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, France |
|
| Austria, Finland, Sweden |
|
| Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Poland, Malta, Cyprus |
|
| Bulgaria, Romania |
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO or North Atlantic Alliance. NATO is an international military-political organization created in 1949. Now it includes 28 states (Table 5). He wants to join this organization in the future and Ukraine. The main principle of the organization's activity is the system of collective defense - joint organized actions of all its members, if a threat arises from outside. Today, NATO is one of the leading components of security in all
Table 5 Countries-NATO
| Year of admission | Countries |
| Belgium, UK, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Iceland, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, USA, Italy (founding countries) |
|
| Greece, Turkey |
|
| Germany |
|
| Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary |
|
| Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia |
|
| Albania, Croatia |
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) – association of major oil-producing developing countries ( Algeria, Venezuela, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, UAE Saudi Arabia). Founded in 1960, OPEC now controls more than a third of world oil production. The organization coordinates oil policy (regulation of production, exports, prices, etc.), increasing incomes, promoting the development of national oil reserves in the interests of its members).
Information
International relationships have long occupied a significant place in the life of any state, society and individual. The origin of nations, the formation of state borders, the formation and change of political regimes, the formation of various social institutions, the enrichment of cultures, the development of art, science, technological progress and an effective economy are closely related to trade, financial, cultural and other exchanges, interstate alliances, diplomatic contacts and military conflicts - or, in other words, , with international relations. Their importance is growing even more today, when all countries are woven into a dense, ramified network of diverse interactions that affect the volume and nature of production, the types of goods created and the prices for them, the standards of consumption, the values and ideals of people.
The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the "world socialist system", the entry into the international arena of the former Soviet republics as independent states, the new Russia's search for its place in the world, the definition of its foreign policy priorities, the reformulation of national interests, the threat of being drawn into bloody conflicts, raging on the periphery of the post-Soviet space - all these and many other circumstances of international life have a direct impact on the daily existence of people and the fate of Russians, on the present and future of our country, its immediate environment and, in in a certain sense on the fate of humanity as a whole.
In the light of the foregoing, it becomes clear that in our days there is a sharp increase in the objective need for a theoretical understanding of international relations, for an analysis of the changes taking place here and their consequences, and, last but not least, for the expansion and deepening of the relevant topics in the general humanitarian training of students. The work offered to the reader's attention is intended to contribute to the formation of a holistic, systematic understanding of international relations as a specific area public interaction and is intended primarily for university students specializing in the study of political science and sociology. At the same time, it can be useful not only for them, but also for students of other specialties when they master the basic socio-political disciplines - especially since the courses taught today in these disciplines, as a rule, either do not contain an international political section at all, or limit it to one or two topics.
A systematic, purposeful study of international relations is associated with the interwar period of the first half of the 20th century, when the first research centers and university departments appeared in the United States and Western Europe, and curricula appeared that summarized and presented the results of a new scientific direction. At first, its formation took place within the framework of philosophy, as well as such traditional scientific disciplines as history, law and economics.
Information
International organizations
For the implementation of international cooperation, including in international politics, various intergovernmental and non-governmental international organizations are being created. They have permanent governing bodies with certain competences, powers and functions. At the beginning of the 21st century, there were 3 thousand intergovernmental organizations, they were supplemented by 20 thousand different non-governmental international organizations, of which approximately 2 thousand have observer status at the UN.
The first international organization that still exists today was the Universal Postal Union (UPU). He has been working since 1875. International organizations are created on a different basis with different goals, covering the most different aspects international relations. They are created in the economic, political, cultural, national fields, have certain features and specifics. Examples of various international organizations include:
- regional organizations such as the Union of Independent States (CIS), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union (EU), the League of Arab States (LAS), the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), etc.;
- economic organizations eg: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD);
- organizations in the field of certain areas of the world economy, for example: International Energy Agency (IEA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), etc.;
- professional organizations: International Organization of Journalists (IOJ), International Association of Political Sciences (IAPN), International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL);
- demographic organizations: Women's International Democratic Federation (WDFW), World Youth Association (WWA), World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY);
- organizations in the field of culture and sports: International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);
Military Organizations: North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Pacific Security Pact (ANZUS);
Trade union organizations: International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), World Confederation of Labor (WCL);
Organizations in support of peace and solidarity: the World Peace Council (WPC), the Pugowsh Movement, the Solidarity Organization of the Peoples of Asia and Africa (OSNAA), etc.;
Religious organizations: World Council of Churches (WCC), Christian Peace Conference (CPC), etc.;
- environmental organizations: Greenpeace and others;
The International Red Cross (ICC) is an organization whose purpose is to help prisoners of war, other victims of war, catastrophes, and natural disasters.
