Geography and Global Challenges Midterm Reviewer PDF

CHINA North - drought, South – floods Government monopoly on salt and iron China’s River Systems “East Asia ca...

CHINA North - drought, South – floods Government monopoly on salt and iron China’s River Systems “East Asia can best be understood through its The Grand Canal - world’s longest history for a number of reasons. One is that the man-made waterway, extended and 1. Yangtze (middle: Szechwan Basin, peoples of East Asia, more than those of the rest finally linked to the Yellow to the Nanjing, Shanghai) Yangtze of the world, see themselves in historical 2. Yellow river (Huang Ho/He) - perspective” - Fairbank, et. al. 1989 Tied the northern and southern Han to each other more closely Shandong peninsula form North China CHINESE WORLD VIEW: “MIDDLE Several million slaves for five years to Plain do the work KINGDOM’ (ZHONGGUO) - Between Yangtze/Yangzi and Huang Still flooding Ho/He is the transitional zone marking Relations between China and During Tang, foreign merchants, the warm south where crops can be neighboring countries were conducted in missionaries, and adventurers came – grown all year and the north where accordance with the tribute system most came along the Silk Road cold air from Siberia makes winter Sinocentric world view 1279 – Kublai Khan became the first freezing direct foreign ruler of China Geographically inland and inward- Grand Eunuch Zheng 3. Liao River – Manchuria looking Reached parts of Burma and Indochina SINOCENTRISM in 18th century 4. Xi (west) river – southern (near Xinjiang was conquered (country’s Guangzhou and Macau) VALUES – one, first, solo biggest province) Tianxia - “all under heaven” Populated by Muslims YELLOW RIVER BASIN Domination of the realm through its Source of instability, insurrection Frequent and devastating floods civilization and military power Tian-ming - “mandate of heaven” or ARRIVAL OF IMPERIAL POWERS ‘scourge of the Sons of Han’ Polluted - clogged with toxic water mandate to rule Century of Humiliation – useful in China’s cradle of civilization, where its covering up the CCP’s own failures and people learned to farm, and to make BRIEF HISTORY repressive policies paper and gunpowder Japanese – invaded and occupied most Three legendary dynasties coexisted during Bronze age (Xia, Shang, Zhou) of the heartland as well as Manchuria GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES Han people emerged, protecting the and Inner Mongolia Pamirs heartland, creating a buffer zone NATIONALISM AND REVOLUTION IN Kunlun Shan, Tian Shun, Altun Shan, 90% of population are Han (dominate CHINA (FALL OF QING DYNASTY 1860- Altay Shan Chinese politics and business) Differentiated by Mandarin, Cantonese, 1911) Xiao Hinggan Ling etc. NEW HUMILIATIONS Himalayas Same strategy as Russia: attack as Mt. Everest defense, leader to power Treaty of Shimonoseki Deserts: Gobi and Takla Makan Great Wall of China since Qin Russo-Japanese war (Treaty of Portsmouth)  Treaty of Tianjin 21ST CENTURY AS ‘CHINESE’ CENTURY VIETNAM Loss of control of territories (especially treaty ports) Mid-70s – Deng Xiaoping’s rapid Shared geography shapes relations reforms Territorial disputes (China’s domination China lost control over large portions 2009 – China became the world's of Vietnam, 1979 border war) and tributaries at the hands of largest exporter Viewed as a minor threat by Beijing foreigners (loss of standing and dignity) 2010 – Overtook Japan as the world’s Forced to cede control over a series of 2nd largest economy LAOS treaty ports along the Chinese coast and Largest population: Cheap labor, but Yangtze river faces aging due to 1979 One Child Border is hilly jungle terrain, difficult Policy for traders to cross RECENT HISTORY Influence in WTO, G-20, and climate change BURMA Nationalist forces under Chiang Kai- Strengthened resource ties with Africa, Shek and Communist armies under Australia, Middle East, Latin America Jungle hills rise to nearly 20,000 feet Mao battled until 1949 Soft power: Cultural influence in Asia, Merge into the Himalayas from Beijing's Nationalists withdrew to Taiwan in anti-Imperialist appeal in Africa/Global perspective 1949 South Mao centralized power Permanent member of the UNSC TIBET’S IMPORTANT TO CHINA 1951 – China annexed Tibet Chinese maps began to depict China as CHINA AND ITS NEIGHBORS Himalayas: A natural "Great Wall" stretching even into central Asian between China and India republic NORTH Divides two most populous countries Country remained desperately poor, militarily and economically but unified Border with Mongolia (Gobi Desert): Early warning/defensive line Tibetan Plateau: "Roof of the world" CAPITALISM China’s northern expansion via trade deals, targeting Mongolia’s