Political Geography of Europe

Political Geography of Europe

• Political geography studies the relationships between governments, citizens, and countries, both internally and externally, and how these affect them.
• Ancient Greek and Roman ideals and systems significantly influence European and global governance.
• Greece is considered the birthplace of democracy and the concept of citizenship.
• Ancient Rome provided Europe with legal, governmental, and military ideas.
• European empires are heavily influenced by the Roman Empire.
• World War I fragmented the Ottoman and Hungarian empires, drastically reshaping European borders.
• World War II ended European empires and created the Iron Curtain, dividing Western and Eastern Europe along ideological lines.
• The fall of the Soviet Union in the 1980s continued to impact European political geography, particularly in Eastern Europe.
• The European Economic Community (EEC) was established in 1957 and evolved into the European Union (EU) in 1993.
• The EU is a political and economic union of 28 member states promoting free trade and cooperation.
• Key EU bodies include the European Central Bank, the Court of Justice, and the European Parliament (elected every five years by EU citizens).
• EU political controversies include bailouts for struggling countries (like Greece), loss of national sovereignty, and immigration.
• Despite these issues, the EU has stabilized Europe economically and politically.

Influence of Geographic Factors

• European history involves numerous empires, religions, and cultures.
• The Iron Curtain represents the border between Western and Eastern European countries, reflecting differing political and social values.

EU Foreign Policy

• The EU's foreign policy goal is to bolster international stability, security, and cooperation, encourage democracy and human rights, promote prosperity, and support good governance.
• The EU employs various tools, including sanctions and restrictive measures, conflict prevention, weapons control, and crisis management through the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).
• The European Neighbourhood Policy encourages political and economic partnerships with neighboring countries, providing financial, market, travel, and technical support.
• A trained foreign policy staff, led by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy and the Foreign Affairs Council, coordinates EU foreign policy.

European Culture and Customs

• Europe's diverse culture, in size similar to the US's, includes 50 vastly different countries. Variations in customs and attitudes are notable.
• Relaxed approach to time and family life is a common thread across Europe.
• Considerable emphasis on history; a 100-year-old structure is considered relatively new compared to Europe.
• High density of population and use of land for agriculture, housing, and infrastructure.
• Less individualistic and materialistic than American culture, with a greater emphasis on shared well-being reflected in higher taxes.
• More liberal political views in most categories, save concerning gun control, safety laws, and driving.
• High emphasis on human rights.
• More laid-back attitudes toward alcohol consumption, including underage drinking in family settings.
• Generally less patriotism compared to the United States.
• Less aggressive policing, particularly in everyday scenarios.
• Diverse ethnicity, at least 87 distinct groups, and multiple language families.
• Predominantly secular.
• Christianity is the most common religion, with Catholicism being the most prevalent. A minority identifies as Muslim.
• Educational systems in most countries are unified and follow a common core curriculum.

Western and Mediterranean Europe

• Western Europe (UK, France, Germany, etc.): faster-paced city life, strong social safety nets.
• Mediterranean Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Greece) : more laid-back, family-centered, significant religious influence, siestas (afternoon naps).

Eastern Europe

• Eastern Europe: exhibits traits similar to Western countries, particularly in cities, but stronger government influence in the economy seen in rural areas.
• Cultural features, like inviting strangers, offering gifts, and Russian cultural influences, may still be significant.

Language and Settlements

• Language trees demonstrate relationships between languages, mapping out settlement patterns and migrations.

Middle East and Africa

• Water is a crucial factor affecting settlement locations in the Middle East and Africa.
• Proximity to harbors and plateaus have historically influenced settlement.
• Modern natural resources, such as oil and diamonds, have driven new settlements.
• These resources often cause conflict between nations.