The most significant role in the system of international relations is played by the United Nations (UN). Its members are about 190 states, i.e., about 80% of all countries, which indicates its universality. The UN largely determined the political climate on the planet in the second half of the 20th century. The role of such a structural unit The UN is like the UN Security Council.
To date, one of the main tasks of Russia's foreign policy is its entry into the WTO (World Trade Organization), which will open the internal markets of many countries for Russia. On the other hand, this poses a certain threat to domestic producers, who are forced to compete with foreign producers, who will receive easier access to the Russian market due to lower customs duties. There are lively discussions about the overall balance of positive and negative consequences of joining the WTO. The terms of Russia's accession to the WTO are the subject of many years of negotiations.
Another international organization with which Russia is now actively cooperating and substantially restructuring the system of its relations with it is NATO. Russia is also restructuring its relations with other international organizations, which is connected with changes in the world political process and with Russia's new position in the system of international relations.
The role of international organizations in solving such global problems as the threat nuclear war, approaching ecological catastrophe, threateningly rapid growth of the planet's population, faster growth of resources, overcoming the gap between the countries of the poor South and the rich North, etc.
At present, the joint efforts of all countries to combat international terrorism, which poses a threat to all mankind, are important. If a few years ago Russia, fighting its manifestations, met with misunderstanding of the West, then after the terrorist attacks in September 2001 in the United States, most countries of the world united in their desire to put an end to terrorism.
Working with the map
1. Find out which international organization has the most extensive spatial organization.
2. Indicate on which mainland there are no headquarters and offices of international organizations. Think why.
3. Name where the headquarters of the UN, UNESCO, BSEC are located.
4. Are the offices of international organizations located in Third World countries?
Practical work "Assessment of the geopolitical position of the country-….."
var 1 - Germany var 2 - China
Target on textbook page 89
GWP is the position of an object in relation to other states and their groups as political objects. GWP is a set of political conditions associated with the geographical location of the country, expressed in a system of political relations with the outside world.)
GWP characterization plan. (Option I).
1. Political and economic assessment of state borders:
a) the level of economic development of neighboring countries;
b) belonging of neighboring countries to political blocs;
c) strategic assessment of the state border.
2. Attitude towards transport routes, markets for raw materials and products:
a) the possibility of using sea and river transport;
b) trade relations with neighboring countries;
c) the provision of the country with raw materials.
3. Attitude to the "hot spots" of the planet:
a) direct or indirect relation of the country to regional conflicts;
b) military-strategic potential and presence of military bases abroad;
c) the attitude of the country's government towards international detente and disarmament.
4. General assessment of the political situation in the country.
GWP characterization plan. (Option II).
1. The position of the country in relation to other countries.
2. The level of economic development of neighboring countries.
3. Attitude to world transport routes, markets for raw materials and sales of products.
4. Position in relation to the "hot spots" of the planet.
5. Current political situation, domestic and foreign policy. (General score).
A sample of work.
Political and geographical position of France.
France is an economically developed country. She is one of the Big Seven. France is located in Western Europe. Has a central position. In the east, the country borders on Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Italy. In the south, France borders on Spain and Andorra. It is separated from Great Britain by the English Channel.
France is surrounded by developed countries. Neighbors, like France itself, are members of the NATO military-political bloc and the economic union - the EU. Neighborhood is favorable.
France has a maritime position. In the south it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and has a large port of Marseille. In the west, France is washed by the Bay of Biscay of the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, France has a free year-round access to the oceans, and consequently, trade with the countries of the world. France has a dense transport network connecting it with its neighbors (road and railways , rivers, canals). France is insufficiently provided with its own raw materials and fuel, therefore it is a major importer of gas, coal, oil, timber, etc. It has the largest volume of trade with the EU countries.
France, being a member of NATO, takes an active part in the settlement of regional conflicts, has a large military potential and military bases outside the country.