mineral CHINA AND INDIA Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping coined resources the term “socialism with Chinese Increased migration of Han Chinese China claims Arunachal Pradesh, India claims Aksai Chin Characteristics”, appears to translate as EAST 1962: Violent border disputes “total control for the Communist party Minimal historical trade between in a capitalist economy) Russia to the Sea of Japan China and India End of 1990s – recovered from the Mountainous Russian Far East Border mainly Tibetan-Indian shock of the Tiananmen Square Below: Manchuria massacre of 1989, regained Hong Kong TIBET Large-scale migration gives China and Macau leverage over Russia China’s "water tower," crucial for river Sanctions push Russia into major sources (Yellow, Yangtze, Mekong) economic deals with China Strategic control prevents India from Island issues: Japan-shaped problem gaining a base to threaten China  High Chinese demand for water Economic failure risks civil disorder, Catching up in submarine warfare, Geopolitical security concerns (fear of threatening CCP control and national installing underwater sensors in Western undermining) unity East/South China Seas Opposition to Tibetan independence, "First island chain" (archipelago) increasing Han Chinese settlers ONE CHINA limits China's access to the Pacific 1950s: PLA built roads into Tibet; 2013: “Nine-dash line” expanded to 2006: Lhasa railway opened "We’ll improve your life; you follow ten dashes to include Taiwan Modernization, improved living our orders" Disputes over 200+ islands and reefs standards, and healthcare Rising challenge for CCP: inability to straining relations with neighbors fully feed its population China aims to control passageways for BORDERS WITH PAKISTAN, 40%+ of arable land is polluted or losing strategic reasons TAJIKISTAN, KYRGYZSTAN topsoil Peacetime routes could be blockaded "We make it cheap; you buy it cheap" during wartime, restricting China Borders loop around to Kazakhstan, then model, but labor costs rising Japan hinders free Pacific access; north to Mongolia Competing with Thailand and Indonesia Chinese vessels would need to pass Kazakhstan poses no threat to China, on price through the Sea of Japan Russia is several hundred miles away PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA STRAIT AROUND HOKKAIDO AND INTO XINJIANG THE PACIFIC World’s 2nd largest military budget 2009 Interethnic Rioting (200+ deaths): Clearly an emerging superpower Much of the area is Japanese/Russian Beijing's Response territorial waters, limiting access for CHINA AS A MARITIME POWER China during tensions 1. Ruthlessly suppressed dissent Navigation through the Kuril Islands 2. Poured money into the region Historically not a naval power; focused (controlled by Russia, claimed by Japan) 3. Increased influx of Han Chinese on land is required workers Merchants sailed for trade, but navy Japan disputes the Senkaku (Diaoyu) didn’t seek territory beyond its region Islands with China, the most contentious Most towns and cities now Patrolling vast sea-lanes (Pacific, issue between the two predominantly Han due to factory jobs Atlantic, Indian) was deemed unworthy China claims Taiwan as its 23rd Of 650,000 population, at least 620,000 15th-century Admiral Zheng He’s province; historically ruled it for only are Han (40%+ estimate) voyages reached as far as Kenya five years in the last century URUMQI may now have a Han Green-water navy patrols maritime Taiwan Relations Act of 1979: US will majority borders, blue-water navy patrols not intervene if Taiwan declares full oceans independence, viewed as provocative XINJIANG AND TIBET Oct 2006: Chinese submarine surfaced Both China and Taiwan seek near a US naval group in East China Sea international recognition Both serve as buffer zones (USS Kitty Hawk) China employs soft power through Xinjiang is a key land trade route Assertive naval power: "This is our increased trade and tourism Both provide crucial markets to sustain sea" China’s growth and prevent mass Rising navy reduces American unemployment influence in the China seas 2014 HONG KONG PROTESTS Naval Expansion: Growing navy to Common Prosperity Campaign: protect maritime interests Launched in August 2021 to address Global media presence influenced Infrastructure Investment: Building inequality. authorities to refrain from violent pipelines, roads, and ports for better Great China Initiative: Known as “The suppression logistics Road to Rejuvenation” (third Protest footage is blocked in China Two-Ocean Strategy: Aiming to revolution), announced on November but accessible in Taiwan become a power in both the Pacific and 29, 2012, focusing on national Indian Oceans rejuvenation and declaring success in AIR DEFENSE