Introduction: The Earth Revolutions and rotation Earth is approximately 91 95 million miles away from the sun Plane

e of the Elliptic the imaginary flat surface on which the earth orbits. Earth spins on an axis that is tilted 66.5 degrees, but the tilt is constant For the Northern Hemisphere: Summer Solstice is June 22, the date where the North Pole is closest to the sun and Winter Solstice is December 22, the date where the south pole is closest to the sun When the earth is closer to the sun the climate is warmer, and when it is further away, it is colder. Solar radiation is made up of the direct EM waves (99% of energy) Due to the tilt, the day is longer in the north hemisphere in the summer and longer in the winter and this is more prominent as the you go more and more north. At 22.5 degrees north + south are the tropics, north cancer and south Capricorn, (Tip: remember alphabetical order, cancer is before Capricorn) At 66.5 degrees north + south are the circles, north arctic circle and south Antarctic circle and this area during the solstices are 24 hour sun Modern scientific revolution started with astrophysics Time = human observation of regular motion In the middle of the solstices are equal days and nights (12 +12) these are called the equinoxs (autumnal and vernal autumn and spring) Time was regularized after the trains were introduced, 1847 the railroads got together and decided to use GMT and time zones are approx 15 We determined the time through tracking the suns position at the solstices. Our ancestors observed the apparent changes in the position of the sun and drew from these observations some astute and for their time remarkably accurate conclusions i.e. by tracking the position the sun was in the sky (high or low) they were able to determine the 4 divisions of the year. By 4000 BCE, the Egyptians had calculated the length of the year to be equal to 365 days, and a couple of millennia later, their successors had sharpened the number to 365 1/4 days. The natural division of the day between sunlight and darkness was not good enough. To measure smaller units of time required artificial inventions that would produce regular brief movements, which could be used to "count" the passage from one "time" to the next.

Hourglass and Water Clock were both formed on the idea of a steady flow of a substance and the level left in the vessel allows us to determine the time. Escapement is a gear, which converts vertical pressure into circular motion Longitude (meridians) meet at the poles, prime meridian is the GMT line Latitude (parallels) equator is 0, north is x degrees north, and south is x degrees south. The International Meridian Conference, held in Washington, DC in 1884, selected the line running through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England as the "Prime Meridian," or zero degrees longitude, which has since gained universal acceptance. Time Zones were created on the premise that everyone would get about 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night (24 hours in a day was decided by consensus) about 6 AM to 6 PM. Therefore to make some sort of uniformity throughout the world, the decision was made to divide the world into 24 time zones to correspond with the number of hours in a day. Therefore the sun rises in the east and the earth essentially rotates through the sunrise until it rises in the west (Tokyo vs. San fransisco, for example). There is one exception to this rule: International Date Line is the point at which you turn back a day, approximately the other side of the earth to the Prime Meridian. If clock time became continuously later as one moved east, then after traveling through 24 time zones, a person would arrive back where he or she started with a clock that was 24 hours (or one day) later than it was at the start. Since it cannot be both Monday and Tuesday in the same place at the same time, the date must be reset to correct for this error. When moving east to west (Russia to Alaska) to take away a day, and add a day when travelling west to east. THE ATMOSPHERE -What is the atmosphere composed of? 78% Nitrogen (innate gas, doesn't affect very much) 21% Oxygen, 1% Trace Gases (includes Carbon Dioxide, Water Vapor, Methane, Nitrous Oxide) -How is the atmosphere heated? The Sun gives off short wave radiation, which hits the Earth that gives off long wave radiation that warms up the rest of the earth. This is evident when you look at mountains which are closer to the sun, yet are very cold. Things closer to the surface are the warmest.

-Why is the Earth heated unevenly? The earth is heated unevenly because not all places on the Earth are heated evenly. If the area is far away from the sun (like the poles) then it is normally colder, unlike places that are closer to the sun (like the equator) that are warmer. -What are the characteristics of warm air? Cold air? Warm air absorbs moisture a lot more than cold air, and it is also very light. Cold air is heavier, more dense but does not hold as much air. When warm air gets colder, it releases a lot of water as rain (condensation) -How does the Hadley cycle work? Sun rays hit the Earth. At that point, the air where the ray hits the Earth gets warmer. That air rises. Colder air replaces it. As the warm air rises and moves away, it cools, falls and replaces warm air elsewhere. This cycle continues in a North-South motion continuously. -What does high/low pressure mean? This slide demonstrates the effects of "air pressure" or the difference between warm (light) and cold (heavy) air. The term "high pressure" means that air above this point is cold, or colder than the neighboring air, and cold air being heavy forces its way earthward. Conversely, "low pressure" means that air above this point is warm, or warmer than the neighboring air, and warm air being light rises. Cold, heavy air presses downward to form a center of high pressure, while warm, light air rises to form a center of low pressure. -What happens to moisture in the context of the Hadley cycle? If the Sun heats up air, then the air gets warm, and it picks up moisture, and then as it moves away from the earth surfaces as it rises then it releases the water as rain or snow. -What impact does the Hadley cycle have on global precipitation patterns? Where does it rain most? Least? Why? ( I essentially took this from one of the slides, it explained it really well) Warm air absorbs moisture, and when warm air is cooled, the water vapor condenses, or changes from the gas to the liquid phase. Thus, a column of light, warm

air (a low pressure system) that rises and as it moves away from the earth grows cooler, is likely to cause the condensation of water vapor to produce rain. Look around the globe near the equator, and what do you see? Lots of rain, produced by lots of rising warm air -- and as a consequence, lots of rainforests. Conversely, cold air absorbs relatively little moisture, and when cold air is warmed, this causes the opposite effect, which is to evaporate whatever moisture is available in the surrounding environment, changing it from the liquid (water) to the gas (water vapor) phase. Thus, a column of cold, heavy air (a high pressure system) that sinks and as it nears the earth grows warmer, is likely to speed the evaporation of surface water. So, look around the globe near latitude 30 degrees N and S, home of the Subtropical Highs, and what do you see? Lots of dry weather, produced by lots of falling cold air -- and as a consequence, lots of deserts. -What effect does the Coriolis force have on global wind patterns? The Coriolis effect turns winds to the right (clockwise) in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left (counter-clockwise) in the Southern Hemisphere. -How were wind patterns important in the period of European exploration? They were important because they explained how Spain and Portugal were the first to go the New World, their position in Europe allowed them to be the closest to the Northeast Trade winds that blew them straight towards Central America and the Antilles. -How did Europeans sail around the Cape of Good Hope? Easily. They sailed as far south as they could then they caught the Westerlies that blew them around the Cape of Good Hope -Be familiar with the following: >short-wave radiation- what the Sun emits that hits the Earth; the Earth emits long wave radiation >Hadley cycle- North -South air cycle where warm air rises cools and falls >Subtropical High- area around the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn where the cold, dry, high

pressure air usually falls. Deserts are in this area, with a couple of exceptions. >evaporation- action that comes as a result of a liquid becoming a gas >condensation- action that comes as a result of a gas becoming a liquid. >Coriolis force- force that turns the air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern hemisphere. I think it's caused by the Earth's rotation but it's not that important. >Westerlies - Winds that come from the West and blow East, from 30N to 60N and 30S to 60S >Trade Winds- Winds that come from either the Northeast or Southeast and blow West towards the the Equator between 30N and 30S >Polar Easterlies- From the North Pole, they blow largely southwards to 60N, and from the South Pole they blow largely northwards to 60S >Christopher Columbus- Explorer looking for route to India, tried to follow the trade winds and hit up Asia, but the Americas were in the way. >Vasco da Gama- Explorer who got to India, but he went East, and traveled around the Cape of Good Hope.

EARTH TECTONICS What the Earths interior composed of? Four Layers 1. Inner core2. Outer core 3. Mantle (25 miles deep) 4. Crust a. Igneous rock: no human has ever punctured through the crust, all we know about the interior is measured by seismic readings i. Types 1. Granite: light- makes up continents and can be seen on mountaintops, floats on Basalt 2. Basalt: thin layer that sags down What makes continental drift possible? Tectonic plates move in relation to each other because of the movement of hot material in the mantle, lateral density variations enable the plates to move. What impact did seafloor spreading have on the volcanic eruption in Iceland last month? When there is an ocean/ocean collision the plates hit/snap and create subduction zones. Volcanoes form out of these subduction zones. The plates beneath the volcano most likely subducted further and caused the eruption. What could happen in a tectonic collision? Mountains can form (ie: Himalayas)

What impact do plate tectonics have on earthquakes and volcanoes? When a continental plate (granite) and an oceanic plate (basalt) collide the basalt subducts causing earthquakes and volcanoes. o Volcanos- the subducted plate disrupts magma and can cause an eruption How is plate movement measured?

