AP Human Geography – Devolution and Supranationalism (EU, UN)

AP Human Geography – Devolution and Supranationalism (EU, UN)

AP Human Geography Study Guide: Devolution & Supranationalism (EU, UN)

What This Is

Devolution and supranationalism are two opposing forces shaping modern political geography. Devolution is the transfer of power from a central government to regional or local authorities (e.g., Scotland gaining more autonomy from the UK). Supranationalism is when countries give up some sovereignty to join a larger political or economic union (e.g., the European Union). These concepts are crucial on the AP exam because they explain how power shifts between local, national, and global scales—often appearing in FRQs about political organization, sovereignty, and globalization.

Key Terms & Concepts

• Devolution: The transfer of political power from a central government to regional or local governments, often due to centrifugal forces (e.g., ethnic nationalism, economic disparities).

• Example: Spain granting autonomy to Catalonia and the Basque Country.

• Centrifugal Forces: Factors that divide a country (e.g., ethnic conflict, economic inequality, language barriers).

• Example: The breakup of Yugoslavia due to ethnic tensions.

• Centripetal Forces: Factors that unify a country (e.g., shared language, strong economy, national identity).

• Example: The U.S. after 9/11, when patriotism increased.

• Supranationalism: When countries give up some sovereignty to join a larger political or economic union (e.g., the EU, UN, NATO).

• Example: EU member states adopting the euro as a common currency.

• Sovereignty: A country’s ability to govern itself without outside interference.

• Example: The U.S. declaring independence from Britain in 1776.

• European Union (EU): A supranational organization with 27 member states that share economic policies, open borders (Schengen Zone), and a common currency (euro).

• Key Features: Free movement of people, goods, and services; European Parliament; European Central Bank.

• United Nations (UN): A global supranational organization promoting peace, human rights, and international cooperation.

• Key Features: Security Council (5 permanent members with veto power), General Assembly, peacekeeping missions.

• Brexit: The UK’s 2020 withdrawal from the EU, driven by nationalism and concerns over sovereignty.

• Impact: Economic disruptions, border issues (Northern Ireland), and weakened EU influence.

• Federalism: A system where power is divided between a central government and regional governments (e.g., U.S. states, German Länder).

• Example: The U.S. federal government vs. state governments (e.g., marijuana legalization).

• Ethnonationalism: A form of nationalism where an ethnic group seeks political independence.

• Example: Quebec’s separatist movement in Canada.

• Balkanization: The fragmentation of a state into smaller, often hostile, ethnic-based regions.

• Example: The breakup of Yugoslavia into Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, etc.

• Economic Supranationalism: Countries joining forces for economic benefits (e.g., NAFTA-USMCA, ASEAN).

• Example: The EU’s single market, which boosts trade among members.

Step-by-Step: Analyzing Devolution & Supranationalism on the AP Exam

1. Identify the Scale
2. Is the question about local/regional (devolution) or global (supranationalism) power shifts?

3. Example: A question about Catalonia’s independence movement = devolution; a question about the EU’s climate policies = supranationalism.

4. Determine the Forces at Play

5. Devolution: Look for centrifugal forces (ethnic conflict, economic disparities, language barriers).

6. Supranationalism: Look for centripetal forces (economic benefits, shared security, cultural exchange).

7. Apply Key Examples

8. Devolution: Scotland (UK), Catalonia (Spain), Quebec (Canada).

9. Supranationalism: EU (economic integration), UN (peacekeeping), NATO (military alliance).

10. Evaluate the Impact

11. Devolution: Can lead to independence movements (e.g., South Sudan) or civil war (e.g., Yugoslavia).

12. Supranationalism: Can strengthen economies (EU) but also create backlash (Brexit).

13. Connect to Other APHG Concepts

14. Devolution: Links to ethnicity, nationalism, and political geography.
15. Supranationalism: Links to globalization, trade, and sovereignty.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Confusing devolution with independence.

• Correction: Devolution is autonomy within a country (e.g., Scotland has its own parliament but is still part of the UK). Independence means full sovereignty (e.g., South Sudan breaking from Sudan).

• Mistake: Thinking all supranational organizations are the same.

• Correction: The EU is economic/political, the UN is diplomatic, and NATO is military. Each has different goals and power structures.

• Mistake: Assuming devolution always leads to peace.

• Correction: Sometimes it increases tensions (e.g., Spain’s crackdown on Catalonia’s independence referendum).

• Mistake: Forgetting that Brexit was a rejection of supranationalism.

• Correction: The UK left the EU to regain sovereignty over laws, borders, and trade.

• Mistake: Overlooking economic devolution (e.g., wealthy regions wanting more control).

• Correction: Northern Italy’s separatist movement is driven by economic disparities with the south.

AP Exam Insights

• FRQ Hot Topics:
• Compare devolution in Spain (Catalonia) vs. Canada (Quebec).
• Explain how the EU promotes economic integration but faces nationalist backlash (e.g., Brexit, rise of far-right parties).

• Analyze the UN’s role in peacekeeping vs. its limitations (e.g., Security Council vetoes).

• Multiple-Choice Traps:

• "All supranational organizations are economic"-False (NATO is military, UN is diplomatic).
• "Devolution always leads to independence"-False (e.g., Scotland remains in the UK).

• "The EU is a federal state"-False (it’s a supranational organization, not a country).

• Tricky Distinctions:

• Federalism vs. Devolution: Federalism is permanent (e.g., U.S. states), while devolution can be reversed (e.g., UK taking back powers from Scotland).
• Centripetal vs. Centrifugal Forces: Centripetal unifies, centrifugal divides.

Quick Check Questions

1. Which of the following is the BEST example of devolution? A) The creation of the European Union B) Scotland gaining its own parliament within the UK C) The United Nations sending peacekeepers to Congo D) The U.S. joining NATO Answer: B (Devolution is the transfer of power to regional governments, not supranational organizations.)

2. A country experiencing ethnic conflict between its majority and minority groups is MOST likely to face: A) Increased supranationalism B) Devolutionary pressures C) Economic globalization D) A stronger central government Answer: B (Ethnic conflict is a centrifugal force that can lead to devolution.)

3. FRQ-Style Question: "The European Union has both strengthened and weakened member states’ sovereignty. Using specific examples, explain how the EU has done both." Sample Answer:

4. Strengthened sovereignty: The EU’s single market boosts trade, making member states economically stronger (e.g., Germany’s export growth).
5. Weakened sovereignty: The EU requires members to follow its laws (e.g., Greece’s austerity measures during the debt crisis) and limits border control (Schengen Zone).

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

1. Devolution = power down to regions (e.g., Scotland, Catalonia).
2. Supranationalism = power up to unions (e.g., EU, UN, NATO).
3. Centrifugal forces = divide (ethnic conflict, economic disparities).
4. Centripetal forces = unify (shared language, strong economy).
5. Brexit (2020) = UK left EU to regain sovereignty.
6. EU = 27 members, euro (19 countries), Schengen Zone (no borders).
7. UN Security Council = 5 permanent members (U.S., UK, France, China, Russia) with veto power.
8. Balkanization = state breaks into smaller ethnic regions (e.g., Yugoslavia).
9. Federalism = permanent power-sharing (e.g., U.S. states).
10. Not all devolution leads to independence (e.g., Scotland still in UK).

Good luck—you’ve got this! ?