IDENTIFICATION Investment in Ports: Deep-water ports eradicating extreme poverty. ZONE in Burma, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to secure trade routes and military BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE (BRI) The Philippines and China are in a presence heated dispute over the Mischief Pipelines in Burma: Natural gas and oil Reminiscent of the Silk Road Islands in the Spratly Islands pipelines built into Southwest China Funding Structure: Projects funded Disputes involve fishing zones, through low-interest loans instead of exploration rights, and sovereignty INFLUENCE IN AFRICA aid grants, leading to debt concerns in China is using dredging and land some participating countries. reclamation to transform reefs and Global Presence: Chinese companies atolls into islands and workers are widespread, with SIX MAIN ECONOMIC CORRIDORS: Fiery Cross Reef has been developed military potentially following into an island with a port and runway, Response Capability: Need for forward 1. New Eurasian Land Bridge allowing for greater Chinese military bases or agreements for intervention 2. China-Central Asia-West Asia Corridor control over the region's skies in events like natural disasters or 3. China-Pakistan Corridor terrorist incidents 4. Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Corridor CHINA’S MAJOR BLOCKADES AT SEA Chinese Diaspora: 10 million Chinese 5. China-Mongolia-Russia Corridor abroad, often housed in large 6. China-Indochina Peninsula Corridor Westward Passage: Must pass Vietnam complexes, especially in Africa (US ally) and the Philippines Infrastructure Projects: Ports in Strait of Malacca: Critical chokepoint Kenya, railroads in Angola, and between Malaysia, Singapore, and hydroelectric dams in Ethiopia enhance Indonesia (allies linked to the US) influence and security in the region Military Posture Shift: China has moved from defensive to ECONOMIC GROWTH AND offensive/defensive strategies to secure INTERNATIONAL PRESTIGE trade routes for essential resources (oil, gas, metals) Xi Jinping's Vision: Emphasizes the party's duty to achieve the "great SOLUTIONS renewal of the Chinese nation." Deng Xiaoping’s Policy: Promoted Diplomacy: Engaging Southeast Asian wealth for a few first (second nations to reduce US influence through revolution), unleashing potential but incentives and pressure increasing inequality.  UNITED STATES OF AMERICA American Revolutionary War (1775- French Control: This created significant 1783). challenges for the US, but the solution Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck The Appalachian Mountains served as a did not involve warfare. “God has a special providence for fools, drunks, barrier to westward expansion for Louisiana Purchase (1803): The US and the United States of America early settlers. acquired control from France for $15 one nation in a way 28 sovereign EU million, securing the Mississippi Basin. states never can POLITICAL BARRIER The Mississippi River is the greatest inland water transport route in the GEOGRAPHY British government forbade world, with more navigable rivers settlement west of the Appalachians → than the rest of the world combined. It 1. East Coast Plain leading to the ensure trade, taxes remain on the begins near Minneapolis and flows Appalachian Mountains - well-watered Eastern seaboard 1,800 miles south to the Gulf of by short but navigable rivers Mexico. 2. West - the Great Plains stretching all “When in the course of human events, it becomes Strategic Advantages: The purchase the way to the Rocky Mountains necessary for one people to dissolve the political provided geographical depth, massive Mississippi basin all the way down to bands which have connected them with another, fertile land, and an alternative to the Gulf of Mexico sheltered by the and to assume the Powers of the earth, the Atlantic ports for conducting peninsula of Florida separate and equal station to which the Laws of business, enabling westward Over the Rockies → desert → Siera Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a expansion with a focus on southern Nevada Mountains → narrow coastal decent respect to the opinions of mankind security. plain → shores of the Pacific ocean requires that they should declare the causes 3. North - the Great Lakes lies the which impel them to the separation” - SPAIN Canadian shield (world’s largest area Declaration of independence (1776) of Precambrian rock)) The Spanish were exhausted from the 4. Southwest - desert Outlined the causes → men were war in Europe against Napoleon. created equal Transcontinental Treaty of 1819: Once that power was achieved, the Noble sentiments fueled the victory in Spain ceded Florida to the US; the Union would become militarily the War