Using GPS satellites scientists can measure movement as small as a few millimeters.

How were the Andes and Himalayas formed? They were formed by collisions of two continental plates. o Himalayas: Collision of India and Asia plates o Andes: Collision of the South American and Nazca plates What could happen when two ocean plates collide? This can cause the bottom of the ocean to drop- causing a tsunami or similar giant wave Be familiar with the following: * crust- outermost layer of the earth- formed of igneous rock * lithosphere- the solid part of the earth consisting of the crust and the outer mantle * granite- light material that continents are comprised of * basalt- solidified lava * Pangea- supercontinent that included all of the landmasses of the earth * continental drift- the movement of tectonic plates * Laurasia- the northern portion of Pangea * Gondwana- the southern part of Pangea * Mid-Oceanic Ridge- a line of puncture in the seafloor that runs all around the oceans of the world * seafloor spreading- a crack in the layer of basalt allows magma to come out, spreading the seafloor. This is noticed because of hot and cold spots. This can push continents apart. * magma- molten rock in the earths crust * lava- is what magma is called when it reaches the surface (erupts from a volcano) * Ring of Fire- chain of volcanoes and earthquake zones due to increased tectonic pressure

SOUTH AMERICA -How were the Andes Mountains formed? The Andes Mountains were formed because of the collision between two tectonic plates: the South American Plate and the Nazca Plate -Why is much of South America considered a great rain machine? Much of South America lies between the tropics, which receives intense solar radiation during most of the year. Therefore, this heats the earth and the earth heats the air. Warm air absorbs moisture, rises, cools and then it rains. The trade winds bring all this warm, wet air from the Atlantic down to the Amazon basin, but since they cant pass the Andes, all the rain falls in the Amazon, forming the rainforest and the Amazon River (the largest in the world). -What implications do the Trade Winds have on South American climate? (Answered on last question) -What impact did European culture have on the New World?

-What interests did European powers have in the New World? European powers were primarily interested in mineral and agricultural wealth (silver and sugar respectively). -How did Iberians conquer South America? Navigators from Iberia were in charge of reaching sources of wealth in what we now know as the Indian Ocean and East Asia. While following the Trade Winds, they headed west and ran into the Caribbean and beyond to Central and South America. -What impact did climate have on where civilizations took hold? Native Americans didnt like the hot and humid weather of the Amazon so they decided to move to higher lands: the Andes. The climate in the mountains was more comfortable and more suited for their crops, potatoes and maize. They preferred the cooler and drier climate of the highlands. At the time Columbus got to the New World, there were two densely populated and well organized agrarian empires, the Incas in Peru and the Mayas in Tenochtitlan (what is now know as Mexico City).

-How did Portuguese and Spanish colonies differ in terms of economic priorities? (e.g. raw materials vs. agriculture) Spanish were more focused on silver. From 1500-1800, the silver mines in Bolivia, Peru and Mexico produced more than 85% of the global production. Silver was brought to Spain and then sent on to finance an explosion of trade in Asia. Silver was to Spain of the 16th century what petroleum is for many countries today. On the other hand, the Portuguese, that had gotten to Brazil and it became its only New World colony. Under the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, Spain and Portugal decided to divide the new world along a meridian lying 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands. The territories left to the line would belong to Spain, and the territory on the right would belong to Portugal, leaving them with what is now the east coast of Brazil. Portuguese found sugar in these territories, a product that was suitable to the market in Europe and a workplace for African slaves. Sugar was the first item produced in the New World that made trans-Atlantic trade something profitable. This production also caused that the slave issue to grow. More than one third of the slaves that came to the New World, landed in Brazil to harvest sugarcane. -What two main legacies did South American countries maintain as a consequence of colonialism? An economic and social structure based on racial and class differences that continue to divide the rich from the poor. -What impact did the colonial legacy have on socioeconomic inequality? Regime type? Racial and class differences that divide a wealthy minority of creoles (people of European background born in the Americas) at the top and the impoverished majority Native Americans and Africans. This has led to a lopsided social structure in which the economy is based on the export of raw materials and the import of manufactures. All the profits go to the higher classes that direct this exchange, promoting a greater social inequality.

-How has development and dependency theory been born out in South America? Where? Organizations such as the World Bank and the IMF proposed to Latin American countries the possibility of overcoming the colonial legacy by engaging in free trade, investing the profits in industries that produce greater value added, and educating their

people to perform more productive jobs. They proposed these options to lead these countries to higher economic growth, greater social equality and a more democratic system of government. Many Latin American countries have criticized these options these options, saying that its just a Western way of placing Latin American countries in a position of dependency. Many of them decided not to become part of the exploitative international order and establish their own political and economical systems, promoting growth with equity and bargain with the outside to get the best for their people. Many figures, such as Fidel Castro in Cuba and Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua have tried to establish a socialist alternative government in their countries. But neither a development nor dependency western theory have satisfied the aspirations of most Latin American countries.

-How is Brazils development indicative of a liberal response? President Fernando Cardoso, that took power in 1995, stabilized the economy, brought inflation under control and created a business-friendly environment. His successor, Luiz Lula da Silva placed greater emphasis on alleviating poverty and malnutrition. Continuing Cardosos policies, Brazil has been paying off its debts. Brazil has also started to manufacture automobiles, aircraft, steel, and it also weathered the 2009 recession without problems. All of these achievements show Brazils successful application of a liberal political and economical reform.

-Who are Evo Morales allies? What approach do they take toward Western liberalism & the US? Evo Morales allies are Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. Morales has called for an Axis of Good, formed by these countries, to combat the US Axis of Evil. He attacks the US and the US Capitalism by saying that it is the worst enemy of humanity. Morales has taken a very strong position against the US. In 2008, he expelled the US ambassador to La Paz for interfering in domestic affairs and he is a strong proponent of the production and use of coca as a harmless stimulant that many Bolivians chew or mix with tea. He also publicly embraces Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. -Be familiar with the following: >Machu Picchu Constructed by the Incas in the 1400 is located in the mountains of Peru at 8000 feet. It

was abandoned by the Incas at the time of the Spanish conquest in 1532. >great rain machine >Incas >Iberian conquest >Conquistadors >silver mines >Potosi >sugar production >development theory >dependency theory >Fidel Castro >Che Guevara >Luiz Lula da Silva >Evo Morales >coca

NORTH AMERICA -Why is North America essentially in a U shape? North America is essentially in a U shape because in the West there are the mountain ranges of Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains formed when the North American and Pacific plates, the Appalachian Mountains in the east which predates the break-up of Pangaea, and in the middle is a broad flat alluvial plain. -What impact does the U shape have on precipitation distribution? The U shape allows for the flat alluvial plain to drain in the center of the continent via rivers that arise in the mountains on opposite sides. Thus, the middle flat line becomes a rain depository. When the Westerly winds, which have picked up moisture from the Pacific Ocean, are forced up over these mountains, the air cools, the moisture in the air condenses, and most of it falls as snow or rain as it moves east. Finally, after this eastbound air passes over the Great Plains, it is gradually recharged with moisture from groundwater, the river systems in the center of the continent and the Great Lakes, to produce wetter conditions in the eastern United States. -How is precipitation distributed across the U.S.? Easily states the precipitation in the United States is distributed as a west east and dry west. The Southwest is particularly dry, but the Southeast is exceptionally and