Conclusion: The political and geographical position of France as a whole is quite favorable.
5 station "Political"
The teams are given assignments on problems, international organizations and international relations. The task of the teams within 2 minutes is to briefly state the information on the POPS formula
The study of the content of the paragraph provides an opportunity:
Ø to study the essence of the concept of geopolitics;
Ø get acquainted with various international associations of countries of the world.
Among the world's global problems, the most important is the problem of maintaining peace and disarmament, which became especially acute after the Second World War in connection with the invention of weapons of mass destruction.
At present, the international situation, despite its complexity and contradictions, is gradually changing from confrontation to cooperation, and the threat of world nuclear annihilation is decreasing. The leading states of the world have signed treaties on the elimination of certain classes of missiles, the reduction of strategic offensive weapons, the reduction in the size of the armed forces, and so on. In the field of control over nuclear weapons, the Treaty on the Ban on Nuclear Tests in the Atmosphere, Outer Space and Under Water (1963) was adopted; treaty on a universal ban on nuclear tests (1996); Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (1968); Treaty between Russia on the reduction of strategic offensive arms - START-1 (1991) and START-2 (1993).
In 1997, the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction came into force, which was ratified by most countries of the world, including the United States, Russia, and China. The process of gradual reduction of conventional weapons continues,
However, on the improvement of international relations, the threat to peace remains real. As before, up to 1 trillion 100 billion dollars (2007) are spent on the arms race (47% of them are in the United States). Significant material and human resources are involved (more than 25 million people are employed in the armies of the states of the world). The number of states possessing nuclear weapons is growing, new dangerous types of weapons are emerging, and international terrorism is on the rise. The threat of international terrorism became especially urgent after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington in September 2001 and in Moscow in October 2002. As a result of these actions, thousands of people have died, and millions live in fear and psychological discomfort. (Name the regions of the World (countries) where tension exists, local wars are going on. What are the causes of conflicts and what ways to resolve them, in your opinion, are the most acceptable?)
Political geography. Political geography is the science of territorial differentiation of political phenomena and processes. Modern political and geographical research is focused on the study of the territorial distribution of class and political forces in the world as a whole and in its large regions. Changes on the political map of the world associated with the formation of new states, changes in the political system and state borders are considered at the global and regional levels. Changes in the correlation of forces of political, military and economic groups, as well as territorial aspects of international relations, hotbeds of tension and military conflicts are also considered.
The political-geographical position is directly related to political geography. Political-geographical position (GWP) is a set of political conditions associated with the geographical position of countries (regions) and the interaction of its population with surrounding countries and international unions. Political and geographical relationships are changing, which is due to both internal processes in countries and the surrounding area. ( How has the political and geographical position of Belarus changed at present?)
The political-geographical position is closely related to the economic-geographical position, since the economy and politics are closely related.
In connection with the development of society and the change in the economic and geographical position, due to the development of transport, the service sector, foreign trade, changes are also taking place in the political and geographical position. The economic and geographical position has both a positive and a negative impact on the economic development of the country ( Give specific examples).
Despite the positive changes on the political map of the world, there are still regions of political and ethno-confessional tensions and local wars. Africa and Asia are the most unstable. At present, the world is experiencing the collapse of world finances, the uncontrolled spread of nuclear weapons, the expansion of the zone of international conflicts, the growth of drug trafficking, criminalization and terrorism.
Now the world has developed a stable Islamic "arc" of instability from the Balkans to the Philippines. The centers of instability in Asia are Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, India, China, Myamna, North Korea, etc.
In political geography, one of the areas is geopolitics. Geopolitics(from the Greek geos - land and politik - politics, the art of government) - a political concept, according to which the policy of the state, mainly external, is determined by its geographical factors. The main geopolitical factors are geographical (space, location, natural conditions and resources), political (type of state system, social structure of society, relations with other states, participation in political alliances and blocs, the presence of hot spots), economic (standard of living of the population, degree of development of the leading sectors of the economy), military (level of development, peculiarity and combat readiness of the armed forces, military spending, etc.), environmental (the degree of degradation of the natural environment and measures to protect it), demographic (the nature of population reproduction, its composition and distribution), cultural and historical (the level of development of science, education, health, cultural traditions) and ethnic relationships. Thus, geopolitics studies the dependence of the foreign policy of states and international relations on the system of political, economic, environmental, military-strategic relationships, which are determined by the geographical position of the country, physical and economic-geographical factors.