of independence → gave 42nd parallel established the border of impossible to invade birth to US California and Oregon. Size of Canada and to a lesser extent US Reached the Pacific: John Quincy Mexico is also an asset OTHER MAJOR POWERS VS. THE US Adams noted, "The acquisition of a 3000 miles from coast to coast definite line of boundary to the [Pacific] France controlled the western bank of forms a great epoch in our history." BRIEF HISTORY the Mississippi River down to New Orleans, Louisiana, vital for MEXICO Europeans found the east coast to be a American trade with Europe via the "virgin territory" with abundant Gulf of Mexico. Became independent in 1821, just 200 natural harbors and fertile soil. Thomas Jefferson noted in 1802: miles from New Orleans. Georgia was the last of the original 13 "There is on the globe one single spot, Previously controlled land up to colonies, established in 1732. the possessor of which is our natural Northern California and east to what and habitual enemy. It is New is now Texas, bordering Louisiana. Colonies became increasingly independent, leading up to the Orleans."  New immigrants settled on both sides TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD – 1868 THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND "THE of the US-Mexico border, assimilating GREAT WHITE FLEET" and boosting the population. Reduced travel time across the country Mexico had poor-quality agricultural to a week, compared to several In December 1907, 16 navy battleships land, no significant river transport, and hazardous months. set sail from the Atlantic force. was largely undemocratic. The fleet's hulls were painted white, Monroe Doctrine (1823): Warned 19th CENTURY FOREIGN POLICY representing the navy’s peacetime color European powers against seeking land in and serving as a diplomatic signal. the Western Hemisphere and stated they Dominated by expanding trade and Over the next 14 months, the fleet could not reclaim lost territories. avoiding entanglements. visited 20 ports, with Japan being the Texas Revolution (1835-36): Resulted Began to develop a blue-water navy. most significant. in Mexico's defeat; Texas became This represented a mixture of hard independent and joined the Union in SPAIN CONFLICT and soft power and was an early 1845. example of military force projection. Mexican American War (1846-48): Threat: Spain controlled Cuba, Fought alongside Texas; the Rio Grande Puerto Rico, and parts of the “Do not get involved in “inveterate antipathies marked the southern border, while the Dominican Republic. against particular nations, and passionate north had the Great Lakes and rocky Cuba's proximity to Florida allowed attachments for others,” and “steer clear of terrain. for potential control of the Straits of permanent alliances with any portion of the By 1848, the Mississippi Basin was Florida and the Yucatan Channel, foreign world” - George Washington, 1976 secure from land attacks, the Pacific crucial routes for New Orleans. advice in his farewell address was reached, and remaining Native Declared war on Spain in 1898. American nations were subdued. Gained control of Cuba, Puerto Rico, 20TH CENTURY AMERICA California Gold Rush (1848-49): Guam, and the Philippines. Boosted the economy, although Guam became a vital strategic asset, Entry into WWI: The US entered World westward migration had already begun. while Cuba posed a strategic threat if War I late, in 1917. Homestead Act of 1862: Granted 160 controlled by a major power. Impact of WWII (1941): The attack on acres of federally owned land to With no great power sponsoring Cuba, it Pearl Harbor by Japan following US anyone who farmed it for five years appeared likely to come under US sanctions shifted global dynamics. and paid a small fee. influence. Europe was exhausted, Japan was weakened, China was ALASKA - The Last Frontier HAWAII devastated, and Russia was outside the capitalist sphere. Acquired from Russia for $7.2 million Annexed to protect the approaches to The US needed control over (known as “Seward’s Folly,” named the West Coast. sea-lanes for peace and trade. after Secretary of State William Destroyers for Bases Agreement Seward). PANAMA CANAL TREATY (1903) (1940): Cost: two cents per acre. In autumn 1940, the UK needed The discovery of gold in 1896 changed The US signed a treaty to lease warships; the US had 50 to perceptions about Alaska. exclusive rights to the Panama Canal. spare. Large reserves of oil were also discovered.  