disproportionately wet due to the water system in the Caribbean. The Southeast becomes a sub regional climatic system. -How does crop selection in the U.S. depend on precipitation distribution and climate? Climatic conditions, temperature and precipitation determine crop selection. Cotton is produced in the warm and wet South. Corn, wheat, fruit, and vegetables are found in the cooler, drier North. In the west, dry condition only allows grazing and irrigated crops. The Southwest does not permit any farming at all. -How is the American South agriculturally organized? What crop does it depend on? The American South is agriculturally organized with plantation farming with slaves used to produce cash crops such as cotton or tobacco. -How is the American Northeast agriculturally organized? The American Northeast is agriculturally organized with family farms and the climate allows for crops that do not produce large quantities, but rather subsistence agriculture. -Why were slaves not needed in the North but utilized heavily in the South? In the South, slavery was important to the economy as plantations required large numbers of unskilled workers to plant and pick the cotton. Cotton produced large amounts of raw industrial material that crops in north did not. In the North, slaves were unnecessary in the self-sufficient farms. -How is the American Midwest agriculturally organized? The American Midwest is agriculturally organized like that of the American Northeast. As farmers moved west, crop farming such as wheat become popular along with cattle grazing. -What climate defines the American Southwest? The climate of the American Southwest is an extremely dry climate. -What impact did the Compromise of 1820 have on the addition of new states? With the addition of new states, the Compromise of 1820 allowed for the entry of states in pairs, one allowing slavery and another abolishing slavery. -How did the desert of the American Southwest impact the outbreak of the Civil War? The desert of the American Southwest did not have the correct conditions for cotton production and thus plantations and slavery could not be transferred to all of the southern part of the United States. It became ecologically impossible the growing of cotton further west and it became difficult to populate the American Southwest. However, in the north, the condition and the family farms remains and slavery was not

required. An unequal balance was created in states requiring slavery and those not requiring slavery. The South decided to succeed before the Northerners could outlaw slavery. -What voting trends have Southern states followed since the Civil War? The voting trends have shifted from democratic to republican. -What impact has geography on those voting trends? Geography still impacts voting trends. Even today, there is a division between north and south seen in national politics. -How have companies like Wal-Mart revitalized the Southern economy? Companies such as Wal-mart have globalized the South. -Be familiar with the following: >U shape North American topography >cotton cash crop of the South that required slavery for plantations >northern farm subsistence farming, no slavery necessary >cattle ranching seen as a form of agriculture of the west >slave states in south, connected to cotton >free states in north >Compromise of 1820 (Missouri Compromise) new states enter in pairs, one slavery, one abolishment of slavery >American Civil War >1952 election results Southern states are the only states to support democratic candidate, Stevenson, and all other states supported the republican candidate Eisenhower >2008 election results - the Democratic candidate (blue) took most of the states that fought on the side of the Union, while the Republican candidate (red) took most of the states of the Confederacy.

AFRICA -Why is there no long mountain chain in Africa? When Pangea broke off, pieces of the supercontinent drifted away, leaving Africa, its core, behind. Because Africa did not experience any tectonic collision, it did not form any long mountain chain as other continents did. -What geographical characteristics define Africa? High plateau Dominated by deep basins and rivers that meander inland (no easy access waterways into the interior and no formation of valleys that can support big populations) Great Rift Valley in eastern Africa, starts in Lebanon and goes down all through the east coast, ending in Swaziland. Highest mountains (Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kenya) in the eastern coast, formed by eruptions in the Great Rift Great Rift also formed the long, narrow lakes in the eastern coast (Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika)

-How is precipitation distributed across Africa? Why? The rainfall pattern is directly shaped by the uneven heating of the Earths atmosphere. Equatorial Africa (like the Amazon region in SA) experiences heavy rainfall. Both northern and southern Africa, however, which extend above and below 30 N and S respectively, are in the Subtropical High (drier, colder air) and therefore are much drier. This produced the Sahara Desert in the north and Kalahari Desert in the south. (Just remember: wet in the middle, dry at the ends) -How does vegetation vary across Africa? Why? In correspondence with the precipitation pattern, vegetation in Africa goes from rainforests in the center to progressively drier ecosystems towards the ends. (rainforests savanna sahel desert) -Where did traditional African empires typically take hold? Why? Due to Africas physical features, which limited contact, the rise of African civilizations occurred in areas and for reasons different from those that apply elsewhere -- not in regions that produce a large agricultural surplus or favor water-borne communications

and trade. One such notable civilization was the Mali Empire (present day Mali, Niger and Chad) in the dry Sahel of Western Africa, during 1200-1600, centered around the city of Timbuktu. -What role did Timbuktu have in African trade? Timbuktu was the major leader in commerce in medieval Africa. There was abundance of gold in this region, which was amassed and transported inland, creating a transSahara trade rout by camel. The gold was traded for salt and horses, and consequently mounted horsemen provided the military required to protect the trade routes and enforce the word of West Africa rulers like Mansa Musa. -What natural resources were extracted from Africa? gold, oil, diamonds -What role did colonialism have on population distribution and distribution of power in Africa? (e.g. where were new political entities created?) Why? With the rise of the slave trade, economic and political power shifted from the empires of the hinterlands to the coast, dominated by Europeans. With the fall of the last great inland empire in 1600, the balance of power had shifted from land to sea, and thus to the hands of Europeans. As for population distribution, the colonial powers grouped together hundreds of separate ethnic groups under the same colonies so that they could manipulate and control their subjects. -What main ethnic groups fought for power in post-independence Nigeria? What characteristics do they have? The Hausa/Fulani in the north and the Yoruba and Igbo in the south. The Hausa and Fulani are mostly herders and Muslims who live in the dry north, account for 30% of the population of Nigeria and dominate the government and military forces of modern Nigeria. The Yoruba in the southwest (accounts for 20% of the population) and Igbo in the southeast (17% of the population) are mostly farmers (cacao, yams and peanuts), but also include laborers, merchants and professionals in cities of the more densely populated south. Many Yoruba and Igbo studied in Christian missionary schools, in some cases converted to this new religion and in general emerged better educated than their northern neighbors and now occupy a correspondingly large share of management positions in both public and private sectors.

-What impact has oil had on Nigeria? Nigeria's oil fields are located in the Niger River Delta, where mostly the Igbo (and other smaller ethnic groups) are located. But Nigeria's government and military are dominated by the Hausa and Fulani peoples of the north. This imbalance between political and military power in the north and south ultimately led to civil war, with the Igbo trying to secede and form the country of Biafra while the government struck back to avoid this. Since then, the central government, controlled by Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba, who joined in the suppression of Biafra, has imposed its control over the peoples and resources of the oil-rich south. Critics charge that Abuja has struck deals with foreign oil companies, including Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell, that divert profits to corrupt officials, leaving the inhabitants of the Niger Delta with little or no share in the profits. Meanwhile, mismanagement of the oil fields causes massive spills, the "flaring" of gas and other abuses that pollute the environment.

-What security threats does Nigeria face today? The Delta, and the foreign petroleum companies at work there, are now in for the next round of attacks from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) after an agreement made on October 2009, in which MEND agreed to a cease-fire in exchange for amnesty and cash payments from the government, broke down in February 2010, on charges that Abuja had failed to fulfill its commitments. (note: MEND is defined further below) -What are the similarities and differences between Nigeria and Sudan, geographically, economically, historically, and politically? Historically: Both are former British colonies. (Technically, the colonial governor of Sudan was appointed by Egypt, but in all meaningful ways, from 1899 until 1956, Sudan was run like a colony of Britain.) In both cases, Christianity was introduced by European missionaries who also established schools, with the result that the southerners are generally better educated than the politically more powerful northerners.

Geographically: Sudan, like Nigeria, spans the precipitation and ecosystem gradients from rainforest in the south to desert in the north. In both countries, the economy of the wetter south is primarily crop agriculture, and the people practice native animism or Christianity. Economically: In both cases, oil has been discovered in the south, attracting the attention of the central government and its military forces and causing the southerners to respond by demanding, often with the backing of force, their share of the pie. Politically: The government in Khartoum, like that in Abuja, is dominated by Muslims, whose background lies in nomadic pastoralism and connections to North Africa and the Middle East. Finally, in both countries this dynamic has led to the militarization of all of the parties and the recurrent resort to war. -How is vegetation distributed across Sudan? Sudan embraces the north-south climate and ecosystem gradients that Africa as a whole follows. It transitions from rainforest in the south to desert in the north, with gradations from wet to dry in between. -What are the differences between North and South Sudan, geographically, economically, socially, and politically? The desert-steppe or Sahel in central and northern Sudan is home to "Arabs." Black Africans, who live in moist and verdant south are by contrast farmers, speak a variety of Nilo-Saharan languages and follow animist or Christian beliefs. Southern Sudan, like southern Nigeria, is becoming militarized. More income from the sale of oil is bringing more lethal weapons into the hands of Sudanese in both north and south and putting at risk more people, including women, children and other innocent bystanders who have already been subject to abduction, rape, murder and other atrocities. -What impact has oil had on Sudan? How does the 2011 referendum threaten oil security? As in the case of Nigeria, the production and export of oil beginning in the 1990s, has given Sudan one of the fastest growing economies in the world and at the same time raised the stakes in the internal struggle for power. Until recently, Sudan has been a very poor country, with a large and rapidly growing population and few resources. In

1999, Sudan began to export oil, which now accounts for 70-90% of the country's exports. Income from oil has raised the annual growth rate to 9%, one of the highest in the world, and given Khartoum the problem envied by many of coping with excessively rapid growth. HOWEVER: In Sudan, as in Nigeria, the oil is located in the south, home to people who are both ethnically distinct and politically and militarily less powerful that their countrymen in the north. Add the struggle for these newly found riches to the reasons Sudanese have already chosen to fight one another for most of the past half-century and it is not hard to foresee a resumption of civil war.