The founder of geopolitics is the German scientist Friedrich Ratzel (1844 - 1904), who in 1897 in his work "Political Geography" expressed the idea of "living space". According to Ratzel's theory, in order to improve its geographical position, the state has the right to change its borders, to increase its territory by seizing neighboring lands. This concept at one time became the ideological basis of the Nazi expansion.
Geopolitics is always connected with the state and is guided by its interests, it is of a historical nature. The geographical factor (geographical location, size of the territory, availability of natural resources) influences foreign policy, but the geographical environment cannot be the main reason for social development. The foreign policy of states, as the experience of history shows, changes in connection with changes in socio-economic conditions, but in no way can it be the result of geographical conditions undergoing changes very slowly. The modern world is divided by numerous borders (state, ethnic, religious), which are constantly changing and becoming more complex. Processes are underway to separate the boundaries and waters of the World Ocean (territorial waters, two hundred mile economic zones). The political situation is rapidly changing in certain regions (countries) where conflicts arise, which is predetermined by the alignment of political forces, the activities of mass socio-political movements, and ethnic processes. In turn, political factors have an impact on the socio-economic development of countries, international cooperation. The geographical environment in which a nation develops determines important characteristics life of this nation in the world community of states. This is, first of all: the nature of economic development and interaction with outside world, the degree of inclination to expansion, a place in the general civilized development at a certain historical stage. The tendency to maximize its power in one form or another (expansion of territory, economic dominance, political dominance) is natural for any state over a long historical development. Thus, an important aspect of geopolitics is the assessment of the power of the state through taking into account the territory, space, types of borders (their security). This also includes: the number of population; availability and volume of natural resources (raw materials); economic and technological development; racial homogeneity; political stability; national spirit, etc. The main essence of geopolitics is connected with the idea control over space (territory). The territory itself is a receptacle for almost all natural resources. Therefore, the territory must be treated with the same care as all other natural resources.
At the first stages of human development, control over space was carried out in the form of direct influence - military or political control. With the development of scientific and technological revolution and the growing interdependence in the world, control over space takes on new, partly transnational forms: economic, communication, information.
Control over space, as a sphere of influence and use, can be carried out by terrestrial, oceanic, air and space routes. In the future, the role of the near-Earth space in controlling the terrestrial space will increase. An attempt was made to achieve complete military control over the near-Earth space of the United States through the SDI program. (What is the essence of this program?).
One form of space control is political, which is based on party, state-administrative infrastructures. Examples of political control are London's delegation of control over India to the British East India Company in the 19th century, complex political control in 1949–1953. the former USSR over the PRC, etc.
military control is regarded as a classic example of geopolitics and provides for the maintenance of control over a certain territory by military means.
economic control increases with the globalization of international relations and the growing impact of the economy on all aspects of the life of modern society.
Communication control has a direct impact on the overall degree of state control over a particular space.
Demographic control is a significant geopolitical factor not only for states with low population density areas (Russia, Canada, Australia), but also for states with overpopulation problems (meaning China's demographic control over Xinjiang by resettling ethnic Chinese (Han Chinese) there). control is important not only over the territory of one's own state, but also for direct or indirect control over the territories of other states.For example, China's relations with the countries of Southeast Asia are determined by the fact that in these countries ethnic Chinese make up a significant part of the population, and in Singapore - In this regard, the PRC, as the core of the Chinese ethnic group, can control a significant area.
Information control associated with the development of the media, especially television and radio communications. Information control over a relatively independent space can lead the subject of information dissemination to significant political, economic and communication changes.
Geopolitics has gone through a number of stages in its development. If the first from the end of the nineteenth to the 80s. Since the 20th century, the focus was on the discussion of military-political contradictions, the struggle for the territorial redistribution of the world and the aggravation of the Cold War, then at present in the system of international relations there has been a warming of the global geopolitical climate, when military confrontation was replaced by political, economic and cultural interaction between countries and regions. The geopolitics of confrontation has changed to the geopolitics of interaction, however, the global geopolitical situation is complicated by the fact that in the multipolar world one superpower stands out - the United States, which has not abandoned the policy of world dictate and the new world order in terms of "sphere of influence" and "living space".