Britain traded naval bases in prosperity and peace in the region by The US is behind in Burma due to its exchange for American creating economic opportunities, recent opening, while regional allies like support. building societies, and preventing Japan and South Korea are eager for US The US built critical military threats to sustainable growth engagement amid concerns about China. infrastructure at these bases, 5. South and Central Asia - support The "pivot to China" (Clinton, 2011) including ports and runways. developing democracy in Afghanistan is seen as prioritizing Asia without Work with India and Pakistan abandoning Europe; it reflects a focus US FOREIGN POLICY - 4 main policy goals and the international community shift. to deal with problems between The Indo-Pacific Strategy targets half 1. Protect the US and Americans these countries the world’s population, including 2. Advance democracy, human rights, and Including the status of India, with plans for a US Marine Corps other global interests Kashmir and nuclear arms base in Northern Australia and increased 3. Promote international understanding of 6. Europe and Eurasia - work with investment in East Asia. American values and policies European and Eurasian partners, and 4. Support U.S. diplomats, government with key institutions such as NATO, on INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY officials, and all other personnel at home a range of global issues to promote and abroad who make these goals a stability and international 1. Advance a free and open indo-pacific reality cooperation 2. Build connections within and beyond the region US FOREIGN POLICY: REGIONAL Americans looked to the land and 3. Drive regional prosperity SECURITY established the Marshall Plan to 4. Bolster indo-pacific strategy prevent USSR influence in Europe. 5. Build regional resilience to transnational 1. Middle East - promote and support the The US set up in Germany, facing the threats development of democracy in Iraq Red Army, and led NATO's Work with Israel, Egypt, other formation in 1949, securing bases in Invest in limited military action to Middle Eastern countries, and Iceland, Norway, Britain, and Italy. reassure allies. the Palestinians to find a way An alliance with Australia and New Publicly put forces on alert to send for them to live peacefully Zealand formed in 1951, with further signals. together action after the Korean War (1950-53). Show the region that siding with the US 2. Western Hemisphere - join with other Challenges arise from three places: benefits them, unlike China. countries to confront terrorism and ▪ EU: Slow progress on a common Avoid losing face. illegal drug trafficking, while defense policy, reliant on US, "Give them an inch and they’ll take a promoting institutions that support weakened by the 2008 financial crisis. mile." democracy and freedom ▪ Russia: Economically weak, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" - 3. Africa - support democratization, rule overstretched militarily, described by Theodore Roosevelt. of law, and economic development, by Obama as a "regional power." The US Engage in a careful strategy to prevent reducing poverty, fighting diseases, influenced Ukraine's government change resentment and anger. and encouraging regional leadership in 2014, while Russia regained for conflict resolution influence in its "near abroad." 4. East Asia and the Pacific - work within ▪ Concrete costs are high; economic and organizations such as the Asia-Pacific military aid allows for strategic Economic Cooperation forum to build influence.  WESTERN EUROPE One of the borders of the Roman Largest expanse of fertile land in Empire → became of the great trading Western Europe Modern world springs from Europe routes of medieval times and gave rise Many of its rivers connect with one Gave birth to enlightenment, to the present capital cities of Vienna, another eventually led to the industrial Bratislava, Budapest, and Belgrade SEINE - flows west all the way to the revolution Natural border between two empires Atlantic CLIMATE - due to Gulf stream Austro-Hungarian and the Ottoman RHONE - south to the Mediterranean Right amount of rainfall to cultivate Together with France’s flatness, were crops on a large scale WHY THERE ARE SMALL NATIONS AT suitable for unification of regions Right type of soil to flourish it THE SOUTHERN PART OF DANUBE especially during the time of Napoleon Population growth REGION Work was possible all year round SOUTH AND WEST Winter - enough to work in, cold enough Northern Europe was richer to kill germs North industrialized than the south → Many countries remain in the second tier No frozen ways economically successful of European power No volcanoes, etc. rarely hit by Unprovable theories that the domination South of Italy - behind the north in earthquakes of Catholicism in the South has held it terms of development even though it Has no real deserts back has been a unified state Rivers are long, flat, and navigable - 34% of Germany’s