In 2005, after more than two decades of fighting, the government in Khartoum and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), the political arm of the SPLA, signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which allows for the sharing of power and income from oil until 2011, when the inhabitants of the south will conduct a referendum on the question of whether to remain part of Sudan or establish a separate state. Whether Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir will allow the 2011 referendum to go forward, at the risk of losing control over the south and its oil, and how the southerners themselves will manage their half of the bargain are questions that will dominate news from Sudan during the coming year. -Why is Somalia considered a failed state? What role have piracy and terrorism played? Somalia is a failed state because it has no effective government, the country is divided by internal forces, there is widespread criminality, and no authority structure. Piracy: The absence of effective government has made the long coastline of Somalia a breeding ground for pirates who seize ships and their crews in the neighboring waters for ransom. Somalis who once relied on offshore fisheries have been driven out of business by foreign trawlers, that have free rein in the absence of any authority on the mainland. And there is a fortune to be made in piracy, which returned an estimated $80 million in ransoms in 2008. In fact, there is now a stock exchange in the coastal city of Harardhere, where enterprising speculators can buy and sell shares in future raiding parties. Terrorism: The disorder in Somalia has attracted radical Islamists associated with AlQaeda, who pose a threat both inside Somalia and beyond. According to some reports,

Al Qaeda agents work with the Shahab group in Somalia to recruit suicide-bombers and train fighters for missions against the United States in Afghanistan, Pakistan and elsewhere. Whatever the record to date, Washington has a heightened concern for Somalia as a failed state and breeding ground for terrorists who pose a threat to the United States. -Be familiar with the following: >Great Rift Valley: a splitting open of the earth that starts in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon, follows the Jordan River to the Dead Sea, thru the Red Sea and then down the length of east Africa, forming the long narrow north-south oriented lakes before reaching its terminus in Swaziland. >savanna: Characterized by tall grasses and scattered trees. Falls at the midpoint between rainforests and deserts. >sahel: Steppe or prairie (vast grasslands, no trees) >Mansa Musa: Ruled the Mali Empire from 1312 to 1337, gained fame in the Mediterranean world following his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. After his return to Timbuktu, he built the great mosques and madrasas that made his capital a leading center of commerce and learning. >Mali Empire: Present day Mali, Niger and Chad, empire in the dry Sahel of Western Africa, during 1200-1600, centered around the city of Timbuktu. >Timbuktu: City of the Mali Empire and leading center of commerce and learning in medieval Africa. >Trans-Sahara trade: explained above (What role did Timbuktu have in African trade?) >Tsetse fly: carries the parasite that causes sleeping sickness, an illness fatal to both man and beast. Predominant in Equatorial Africa (same line as rainfall and vegetation). >Yoruba and Igbo: The Yoruba in the southwest (accounts for 20% of the population) and Igbo in the southeast (17% of the population) are mostly farmers (cacao, yams and

peanuts), but also include laborers, merchants and professionals in cities of the more densely populated south. Many Yoruba and Igbo studied in Christian missionary schools, in some cases converted to this new religion and in general emerged better educated than their northern neighbors and now occupy a correspondingly large share of management positions in both public and private sectors. >Hausa/Fulani: herders and Muslims who live in the dry north, account for 30% of the population of Nigeria and, like their predecessors of the historic West African kingdoms, dominate the government and military forces of modern Nigeria. >Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War): (1967-1970) Following the discovery of oil in the mid1950s, the Igbo, whose homeland includes some of the most productive fields, announced their decision to secede from Nigeria and form the separate country of Biafra. The government struck back, and the ensuing civil war led to mass starvation and untold numbers (estimates run as high as one million) of deaths. >Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND): resistance group of armed militants that tap into pipelines to extract oil for sale on the black market, sabotage oil works, and kill or kidnap government forces and employees of the international petroleum companies, which the rebels consider partners in the exploitation of the Delta population. >Omar al-Bashir: current president of Sudan. The International Criminal Court has taken the unprecedented step of issuing a warrant for his arrest for "crimes against humanity" for the events of Darfur.

>Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA): Sudanese rebel movement from the south. SPLA fought in the Second Sudanese Civil War against the Sudanese government from 1983 to 2005

>Sudanese Civil War: There were two, 1955-72 and 1983-2005. Traditional differences between the Arab majority in the north, who considered the extension of their political and cultural dominion over the south to be a national mission, and the Black African

minority in the south, who chafed under the authority of Khartoum and the imposition of Muslim Sharia law, induced both sides to fight on despite, or because of, the terrible bloodshed. After a brief respite (1972-83), Colonel John Garang organized the southern rebels into the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) while the government in Khartoum, under President Omar al-Bashir who took power in a coup in 1989, moved to crush the rebellion. The Second Civil War (1983-2005) cost 2 million lives and displaced an additional 4 million Sudanese.

>War in Darfur: a region of western Sudan, where government forces in collaboration with private militias, the "janjaweed," have attacked civilians. In recent months, the killings in Darfur have declined, although many of the survivors remain in refugee camps with little prospect for a return to the life they knew before the crisis. >Comprehensive Peace Agreement (2005)/2011 referendum: explained above (What impact has oil had on Sudan? How does the 2011 referendum threaten oil security?) >al-Shabab: one of the many rival groups within Somalia, the most radical. They are allied with Al-Qaeda and are fighting to overthrow the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and institute a strict Islamic order. >Somali pirates: explained above (Why is Somalia considered a failed state? What role have piracy and terrorism played?)

RUSSIA -How is population distributed across Russia? Concentrated in southwest; hardly anyone elsewhere -Why is Russia so cold? (hint: winds & sea currents) inland so not warmed by Gulf Stream (from Caribbean) like Europe, no east-west mountain ranges to block cold air from north. Mountains (Urals and Eastern Highlands) run north-south so polar air spreads south. Also the westerly winds (30 to 60 degrees north) bring moisture from North and Baltic seas to western Russia, but the air loses moisture over the Urals and reaches no more water until it reaches the Pacific. Therefore, central Asia/southern Russia is very dry. By the Arctic Ocean, there is greater precipitation but it is too cool for many forms of life. -Why was it easy for the Mongols to conquer the steppe region? The steppe (broad, flat) was perfect for horses so the Mongols destroyed Kiev everything from the mid 13th c 14th c -How was Moscow fortified against foreign attack? it was in the forest and the horses couldnt go into the forest. -How did Moscow establish centralized control? Moscow was established in the forest and then expanded onto the steppe. Control established by relying on hereditary military servitors who were rewarded with land grants in areas they conquered. Peasants, who worked these estates, preferred to accept being subjects in exchange for the protected of Moscow bottom line: because Moscow was so threatened, people could easily be persuaded to obey it. The highly centralized, militarized system was necessary for survival. -How is Ukraine divided demographically? Dnieper River divides: to the west: productive agricultural land, breadbasket, home to Ukranian speaking majority (ethnic Ukranians, not Slavs and not Russians) this part was part of Poland before WWII so it was more oriented towards Europe than Russia. To the east: industrialized zone around Donetsk these are Russians who came from Russia to build factories, more oriented toward Russia = deep ethnic divisions. Ethnic Ukranians are 80% of total population. Main point: Ukranian west, Russian east -What constituency does Yushchenko represent? Pro-Ukranian Yanukovych? proRussian -What impact did Ukraines demographic divide on the 2010 elections? After the Orange Revolution, people saw that Yushchenko couldnt revive the economy and had alienated Russia, so people elected Yanukovych in 2010, who has moved to the center to please ethnic Ukranians and Europe.

