Examples of Devolutionary Forces Around The World [AP Human Geography Unit 4 Topic 8]

Summary

In this video, Mr. Sin explores the concept of devolution, where power shifts from a central government to regional authorities, often leading to states breaking apart or gaining more autonomy. He explains various devolutionary factors such as geographic isolation, ethnic separatism, economic disparities, and political repression, drawing on examples like the Basques and Catalans in Spain, Quebec in Canada, and the Kurds in the Middle East. The video also touches on the impact of terrorism, irredentism, and ethnic cleansing as drivers of devolution, while highlighting recent examples like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

Takeaways

• 😀 Devolution is the transfer of power from a central government to regional governments, which can either break up a state or give regional governments more control.
• 😀 Physical geography, such as mountains or rivers, can lead to cultural isolation, which often results in a desire for more regional autonomy or independence, as seen with the Basque people in Spain.
• 😀 Ethnic separatism occurs when cultural or ethnic groups within a state seek more autonomy or even independence, often driven by distinct language, culture, or historical grievances, like the Catalans in Spain or the Kurds in the Middle East.
• 😀 In some cases, devolutionary movements are fueled by the abuse of power, such as ethnic cleansing or government oppression, which can lead to ethnic groups demanding independence, as demonstrated by the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar and the Rwandan Genocide.
• 😀 Terrorism and political violence can destabilize a state, leading citizens to demand greater regional control to avoid conflict with a central government, creating devolutionary pressures.
• 😀 Economic disparities, such as wealthier regions feeling exploited by poorer ones, can also lead to devolution. Catalonia in Spain, with its higher GDP, serves as an example of a region frustrated by economic inequality.
• 😀 Irredentism occurs when a nation seeks to unite its people who are located in another state's territory, as seen in Russia's actions regarding Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea in 2014.
• 😀 Distance decay, the idea that people in isolated regions are less likely to interact, can contribute to the development of distinct regional identities, which may lead to calls for more autonomy.
• 😀 The Basques in Spain and the Catalans both have unique languages, cultures, and identities, which make them more likely to seek independence from Spain, showing the intersection of geographic, cultural, and political factors in devolution.
• 😀 Devolutionary pressures are not limited to cultural or geographic factors alone but can also stem from government failure to address social and economic inequality, creating frustration among citizens and fueling demands for change.

Q & A

What is devolution, and how does it typically affect a state?

Devolution is the transfer of power from a central government to a regional government. This shift can sometimes lead to a state breaking up into smaller states, or it might simply result in more regional autonomy while the state remains intact.

How does physical geography contribute to devolutionary pressures within a state?

Physical geography, such as mountains, rivers, or large geographical distances, can isolate regions, leading to the formation of distinct local cultures and identities. This separation often results in a desire for more regional control and less national influence, driving devolutionary pressures.

Can you give an example of a group seeking devolution due to physical geography?

The Basque people in Spain provide an example. Isolated by mountains, the Basques have developed their own language and culture, which has led to a desire for more autonomy and independence from the central Spanish government.

What is ethnic separatism, and how does it influence devolution?

Ethnic separatism occurs when an ethnic group within a state identifies more strongly with its own ethnic identity than with the state itself, leading to a desire for more political power or even independence. This often contributes to devolution, as ethnic groups demand autonomy. Examples include the Basques, Catalans, and Kurds.

How does the issue of language contribute to devolutionary movements?

Language can create divisions within a state when different regions speak different languages. For example, Quebec in Canada has a French-speaking majority, while the rest of Canada predominantly speaks English. This linguistic divide has driven devolutionary pressures as the Quebecois seek more autonomy.

How did the Catalan people in Spain express their desire for independence?

The Catalans held a referendum in 2017 seeking independence from Spain, although the Spanish government declared it unconstitutional. Despite this, Catalonia continues to push for greater autonomy and has maintained discussions on the issue.

What role does terrorism play in creating devolutionary pressures?

Terrorism can create instability within a state, leading to demands for change from citizens who feel unsafe or disenfranchised. When violence becomes widespread, it can push citizens to seek greater regional control or autonomy as a response to the perceived failure of the national government to maintain security.

What is ethnic cleansing, and how does it contribute to devolution?

Ethnic cleansing is the violent removal or extermination of an ethnic group within a state, often by the government. This can destabilize the state and contribute to devolutionary movements, as marginalized ethnic groups may seek independence or autonomy. Examples include the Rwandan Genocide and the persecution of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

What is irredentism, and how does it affect devolutionary dynamics?

Irredentism is a movement where a nation seeks to reclaim territory or unite with people from another state based on shared ethnicity or culture. This can put devolutionary pressures on states as regions may want to join another nation. A current example is Russia's claim over Crimea and its justification based on protecting ethnic Russians.

How do economic disparities contribute to devolution in regions like Catalonia and Nigeria?

Economic disparities between regions can drive devolution, as wealthier or more economically productive regions may feel they are unfairly supporting poorer regions. For instance, Catalonia has the highest GDP in Spain, leading many in the region to question why they should subsidize other parts of the country. Similarly, Nigeria's unequal distribution of resources and ongoing ethnic and religious tensions have contributed to devolutionary pressures.