population is Since 1871, strains of the rift between flow into coastlines (West, North, Catholic as well as Bavaria north and south are greater now than South) abundant in natural harbors predominantly, yet their religious they have been since before WWII Europe grew organically and remains predilections do not appear to have Heavy industry, tourism, financial divided between its geographical and influenced either their progress or their centers of the north → higher standard linguistic regions insistence that Greeks work harder and of living MAJOR RIVERS do not meet - pay more taxes → formation of political parties agitating for explains why there are so many The south has fewer coastal plains cutting state subsidies to the south, or even countries in a small space suitable for agriculture, suffered more breaking away from it Each is a sphere of economic influence from drought and natural disasters in its own right that the north SPAIN NORTH EUROPEAN PLAIN is a DANUBE corridor stretching from France to the Has struggled because of its geography Ural that allows for successful Narrow coastal plains → poor soils Europe’s second longest river (1,771 farming on a massive scale and the Access to markets is hindered miles long) waterways enable the crops and other internally by its short rivers and Rises in Germany’s black forest → goods to be moved easily the Meseta Central → highland plateau flows south on its way to the Black sea surrounded by mountain ranges The basin affects eighteen countries FRANCE Trade with West is further hampered and forms natural borders along the by the Pyrenees (physical barrier) way (including Slovakia and Hungary, Was best situated to take advantage of Any market to its south is in Croatia and Serbia, Serbia and the North European Plain developing country with limited Romania, Romania and Bulgaria) To be both a northern and southern income power  Left behind during WWII - politically This caused tension between northern Despite peace and economic success, frozen out of much of modern Europe countries like Germany, who were Poland remembers frequent border Joined EU by 1986 giving the money, and southern changes due to invasions By 1990s, began to catch up with the countries like Greece, who were The North European Plain is a key rest of Western Europe receiving it military route where armies from Russia Inherent geographical and financial Many Germans were upset because they and Europe have clashed weaknesses continue to hold it back felt they were working harder and Poland is cautious of both Germany One of the countries hit worst by the paying more taxes while helping and Russia 2008 economic crisis Greece, where people could retire Poland wants to keep Germany tied to earlier the EU and NATO GREECE The idea of helping each other out as Recent tensions with Russia, especially part of a shared currency (the euro) after the Ukraine crisis, have revived Coastline comprises steep cliffs didn’t seem like a good enough reason Poland’s historical fears of Russian Few coastal plains for agriculture for many Germans expansion Inland are more steep cliffs In Greece and elsewhere, austerity Poland’s location between Germany and Rivers that will not allow measures imposed from the north are Russia makes them uneasy about both transportation seen as an assault on sovereignty countries Few wide fertile valleys Financial crisis left Greece looking Relations with Britain, as a Agricultural land is high quality but like a semidetached member counterweight to Germany within the there is too little to allow Greece to EU despite the betrayal of 1929 become a major agricultural exporter PEACE AND ORDER → Britain and France signed a treaty Athens positioned at the tip of a guaranteeing to come to Poland’s aid if invaded peninsula - almost cut off from land Collapse of USSR persuaded many → when the attack came, the response was both trade with Europe people Western Europe was a “post- Allies sat behind the Maginot line in France as Reliant on the Aegean Sea for access conflict” region Poland was swallowed up to a maritime trade in the region Potential sources of conflict bubble, and Joined NATO in 1999 - alliance reach Across that see lies TURKEY - A the tension between the Europeans and 400 miles closer to Moscow LARGE POTENTIAL ENEMY the Russians may result in confrontation 1999 Moscow watched helplessly as Mainland is protected by mountains but History and geographical NATO went to war with Serbia there are about 1,400 Greek islands) shapeshifting Henry Kissinger once asked, "If I want Takes decent navy to patrol territory → haunts Polish foreign policy - physically one to phone Europe—who do I call?" Huge cost in military spending Greece of the largest members and economy