IA 101

Spring 2003

Mapping Exercise #3 - Part 3: The Cultural World

Read and study all maps in Parts I and II of Student Atlas of World Politics. Respond to the following questions. Due date is Wednesday, April 7th in class. Please bring your atlas to class that day as well. Late work is not acceptable.

Maps 8, 9, and 21: To what extent does language overlap with political and economic interests on an international level? Make two observations. To what extent does linguistic diversity in individual states pose a potential political and cultural problem? Choose one state and explain in detail.

Map 17: What three events in the twentieth century have led to changes in state boundaries in the Middle East? Which new states are the results? Which two nations in this region continue to have unresolved claims to statehood and where are they currently located?

Map 20: What regions of the world are the most homogenous and the most heterogeneous? Make two observations.

Map 22 and 23: From what three countries do the largest refugee populations originate? Which armed conflicts gave rise to these refugee problems? List inclusive dates and combatants.

Map 25 (pages 40 and 41): Briefly explain the cultural conflicts in the three flashpoint regions of "Israel and its neighbors," "Iraq and Kurdistan," and "Afghanistan (Taliban and Al-Qaeda."