-How does the recurring natural gas crisis affect Ukraine? Russia? Europe? 20% of Europes natural gas comes through Ukraine, and 75% of Ukraines natural gas comes through Russia to Europe. Therefore, when Russia gets mad at Ukraine, they can turn off the gas to western europe, which ruins their relationship with Europe. For Russia, this is retaliation against Europe for bringing Ukraine (and the near abroad) into its own sphere. -What affect do the Caucasus Mountains have on ethnic groups? They break up the region into 50 ethnic groups with strong identities and loathing of their neighbors. -What kind of terrain does Kazakhstan span? Larger than western Europe, largest landlocked country in world, all grassland (that Mongols came through). -How friendly are relations between Kazakhstan and Russia? National identity is strong, anti-Russia appeals to population and allies in West. Suffered in Soviet era under Russians and then Russians moved in and took the best land. Also Kazakhstan site of many Russian nuclear tests. Also, grudge against China which claims easter Kstan and oppresses Uighurs (biological relatives of Kazakhs) in China. -What natural resources does Kazakhstan rely on for export? Because it is landlocked, Kstan must rely on China and Russia to get products to market so must have good relations with them (Kstan doesnt have Black or Caspian sea like Ukraine/Georgia). Relies on oil and gas and uranium (nec for nuclear power plants) >Nursultan Nazarbayev: president since 1991, in 2007 granted powers to be president for life, unlike Ukraine and Georgia, very close with Russia, not close with Western powers. Not democratic regime, effectively authoritarian -Be familiar with: these five types of land run from north to south >tundra: cold, dry, nothing grows above ground >taiga: dense coniferous forest >deciduous forest: equally dense forest around Moscow >grassland: in the Ukraine, open woodland, grassland, farmland >steppe: dry grassland, praire, treeless, gives way to Russian desert >Mongols: came through to Kiev across the grassland that stretched to Mongolia, in 1240 they obliterated Kiev >Ivan IV (the Terrible): first Russian czar, captured Kazan and Astrakhan in the 1550s to open a trade route from Moscow to the Caspian Sea >near abroad: term for the former Soviet Socialist Republics, indicates Russia still

views them as a sphere of influence that they can control. Russia wants to prevent them from joining the EU and NATO bc then they lose their buffer zone. Three examples of near abroad: Ukraine, Georgia and Kazakhstan >Kiev: in 12th c, most impt city in Russian empire, located on trade routes from Baltic to Black Sea, on the Dnieper River. Unlike Moscow, it was vulnerable >Orange Revolution 2004 presidential election: Yanukovych (pro-Russia) declared winner, Yushchenko supporters protest in Kiew with orange flags. New election made Yushchenko president >Viktor Yanukovych: favored by Russia and Putin, east, elected initially >Viktor Yushchenko: favored by democracy building NGOs in Ukraine, west, pro Western, subsequently won >Yulia Tymoshenko: Prime minister under Yushchenko 2004-2010 perceived as having, with Yushchenko, alienated Russia too much >Sevastopol: port on Crimea, Russian Black Sea fleet stationed there, Yushchenko wants them out = dispute >Caucasus Mountains Caucasus between Black and Caspain seas, run east-west so block cold air, forms region with Azerbaijan and Georgia >Rose Revolution in Georgia, in 2003, before the Orange Revolution, Eduard Shevardnadze (pro-Europe, had confronted Russia) elected, opposition calls it rigged, held roses, and in the re-election Saakashvili won >Mikheil Saakashvili: the president that was elected after the Rose revolution, very nationalist, very pro Europe, wanted Ukraine to join NATO and EU >2008 Russia-Georgia War fought for control of 2 ethnic enclaves South Ossetia and Abkhazia (which were part of Georgia SSR) . these enclaves wanted independence from Georgia, were backed by Russia. Meanwhile Georgia is supporting Chechnyan rebels versus Russia. Saakashvili wanted more control of South Ossetia. Aug 2008, Russia and Georgia both enter South Osstia, Russians expel Georgians and then enter undisputed Russian territory. EU ended war with a ceasefire. Most of the world (except Russia) sees South Ossetia and Abkhazia as part of Georgia

EUROPE -What are the key geographical features of Europe? What impact do they have on political centralization? Europe is not a continent by any objective standard. Europeans invented the term and insisted on giving their land this title. Three features of European geography are key to understanding how geography affected politics. 1) Crinkled topography: Can be divided into two geographical regions. Northern broad plains bounded by mountain ranges of Scandinavia and England in the west and the Urals in the east. Southern series of mountain chains centered in the Alps. (ps the Alps are formed by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates) Result of this topography: Large number of small rivers separated by mountain ranges and other obstacles = A physical environment that favors small and fragmented societies and nations. 2) Peninsula: A coastline with ins-and-outs both large and small, rocky mountains separating harbors in between. The Greeks, Romans, Scandinavians etc used to seek their living on the water. The Dutch, Spaniards, English navigators, merchants, pirates, explorers. Internal fragmentation of the continent limited the ability to amass resources from within, but forced Europeans to seek wealth and power abroad. 3) Location: Western extreme of the Eurasian supercontinent: out of reach of the Mongols. Long distance from the silks, spices and other valuables led to the explorations. The Turks were the dominant power of the Middle East, aka trade root to China. Atlantic Ocean and the New World access. -How did European countries gain wealth? Explorations, colonialism, new trade roots, industrial products, exploiting raw materials from colonial empires and creating industrial material. -In what capacity have European countries been competitive? Devastating and recurrent wars. In the absence of any supranational authority, political units settled their differences by forces. Competition begets innovation: designing new and better weapons. Competition brought to the sea: the explorations. -In what capacity have European countries been cooperative? Because of the continuous competition and the great number of countries in one small region, each state looked for friends and allies to ensure its security. Shared experiences and interests. Cardinal Richelieu served the King of France build a

network of alliances that included Protestant Sweden, Holland and Germany and also the Muslim Ottomans. Richelieus commitment to secular authority and forming of alliances among disparate parties led to the European state system. Balance of Power Congress of Vienna The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars destroyed the whole competition/cooperation system in Europe. This congress brought together representatives of certain states to reestablish Europes primacy: five great powers Britain, France, Prussia, Russia and Austria. Cold War Alliances: NATO alliances. Not all EU countries are members of NATO, but almost all of them are in support of the West against the East. NATO enlargement critical with Georgia and Ukraine (former Soviet countries). -What are the goals of the EU? Alliance formation addresses the security concern balance of power. Charlemagnes dream: somehow the fragments of European civilization can be made whole. Political and economic compulsions were behind the great experiment of the EU. Goals common market, free movement within the boundaries of the EU, the currency (euro). Collective growth and regionalization. -What threat does the Greek financial crisis have on the rest of the EU? Greek crisis: government paying more to citizens than it has been taking in taxes. Financial deficit. The size of the Greek debt is greater than the countrys total GDP. Greek currency (euro) is shared by 15 other EU states putting the euro zone in danger. -How has Germany reacted to the Greek financial crisis? How has France reacted? Germanys dilemma: Letting Greece collapse and drag the value of euro with it vs Bailing the Greeks out by loaning them money or guaranteeing their bonds. French citizens support the bailout package but France waited to get to an agreement with Germany first. -What concerns are in play with regard to Turkeys proposed entrance into the EU? Human rights (although I dont agree..but thats a totally different debate well have to talk about in our free time if you want to ) Kurdish minorities and Armenian relations. Cyprus divided following the Turkish invasion (hm) of 1974 between northern (Turkish) and southern (Greek) sectors. Turkey recognizes the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Republic of Cyprus is in the EU and the UN. Population: Huge, less educated and almost entirely Muslim population. Migration.