has The Polish version today is: "If Russia can’t afford doubled, but still looks to the past as it tries to threatens, do we call Brussels or In simple terms: secure its future Washington?" They know the answer After the 2008 financial crisis, Europe was divided on how to handle the POLAND THE BALKANS economic problems In 2012, European countries gave Poland’s history and location between Mountains terrain led to the emergence Greece money to help it stay in the Germany and Russia heavily influence of so many small states in the region eurozone, but in return, Greece had to its foreign policy One of the things that has kept them make budget cuts from integrating with Yugoslavia  Most former Yugoslav countries are The idea of Germany has existed for The U.S. established NATO and now looking to the West for their centuries supported the creation of the future The Eastern Frankish lands became the European Union (EU) In Serbia, ties to the East, especially Holy Roman Empire in the 10th century, Exhausted by war, Europeans were through Orthodox religion and Slavic known as "the Germanies," which encouraged to trust each other identity, remain strong included many small kingdoms The EU was designed to bind France Russia hasn’t forgiven the West for The Holy Roman Empire was and Germany closely together to the 1999 bombing of Serbia and dissolved in 1806 prevent conflict Kosovo's independence In 1815, the German Confederation of This approach has been successful, Russia is trying to pull Serbia closer 39 states was formed at the Congress creating a large area with one of the through shared language, ethnicity, of Vienna biggest economies in the world religion, and energy deals This led to the North German Germany has thrived since 1945, Economic and diplomatic battleground Confederation and the unification of using its geography to become with EU, NATO, the Turks, and the Germany in 1871 after the Franco- Europe’s leading manufacturer Russians all vying for influence Prussian War Instead of military aggression, it exports As a result, France ended up with a goods marked "MADE IN NORWAY, SWEDEN, AND DENMARK larger, more industrialized neighbor GERMANY" throughout Europe and that had a similar population but a better the world Tensions extended into the north and growth rate The European Coal and Steel Scandinavia Unification was announced at the Community, established in 1951 with Denmark is a NATO member - recent Palace of Versailles six nations, has grown into the resurgence of Russia caused a debate in → weak spot in the French defense twenty-eight-nation EU focused on Sweden over whether it is time to Germany had always been a bigger "ever closer union." abandon the neutrality of two geographical problem The EU's unity is now uncertain after centuries and join the alliance the first major financial crisis Majority of Swedes remain against 1. To the west the Germans saw their Nineteen EU countries adopted the NATO membership long-unified and powerful neighbor euro, but many were not ready for it Moscow’s response that it would be France when it launched in 1999 forced to respond if either Sweden of 2. East the giant Russian bear Some countries, like Greece, Finland were to join misrepresented their economic data, When France joined both Russia and leading to problems when the FRANCE AND GERMANY UK in the Triple Entente of 1908, eurozone faced the 2008 economic Germany feared all three crisis Impossible to present a unified EU German’s solution was to attack Wealthier countries had to bail out and NATO front unless the key France first poorer ones, causing ongoing tensions relationship in the EU remains intact Germany’s geographical position and within the EU France is not protected northeast - past aggression led to the dilemma The euro crisis has highlighted where the flatland of North European known as “the German Question.” divisions within the EU, especially Plain becomes Germany After World War II, Europe accepted between northern and southern France was the preeminent power on the the dominance of the United States for countries Continental but Germany united security The dream of a closer union seems stalled or reversing, raising concerns  about the "German Question" strength; it has been reluctant to Historical documents like the Magna returning rearm and use its military Carta helped establish democracy earlier While Germany is currently peaceful Germany participated minimally in in the UK and democratic, historical conflicts in conflicts like Kosovo and Afghanistan The UK’s geography, natural Europe cannot be ignored but chose not to engage in the Libya resources, and economic conditions conflict aided its naval power and global MORE OF GERMANY Germany was involved in the 2014 