Monday 12-3: political geography questions, part one

Greetings once again!

OK, so now you have some basic terms and concepts to begin this new section of the course... now let's apply them to answering some questions:

Please note, at least two complete sentences to explain each of your answers

A) The notes pointed out that there are many nations that are now independent which were once part of bigger empires. Question: is it inevitable that big "multinational" empires will split apart? 

B) The notes also pointed out that many of these new smaller nations had some serious problems. Do you believe that these problems are due to them being smaller, or because of their previous position trapped inside a large empire?

C) For B above, how might you go about researching an answer for this question?

D) The notes point out that the word "ethnic" comes from the Greek word ethnos meaning "people" or "nation". The word politics comes from the Greek word "polis" meaning city. Question: what could possibly happen to a city that is politically divided along ethnic lines...one where the various ethnic groups absolutely do not get along?

E) What could possibly happen if an entire country was divided in this fashion?

F) Please list -- using complete sentences -- at least three benefits to a city or a nation being ethnically homogeneous --- meaning all from the same ethnic group

G) Please list -- again using complete sentences -- at least three benefits to a city or a nation being ethnically diverse

OK, that should be enough exercise for today. Don't forget, you still owe any and all "unfinished business" from the previous section of this course

cheers,
Mr. L