-What is the role of the military in Turkey? The military traditional responsibility and role: protecting secularism. Turkish secularism is the French laicite: absolute separation of religion from the state. Thus, no religious symbols or acts are allowed in any governmental institutions. (ie no headscarves at schools, or crosses in classrooms etc) The military intervened with coup detats thrice: 1960, 1971 and 1980. If the military is removed as a factor in Turkish politics, many in Turkey and abroad suspect that the country will turn to its Asian and Muslim roots. And this is likely to persuade many in Europe that the expansion of the Union has gone far enough. -Be familiar with the following: >Cardinal Richelieu see above. Underlined and italic. >Treaty of Westphalia (1648) Peace treaty that ended the Thirty Years War. Initiated a new political order in central Europe, based upon the concept of a sovereign state governed by a sovereign. The modern nation state. Constitutional law idea. First major and successful European unification. >NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Cold War era, pro-US states. 28 members. Original members in 1949: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, UK, US. Cold War members 1949-1991: Greece, Turkey, West Germany, Spain After 1991: Albania, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia. >Warsaw Pact (1955-91) 8 members: Albania (withdrew in 1968), Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Soviet Union. >European Union 27 members. European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands. European Community (EC) in 1967: UK, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal. EU after 1993: Austria, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria. >euro 16 of the 27 member states of the EU use this collective currency of the Union, which

interlinks the monetary systems of those states. Benefits: allows for trade without tariffs and without currency/exchange rate barriers. One power: euro. Moving beyond the national rivalries that caused so much harm in the past. Disadvantages: One states crisis affects all. National sovereignty concerns. >Greek financial crisis see above. >Turkish Islamists The current ruling party AKP (Justice and Development Party). Have been the leading party since 2002 (damn and Reardon is wrong by saying 2002). (ps dont think they are really successful at establishing anything islamist, though. Also, weirdly they are super pro-West.) They just want to establish more religious freedom (ie whatever secularism prohibits) but that is against the founding values of the secular Republic. >Recep Erdogan Prime Minister of Turkey, AKP. Not a fan of secularism, (also he does not have any intention to save the country from his very presence.) Recently, he is back in headlines, following the detention of top Turkish military officers on charges of plotting a coup against the ruling party.

CHINA -How is the population of China distributed? -1.3 billion people total, concentrated in the SE section of the country. -Why is Eastern China wet despite being located on the Subtropical High? -As you move from west to east, the topography flattens out. More mountainous in the west, flatter in the east. (High plateau Central plateau Alluvial plain) -How do wind patterns in China change during different seasonsthis is the law of the swimming pool. -Monsoons: these seasonal winds are so powerful that it pushes out other systems. -Summer: Land is warmer than the water. Warm air rises. Cools, condenses, forms clouds. Cooler air then sinks, forms a high pressure zone. Sinking air spreads along surface of the cool water. Sea breeze blows over the land, low pressure zone. (waterland, low pressurehigh pressure, warm and rainy wind) -Winter is the opposite: land is cooler than the water. Air over the sea is warm, this is the low pressure zone. High pressure zone over the land. (landwater, high pressurelow pressure, cold and dry wind) -Where is most of the agricultural land in China located? -Southeast. Hence the fact that this is where most of the population is. Recently there has been a migration of people from the SE to the NW, where the cities are, due to globalization/rise of Chinas economy (export-led growth, more people moving to cities to work in factories/construction). -What imbalances does China face? -water -people -ethnic groups -What issues does water distribution (or lack of) pose for China? -particularly a problem for northern China. The Huang He has run dry 32 times since 1932. -their solution

>Grand Canal -longest canal in China: brings water from Yangtze River ShanghaiBeijing >Yangtze River -Longest river in China, flows into the East China Sea >Three Gorges Dam: hydroelectric dam that spans the Yangtze River, regulates floods but also generates electricity for China. >floods: monsoons come early, Southern part of Yangtze floods (this is a serious problem) -How do poverty levels change across China? -As you move from the Southeast North, poverty increases. Wealth is concentrated in cities, but a majority of the country is still poor. -What effect has Chinas undervaluing of the Yuan had on global trade? This allows them to export goods at a cheaper price. It increases their trade surplus. -What has been Chinese policy toward Tibet and Xinjiang? -Tibet: -cold, dry, high altitude -1959: Dalai Lama flees to India -Lhasa Riots (2008) -Tibetans riot against China, which has military occupation in the region. -XinJiang (1949military occupation) Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, in the northwest of the country. Capital is Urumqi. It is the largest city in Chinas vast western interior. (fun fact: Xinjiang translates into new territory. Xin=new and jiang=territory.) -Uyghers and Han Chinese, amongst other ethnic groups -Natives are Turkic, Islamic people. As a result of forced migration into the region (Chinas attempt at spreading all its people around) 40% of the population is Chinese -2009riots. Protest murder of Uygers(men were accused of raping Chinese women)

SOUTHEAST ASIA by Marc -What are the main physical features of the Indochina Peninsula (mainland Southeast Asia)? Chao Phraya River Thailand Irrawaddy River Myanmar Mekong River Vietnam (also through Thailand) Red River Vietnam Strait of Malacca between Sumatra and Malaysia

-What are the main physical features of Maritime Southeast Asia? Know: Borneo, Celebes, Java, Sumatra

Luzon top island of Philippines Mindanao bottom island of Philippines

-What is the effect of broad alluvial plains in mainland Southeast Asia on political construction? Conducive to civilization Kingships & tradition of Political Unity

-What is the role of kingship in the history of Thailand? Mediating power, stabilizer of politics in the country

-How have political conflicts in Thailand been resolved in the past? There have been 18x elections and 18xCoups since 1932 King has stepped in and used his mediating power to stabilize politics

-What is the context behind the current political standoff in Thailand? Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted by military in 2006 2008 Yellow Shirt protest put the Right in parliament March 2010 Red Shirt counter-protest//demand parliament back

-What does its location on the intersection of 4 tectonic plates imply about Maritime Southeast Asia? Volcanoes, earthquakes & tsunamis

-How were the islands of Indonesia united under one nation? Dutch East India Company establish in Jakarta 1600s Invent Administrative Malay language, teach/elementary school The common pilgrimage ->common identity Advanced students sent to Amsterdam to study history etc Sukarno felt conned by the Dutch ->leader of nationalist mvmt 1949 independence

-What were the positives and negatives of colonial impact in Southeast Asia? +Gave common identity, unity to a stratified region - Established an elite class -> conflict with majority

-What choices did East Timor have when met with resistance from Indonesia? (This is a stupid question) Indonesian occupation 1975-99 brutal & murderous

-What does the Philippines lack in its history that other Southeast Asian countries have? Wild Turkeys?

-How did Gloria Arroyo consolidate power? Made a Pact with mercenaries: Andal Ampatuan Jr. & Sr.

They had control over Muslim Mindanao South

-Be familiar with the following: alluvial plains = civilization, Kingship & tradition of political unity

King Bhumibol: Has reigned in Thailand since 1946, Traditional mediator He is currently in poor health, unable to fill his role

>Thaksin Shinawatra: Leader of rural political movement Promotes wellfare & small loans for rural poor majority Right wing military ousted Shinawatra, fled the country

>red shirts Left wing, supporters of Shinawatra March 2010 protests, now occupy downtown Bangkok

>yellow shirts Right wing supporters 2008 Protest

>Mount Pinatubo >Dutch East Indies = colonial Indonesia >Sukarno = Indonesian Nationalist Leader of independence >Portuguese Timor = colonial East Timor (Timor Leste) >Moro Insurrection = Muslims resist authority in Manila, Philippines >Gloria Arroyo = President of the Philippines >the Ampatuans = Private Army in Mindanao, Philippines >Maguindanao Massacre (2009) governors delegation and family killed by the Ampatuans. (Maguindanao is a province on the island of Mindanao)

Southeast Asia Study Guide -What are the main physical features of the Indochina Peninsula (mainland Southeast Asia)? -monsoon system due to tropical climate -abundance of rainforests -mountainous and highlands -mainland composed of: Burma (Myanmar), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam -formation of broad basins and alluvial plans due to proximity to Himalayas -facilitated formation of centralized political systems centered on agriculture, trade and a common cultural experience -abundance of kingdoms ex. Angkor Wat Khmer Kingdom -What are the main physical features of Maritime Southeast Asia? -composed of Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei and East Timor -less political and cultural coherence than Mainland Southeast Asia -numerous islands and ports facilitate trade, causing interaction and integration between peoples and cultures in addition to emergence of short-lived regimes -What is the effect of broad alluvial plains in mainland Southeast Asia on political construction? -facilitated formation of centralized political systems centered on agriculture, trade and a common cultural experience -What is the role of kingship in the history of Thailand? -Thailand never subject to European Imperialism -political unification around Chao Phraya basin under Thai kingships facilitated by Theravada Buddhism -Chakri Dynasty remained in place since 1782 -Thailand lacks war of national liberation king holds people together -since 1932, Thailand has been a constitutional democratic monarchy -How have political conflicts in Thailand been resolved in the past? -for past 60 years, King Bhumibol maintained peace in country -since 1932, King Bhumibol, who has an almost godlike status in Thailand, has intervened periodically to restore stability. This is possible since he has so much public support, a lese majeste statute -most celebrated intervention occurred in 1992, when King Bhumibol summoned the two generals who were battling for power and reprimanded them for their selfish acts on national television. This ended the violence.

