C7.3 Russia - Lesson 5: Ukraine: Geopolitics

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• Middelbare school
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• Leerjaar 3

C7: RUSSIA

and its neighbours

Paragraph 3: Geopolitics

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What is the plan for today?

C7.3: Ukraine: Geopolitics

YESTERDAYS GOALS

1. You can name 2 characteristics that define a state (G150).
   
2. You can name 2 types of borders (G150).
3. You can explain why some states are nations / nation states and others are not (G151).
   
4. You explain the terms culture, people and Russification in your own words (G151 + §3).
   
5. You can give 4 reasons for the Russian occupation of Crimea.
   

Give 4 reasons for the

Russian occupation of Crimea.

1. Ukraine may develop close military ties with Western Europe.
   
2. Crimea has a Russian naval base (Sebastopol).
   
3. Ukraine has close cultural ties with Russia.
   
4. Russian inhabitants of Crimea want to be part of Russia.
   

TODAY'S GOALS

1. You can name 6 characteristics of a country that contribute to a strong geopolitical position.
   
2. You can explain how Russia can use their natural gas export for geopolitical purposes.
   
3. You can name 2 advantages of the Nord Stream for the Netherlands.
   
4. You can name 2 disadvantages of the Nord Stream for Ukraine and Poland
   
5. You can explain why Russia wants to control Central- and Eastern European countries from a geopolitical perspective (tip: use NATO in your answer).
   

DEFINITION GEOPOLITICS

Oxford dictionary:

• Politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors.
  

Cambridge dictionary:

• The study of the way a country's size, position, etc. influence its power and its relationships with other countries.
  

Coursebook The Geo:

• Political power that a country wields by exploiting its natural resources or its geographical location.
  

If you would be able to create a perfect country, what geographical characteristics would it have? 

Think about the location and what a country needs/trades.

Write down at least 3 things in your notebook.

If you would be able to create a perfect country, what geographical characteristics would it have? 

• Many minerals (oil, natural gas, iron ore, etc)
  
• Suitable (climate) for agriculture
  
• Acces to oceans
  
• Navigable rivers
  
• No borders with enemy states
  
• Not easy to invade with ground troops

Where is Russia vulnerable

for groundtroops?

What are the geopolitical advantages and disadvantages of the location of Russia?

 - For each characteristic write down if this is a pro or a con for Russia.

 - Explain each answer.

 - Write down maps sheets you have used (if not given in question).

RUSSIA AND MINERALS

SUITABLE FOR      

 AGRICULTURE?     

ACCES TO OCEANS?

ACCES TO OCEANS?

NAVIGABLE RIVERS

To which extent does Russia have borders with enemy states?

What are the geopolitical advantages and disadvantages of the location of Russia?

CONCLUSION:

Many minerals

Suitable for agriculture

Acces to oceans

Navigable rivers

No borders with enemy states

Not easy to invade with ground troops

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Practice with the atlas

Let's go!

• Read the text at page 108 in your coursebook
• Use G123 & G134
• Make exercises 6 to 8

Rules while working:

• You're allowed to work together with your neighbor (WHISPERING).

Next week we discuss all the exercises of C6.3