empire events that led to the overthrow of Despite being small, Britain Determined to remain a good Ukraine’s President Yanukovych and significantly expanded its influence European criticized Russia's annexation of Crimea from the 18th to 20th centuries, though If the Union fragments, the old fears While Germany is committed to the EU its power has since declined of Germany will reappear and NATO, it is cautious about fully The UK’s location offers strategic World’s fourth-biggest economy opposing Russia due to its reliance on advantages, including the GIUK gap, a A failed EU would harm Germany Russian energy, suggesting a possible key point for naval access in the economically - world’s third largest shift in focus toward closer ties with North Atlantic exporter of goods does not want to see Moscow The GIUK gap is not as critical as its closest market fragment into other choke points like the Strait of protectionism UNITED KINGDOM Hormuz but has historically helped In summer 2015, Germany led talks the UK about forming a real fiscal union for Watching continental machinations Other European navies must navigate eurozone countries from the sidelines the narrow and well-defended English A fiscal union would mean countries When it can, inserts itself between the Channel to reach the Atlantic share their budgets and some great Franco-German alliances in the Russian naval ships from the Arctic decision-making power EU; failing that, it seeks alliances must also pass through the GIUK to This level of cooperation is new for among other, smaller member states to enter the Atlantic Europe build enough votes to challenge policies The UK’s strategic advantage has If it happens, it could create a "two- which it disagrees lessened with the decline of the Royal speed Europe." GEOGRAPHICALLY - are in a good Navy, but it would still be beneficial in This would include a group of euro place wartime nations closely tied together (mostly → good farmland Concerns about Scottish independence influenced by Germany) and other EU → decent rivers in 2014 highlighted fears of losing countries that are not part of this closer → excellent access to the seas and their fish control over the North Sea and North union stocks, close enough to the European Atlantic continent to trade Many Britons have a collective memory Germany is now Europe’s indispensable → protected by dint of being an island race of past greatness, believing Britain power The UK’s security may have led to more should play a significant role in global Economic affairs = unrivaled political freedom and less authoritarian affairs However, on global foreign policy it rule compared to other European The UK remains in a complex position simply speaks quiet, sometimes not at countries of being part of Europe yet separate, all, and has an aversion to sticks Fewer external threats reduced the with this relationship still unresolved The legacy of World War II affects need for strong leaders or dictators Germany's approach to military  The UK’s concerns about EU Recent conflicts, like the Russian- membership center on sovereignty Georgian war and the annexation of and immigration Crimea, have prompted European Anti-EU sentiment is fueled by EU nations to reconsider military spending, laws that the UK must follow, yet financial constraints hinder including issues related to deporting significant changes foreign criminals Despite a seemingly peaceful period in Economic immigrants and refugees from Europe, historical shifts remind leaders the Middle East and Africa increase of the need for vigilance, as Helmut anti-EU feelings, as many believe the Kohl warned that current leaders EU encourages their arrival in the UK might not prioritize European unity Economic recessions have led to rising and peace prejudice against immigrants and the growth of right-wing political parties opposing pan-nationalism Europe’s aging population and demographic changes have not reduced anti-immigrant sentiment among the traditional population These demographic shifts influence foreign policy toward the Middle East, requiring governments to consider the views of Muslim citizens Social norms and debates in Europe have been affected by large Muslim populations, impacting discussions on women’s rights, freedom of speech, and blasphemy laws NATO and the EU are both experiencing strain, risking a return to a Europe of sovereign nation-states focused on power balance, reminiscent of the early 20th century France feels like a junior partner to Germany within the EU and faces a dilemma: accept German leadership, which diminishes its power, or challenge it, which risks weakening the Union Both countries are working to keep the EU together, but only Germany has a backup plan involving Russia