-What is the context behind the current political standoff in Thailand? -2001: election of Thaksin Shinawatra, entrepreneur with a populist platform that appealed to Thailands rural poor -2006: Shinawatra was ousted in a military coup -2008: Thaksin fled the country after being charged with corrupt intentions. RightWing PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, supported by modern, urban middle class (Yellow Shirts) is elected through Parliament. His supporters, the Red Shirts, are calling for his return to Thailand -recently (March 2010): Red Shirts staged demonstrations in Bangkok to demand the ousting of current PM demonstrates increasing consolidation of rural middle class. Violence escalated in April, but Absahit (current PM) is still refusing to accept the demands of the Red Shirts, which call for new elections. Red Shirts have the majority, thus Yellow Shirts will never accept outcome of new elections. King is sick, so has lost ability to foster stability. -What does its location on the intersection of 4 tectonic plates imply about Maritime Southeast Asia? -How were the islands of Indonesia united under one nation? -Western colonialism: Dutch rule -Dutch established a common language, identity and educational system among the 17,000 islands who had very little in common -creation of a native elite that emerged as a powerful entity after Japanese occupation (1942-1945) -Sukarno, the embodiment of Indonesian nationalism, was a product of Dutch colonialism and the man responsible for eliminating it in 1949 -What were the positives and negatives of colonial impact in Southeast Asia? -issue of maintaining national unity can be seen as both a positive and a negative -What choices did East Timor have when met with resistance from Indonesia? -island of Timor always been divided between the Dutch and the Portuguese (had the eastern half of the island) -with the formation of Indonesia in 1949, East Timor remained under Portuguese Rule -1975: East Timor declared independence at a time when Portugal Empire in Africa and Asia was disintegrating. Indonesia benefited from this power vacuum and invaded East Timor. The island remained under Indonesias harsh military rule for the next quarter century -1999: after end of President Suhartos rule, people of East Timor voted for

independence in a UN-sponsored referendum, causing Indonesian military and militia to indulge in mass killings. This sparked an international outcry and the interference of UN forces -2002: East Timor gained independence -political system tainted by corruption and violence, with a stagnated economy -2008: attempted assassination of President Horta -East Timor held together by UN police force -What does the Philippines lack in its history that other Southeast Asian countries have? - Philippines was granted independence by the US in 1946 and thus lacks the experience of a war of national liberation -How did Gloria Arroyo consolidate power? -She was supported by Andal Ampatuan Sr and Jr, members of a private militia (MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front), a Muslim militia group that is claiming independence of Mindanao) and dominate the politics of Maguindanao Province of the Island of Mindanao -A few more identifications: >Moro Insurrection -Muslims of Mindanao label themselves as Moros and have a historical claim of independence -During 1970s, fighting between the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front, a Muslim militia group that is claiming independence of Mindanao) and government in Manila reached its peak. Agreement reached in 1989 to establish the Autonomous Region in the Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), governed by the MNLF. >the Ampatuans and the Maguindanao Massacre (2009) - Ampatuans reportedly killed 57 members of a delegation who were on their way to file papers supporting a rival candidate for governor Arroyo declared martial law in the area, and the Ampatuans and 200 others have been arrested for murder

South Asia -What caused the formation of the Himalayan Mountains? Their formation is a result of a continental collision along the convergent boundary between the Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The collision began in the Upper Cretaceous period about 70 million years ago, when the north-moving IndoAustralian Plate, moving at about 15 cm per year, collided with the Eurasian Plate. -What are the effects of mountain ranges on political entities? Creates further divisions among political entities, i.e. Europeans, Pashtuns of Afghanistan/ Pakistan. -How does the monsoon affect the climate of the Indian subcontinent? Creates hot and dry winters, with winds blowing from the northeast and carrying little moisture. Temperature is high at this time as Himalayas form a barrier against cold air, and because India lies between Tropic of Cancer and the equator. Produces wet summer, with winds coming from southwest and carrying moisture from the Indian Ocean through heavy rains. -What is the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan? Pakistan? Afghanistan: Pashtuns. Pakistan: Punjabis -What are some defining characteristics of the Pashtuns? Fragmented people connected by language and culture, with insulated tribal structure. Internal structure even more fragmented, by family, clan, etc. Tribal identity is more relevant than national identity. This creates major internal competition, like in Europe, and makes them difficult to govern or unite. -How is the political situation in Afghanistan similar to that of Georgia? Both have received military interventions by Russia. -Afghanistan is considered the graveyard of empires why? In 1842, 16,500 British troops sent to secure Kabul- one survived. British did not learn lesson, and tried twice again before giving up. In addition, the USSR attempted a 10year-long invasion, and the US is currently caught in the mire of Afghanistan.

-Which of its neighbors is most threatening to Pakistan? India -What are Pakistan major security concerns? Conflict with India, particularly over Kashmir, toward which both have troops aligned. -Who has been responsible for invading India and transforming its cultural landscape? Aryans, Mughul Dynasty -What is the history behind the Kashmir conflict? At time of partition of India and Pakistan, areas could choose which state to join. The Maharajah of Kashmir was Hindu and in favor of India, while the people were 75% Muslim and primarily in favor of Pakistan. In addition, Chinese built road through part of Kashmir and took control. -Be familiar with the following: >monsoon A seasonal reversing wind accompanied by seasonal changes in precipitation. The southwestern summer monsoons in Asia occur from June through September. >Pashtuns Pashtuns are an Eastern Iranian ethno-linguistic group with populations primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan. They are typically characterized by their usage of the Pashto language and practice of Pashtunwali, a traditional set of rules and ethics guiding individual and communal conduct. >British invasions of Afghanistan In 1842, 16,500 British troops sent to secure Kabul- one survived. British did not learn lesson, and tried twice again before giving up. >Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979-89) Conflict involving the Soviet Union, supporting the Marxist government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan at their own request against the Islamist Mujahideen Resistance. >mujahideen

Here, Afghani Islamist resistance against the Marxist government of the Democratic Republican of Afghanistan and Soviet invaders. >Taliban Sunni Islamist political movement that governed Afghanistan from 1996 until it was overthrown in late 2001 during Operation Enduring Freedom. It has regrouped since 2004 and revived as a strong insurgency movement governing local Pashtun areas and fighting a guerilla war against the governments of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force. >FATA Federally Administered Tribal Areas: A group of small administrative units in the northwest of Pakistan, lying between the North-West Frontier Province and the neighboring country of Afghanistan. They have considerable autonomy from the rest of Pakistan. >North-West Frontier Province AKA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa- one of four provinces of Pakistan. It borders Afghanistan, and its primary ethnic group is the Pashtuns. >Aryans Speakers of Indo-Iranian language who invaded India, among other places. >Babur/Mughal Dynasty First leader of Muslim Dynasty which ruled India from 1526 through 1858. >British Raj Name given to the period of British colonial rule in South Asia between 1858 and 1947; it can also refer to the dominion itself, and even the region under the rule. >partition Partition of British India on the basis of religious demographics that led to the creation, on 14 August 1947 and 15 August 1947, respectively, of Pakistan and India. >population exchange The partition displaced up to 12.5 million persons in the attempt to shuffle Indias and

Pakistans populations based on religion. >Indira Gandhi Prime minister of India for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977 and for a fourth term in 1980 until her assassination in 1984 by Sikh bodyguards. >Mumbai terrorist attack 2008 More than ten coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai, Indias largest city, by Muslim terrorists from Pakistan. The attacks began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, killing at least 173 people and wounding at least 308. >Kashmir Northwesternmost region of South Asia which is currently disputed by India, Pakistan, China, and the people of Kashmir. >Aksai Chin Disputed region and part of Kashmir held by China and claimed by India.