One of the initial geopolitical provisions that were developed in the West in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is the doctrine of the confrontation between continental (tellurocratic) and maritime (thalassocratic) forces. Tellurocracy (Greek - power through the Earth, or land power), thalassocracy (Greek - power through the sea, or sea power).
Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840–1914) was the first to analyze the role of maritime and continental powers. He put forward the idea of the superiority of maritime power over continental power. The sea power of the state is determined by the sea power, the military and merchant fleets, and naval bases.
According to A. Mahan, the geopolitical status of a state is determined by the following provisions: 1) the geographical position of the state, its openness to the seas, the possibility of sea communications with other countries. The length of land borders, the ability to control strategically important regions; 2) the configuration of sea coasts and the number of ports located on them; 3) the length of the territory. It is equal to the length of the coastline; 4) Statistical population; 5) national character; 6) the political nature of government.
The view of many American geopoliticians is dominated by the idea of the need to extend US dominance after World War II to key regions of the world and abandon the concept of isolationism. The foundations of the country's security, they believe, must be considered at the global level (integrated control over the territories) and active intervention in the affairs of Eurasia.
Geostrategy- this is the theory and practice of implementing the vital interests of the state, the union of states, the nation, the people. The development of the geostrategy of the state is the main goal of geopolitics. It is aimed at solving both domestic and foreign policy problems, taking into account demographic and social situations, as well as economic and military potentials. Geostrategy is the art of managing the development of a state based on the development of national interests, which has an internal socio-economic potential. Geostrategy considers all spheres of life of modern society.
Questions and tasks.
1. Why is the problem of maintaining peace and preventing nuclear war the most urgent among global problems?
2. What is the main essence of geopolitics?
3. What forms of spatial control exist? Give examples..
4. What factors characterize the geopolitics of any state?
Political geography is a type of economic and social geography that borders on political science. As an independent, it arose relatively recently: at the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century. Its founder is considered to be a German geographer who in 1897 published a book under the same title. His book was initially criticized because it concluded that the capture of the weakened and neighboring by a strong state was justified. It was most severely persecuted when the provisions of it were used by the Nazis for the practical purposes of the Reich. It was on the ideas of F. Ratzel that geopolitics was formed, which in the USSR was considered as a tool for conquering territories.
As for this term, it was first introduced by the Swedish scientist R. Kjellen. In the Soviet Union, the movement of geopolitical thought was under the strict control of the state, so this field of knowledge practically did not develop.
Today, this concept is interpreted as the science of the territorial difference of political phenomena and processes.
Thus, political geography studies:
- Creation of global and regional political map.
- Territorial change of political boundaries.
- The specifics of the state structure.
- Political blocs, groups and parties.
- Electoral companies in terms of their territorial plans.
Of great interest to researchers is the assessment of individual states, i.e. the specifics of their position in relation to allies and neighbors. Political geography tends to change over time, which is why it is considered a historical category.
Note that this science has several main areas:
- Geopolitics, in charge of which is the global system.
- Geographic State.
- Regional political science.
- regional elites.
Political geography and geopolitics as its structural element are always under close attention researchers who are engaged in the analysis of domestic and foreign policy. The fact is that geopolitics expresses the country's line of conduct in relation to state borders. It examines the interaction of the country with other powers, in particular, with neighbors.
If we consider the times of the Second World War and the period of the Cold War, all the concepts of this direction sought to analyze the causes of territorial seizures, the establishment of military bases and occupation, as well as military and state interventions in the organization of other countries. In a sense, modern geopolitics also has a similar focus, but its specificity lies in the fact that more attention is already being paid to the principles of international security.
Political geography is currently actively developing as a science. In particular, if we consider its geopolitical features, their manifestation in the modern world is globalization. When there was a destruction of the existing balance. Tendencies to establish order with the help of military forces are beginning to prevail, and the opinion of its representative body - the UN - is not taken into account. As a response to these actions, anti-globalization movements appear, which quickly become aggressive.
Currently, political geography is developing along with social. However, this entails the emergence of criminal organizations, extremism, feminism and religions. Also very interesting sectors from the point of view of the nature of their occurrence are the geography of culture and the service sector.
Note that it fully reflects the era and the changes taking place in it. However, it has undergone the greatest changes in the 20th century, as the researchers note.
