Countries & Borders Introduction

In a political context, countries and borders define the units of sovereign authority in the international system. Borders determine which government has jurisdiction over a territory, its people, and its resources. Many of the world's borders were drawn by colonial powers with little regard for existing ethnic or cultural communities, creating tensions that persist today. Border disputes - over Kashmir, the South China Sea, and the Israel-Palestine conflict, among many others - are among the world's most intractable political problems. The recognition of new states, secession movements, and territorial changes reflect ongoing political contestation over sovereignty. This sub-category tests knowledge of political borders, territorial disputes, contested regions, border-related international law, and the geopolitical significance of how the world's nations are defined and separated.

This topic is part of Politics - use the systems and branches tools below, then practice with flashcards and quizzes.