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA -How is water distributed geographically in the Middle East/North Africa? Which countries have the most water access? The only major water supplies are the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (Iran/Iraq) and the Nile (primarily Egypt) -How did water play a role in the success of civilizations? Civilizations formed around those basins, while Bedouins roamed in search of water across the gulf deserts -How are fossil fuels distributed geographically in the Middle East/North Africa? Which countries have the most oil/gas? 4.5% of global supplies are in North Africa, mainly Algeria and Libya (Egypt Morocco and Tunisia have limited amounts). UAE, Saudi, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq and Qatar have more than half the reserves and account for 30% of the production. -What three resources make up the fossil fuels? Petroleum, natural gas and coal. -How dependent are humans on fossil fuels? without fossil fuels, what we know as the modern world would not exist. -How does photosynthesis work? How does it relate to oil production? This is in like every chapter. 6 CO2 + 6 H20 + energy ---> C6H12O6 + 6 O2 -Why is the Persian Gulf region particularly endowed with oil/gas? Lodged between the two former super continents, the shallow shelf of the Tethys Ocean was the repository for organic sediments that originated in the water (algae) or on land (plants and animals) and of mineral sediments like sand, shale or limestone. The movement of the techtonic plates for Africa and India, cause a large number of earthquakes that eventually trapped organic material below the core giving the region much fossil fuel potential. -How has Irans success been tied to fossil? Well, it is their primary natural resource and greatest export. -How much oil refining capacity does Iran have? fuels? Iran ranks second in the world in proven reserves of petroleum and natural gas, fourth in production of oil and gas, and fourth in oil exports. (Iran consumes most of its own natural gas, or it would be a leader in gas exports as well.) -How does Saudi Arabias governing structure differ from that of Iran? Hereditary Monarchy vs. Theocracy -How do Saudi Arabia and Iran differ religiously? Sunni (Wahhabiasm) vs. Shias (Islam plays a dominant role) [respectively] -How else do Saudi Arabia and Iran differ? Arab vs. Persian, US Ally vs. Loathing the US, Fully integrated into the global economy and moderate about oil policies vs. Need

to export more oil and perpetually looking into the short run. -What are Saudi Arabia and Irans roles in the Israel-Palestine conflict? They both appear to support Palestine being Islamic states. Iran is more radically in favor as Saudi, with the US as an ally cannot be as critical. -What interests do Saudi Arabia and Iran have in Iraqs development? Both have natural religious allies but neither want to see the nation divided along those lines. -What do Saudi Arabia and Iran have in common? They are both looking to lead the Muslim world, though with much different paths and perspectives. Likely to remain rivals but avoid being enemies. -Be familiar with: >Sumeria Ancient Egyptian civilization that setlled around the Nile. >Ancient Egypt >fossil fuels coal, natural gas and oil. >steam-water vapour used in the process of generating electricity. >photosynthesis- I think weve got this by now. >burning- Process used to release energy from fossil fuels. >Tethys Ocean the ancient ocean during the two continent times that formed between Africa and India. Its tectonic movements resulted in the accumulation of organic matter under the area currently know as the middle east. >OPEC - Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), whose purpose is to manage the production and sale of petroleum in a way that maximizes their long-term profits. Saudi, Iran, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Algeria, Libya, Angola, Nigeria, Ecuador and Venezuela. >Shah of Iran Hereditary ruler of Iran before the revolution in 1979 >Iranian revolution (1979) Revolution that resulted in The Islamic Republic of Iran >Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini First leader of this republic, elected by a group of clerics (theocracy) >1979 hostage crisis >Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Current Supreme Leader (Theocratic) of Iran, he technically holds the highest rank. . >Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Current President of Iran, serving under the Supreme Leader.. Technically elected by universal suffrage. Whatta guy! >2009 Iranian elections Much disputed democratic elections that saw Amhadinejad reelected. >Mir Hossein Moussavi Runner-up in the elections, sparking the green revolution where people protested against the results. Guess who won?

>hereditary monarchy Political system in place in Saudi >King Ibn Saud Founder of Saudi Arabia >House of Saud Royal family of Saudi Arabia >Wahhabism The following Muhammad ibn Abd-al-Wahhab, 18th Century Saudi acholar. Staunch mulim, his beliefs are cited as the reason for the countrys radical muslim ideology and law. >Hajj Sacred Islamic journey that one is obligated to if its within ones means, to Mecca. >King Abdullah Current Saudi King

CLIMATE CHANGE How does the recent oil spill fit into our discussion of fossil fuel extraction? Fossil fuel extraction is dangerous and environmentally risky. Alternative energy sources are needed in order to avoid such disasters in the future. Fossil fuel extraction takes places in areas that are at a high risk for ecological damage. The ecological and economical damage caused by oil spills is a problem that spreads and affects many, not just the immediately surrounding area. How does global warming occur naturally? (e.g. non-human causes) Through the burning (via lightning strike) or decay (respiration of microorganisms) of organic matter. What role specifically does carbon dioxide have in this process? Carbon Dioxide acts as a greenhouse gas, absorbing longwave radiation that is reemitted from the surface of the earth (sun heats earth => earth heats air). Carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, nitrous oxides all serve this function by trapping heat. Why is greenhouse effect a misleading term? Because a greenhouse traps heat by preventing it from leaving the structure physically, while the greenhouse effect happens because the greenhouse gases absorb outgoing energy and send it (radiate it) back towards the earths surface. What has been the general trend in global temperatures in the 20th century? Theyve been going up. How do humans contribute to global warming? We release CO2 when we breathe through the process of respiration. We fart and release methane. We burn things, wood and organic matter and anything made of carbon. This includes fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil). We raise livestock, which digest food, respirate, and also fart methane. We turn limestone, CaCO3, into concrete, releasing enormous amounts of CO2. We remove the earths natural mechanisms of sequestration (trees). How does burning fossil fuels contribute to higher carbon dioxide levels? Burning (oxidizing) fossil fuels (hydrocarbons) causes oxygen to bind with carbon and releases CO2. According to the US, who is the biggest culprit of CO2 emissions? China According to China? What statistics do they use? United states blames china for total emissions, and emissions per unit of GDP. China blames the United States. Chinese statistics are by per capita

emissions -How does the United Nations play a role in climate change solutions? Provides a supranational institution by which nations can collude to multilaterally agree on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions limitations What progress has been made in the past 20 years on addressing multinational solutions? Rio in 1992 acknowledged the phenomena of global warming. Kyoto in 1997 began Why did the United States not sign the Kyoto Protocol? Congress feared it would give foreign entrepreneurs (in China) an advantage over the United States, by inhibiting the industrial sector of domestic producers Be familiar with the following: oil spill: Oil tanker explosion in the Gulf of Mexico causing massive oil leakage (200,000 gallons/day) that may cause long term damage to the ecosystem and southeastern economy. global warming: The gradual climate change caused by incremental rises in the earths average temperature. solar radiation: Emission of energy from the sun in the form of shortwave electromagnetic waves. short-wave radiation: Short wave electromagnetic waves. See: Solar radiation. long-wave radiation: Long wave electromagnetic waves. See: Terrestrial radiation trace gases: Elements of the earths atmosphere that are not abundantly present such as ozone (O3), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), etc. carbon dioxide: The most abundant and important greenhouse gas, which is produced both naturally and anthropogenically by the burning or decay (oxidation) of organic (containing carbon) materials. greenhouse effect: The process by which the earth's atmosphere is heated has been likened to the effects of a greenhouse. This analogy is misleading, however. Remember the term, but do not try to relate the two phenomena. natural carbon cycle: The natural or background production and absorption of carbon and carbon dioxide. deforestation: Cutting down forests. Has a dual effect: burning wood/polluting machinery contribute to emissions, and fewer trees means less oxygen production. photosynthesis: Chemical reaction by which plants manufacture food, by extracting carbon dioxide and water from the environment to make the simple

sugar, glucose. The reaction is written: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O > C6H12O6 + 6 O2 burning: The chemical combination of oxygen and carbon to produce energy (heat and light) and the byproducts, carbon dioxide and water. The reaction for the burning (or combustion) of the simplest hydrocarbon, methane, is written: CH4 + 2 O2 > CO2 + 2 H2O Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A panel of scientists from all over the world, created by the United Nations to evaluate the risk of climate change caused by human activity. 1992 Rio Earth Summit First conference of world leaders, convened by the UN to address the problem of climate change. Established the "Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)." 1997 Kyoto Protocol: First attempt, adopted in 1997, to restrict greenhouse gas emissions by means of an international agreement. 2009 Copenhagen Agreement : Meeting of world leaders held in Copenhagen in December 2009, to update and extend the commitments made under the Kyoto Protocol cap and trade: Mechanism to reduce the emission of pollutants by establishing a market for emission permits