1.
Law of Air Space:
-Definition: The law of air space governs the legal rights of nations over the
atmosphere above their territory.
- Sovereignty: States have full and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above
their land and territorial waters, as recognized by international law.
- International Agreements: The Chicago Convention on International Civil
Aviation (1944) outlines rules for air navigation and the use of international airspace.
- Upper Limit: There is no universally agreed upon upper limit of national airspace,
but it generally extends up to where outer space begins, often cited as the Kármán
line (approximately 100 kilometers or 62 miles above sea level).
2. Law of the Sea:
- United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): This is the
primary legal framework governing the rights and responsibilities of states
concerning the world's oceans and marine resources.
- Maritime Zones:
-Territorial Sea: Extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline of a coastal
state. The state has sovereignty but must allow innocent passage.
-Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Extends up to 200 nautical miles from the
baseline. The state has special rights to explore and use marine resources, including
energy production.
High Seas: Areas beyond any national jurisdiction where freedom of navigation,
overflight, and fishing are recognized.
- Navigation Rights: Ensures the freedom of navigation and overflight for vessels
and aircraft of all states.
3. Law of the Sea Bed:
- Continental Shelf: Coastal states have sovereign rights over the continental shelf
for exploring and exploiting natural resources. It extends up to 200 nautical miles or
further if the geological shelf continues.
- International Seabed Authority (ISA): Regulates mineral-related activities in the
international seabed area beyond national jurisdictions, known as “the Area.”
- Deep Sea Mining: Exploitation of seabed resources is subject to international
regulations to protect marine environments and promote equitable sharing of
benefits.
These laws balance national interests with international rights, aiming to ensure fair
access and sustainability of airspace, sea routes, and seabed resources.
Topic on: International Rivers
- Political Geography: International rivers are significant in political geography
because they often serve as natural boundaries between nations, influencing
territorial claims and state interactions. The geopolitical significance of rivers such
as the Nile, Mekong, and Indus is highlighted in their roles as lifelines for
agriculture, industry, and water supply.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Shared water resources can lead to geopolitical tensions,
especially in regions where water scarcity is prevalent. Nations along the same river
may engage in disputes over water rights, dam construction, and environmental
impacts, requiring negotiation and international treaties.
- Hydro-Politics: The concept of hydro-politics arises as states maneuver
diplomatically and strategically to secure water resources, balancing development
needs and cooperative water management agreements.
Topic 3: International Causes of Conflict
- Political Geography: Political geography examines how territorial disputes,
resource distribution, and ethnic divisions contribute to international conflicts. The
geographical setting often exacerbates tensions, with conflicts emerging over border
demarcations, strategic chokepoints, and control of resources like oil or minerals.
- Geopolitical Factors: Geopolitical causes of conflict include competition for
influence among major powers, territorial ambitions, and ideological differences.
Examples include disputes in the South China Sea, where strategic and economic
interests of multiple nations intersect, or conflicts over land and resources in the
Middle East.
-Resource Scarcity: Competition for scarce resources, such as water and energy,
is a frequent international conflict driver. Environmental changes and resource
scarcity can exacerbate existing political and territorial disputes, as seen in the Horn
of Africa and the Arctic.
Topic on. People, Policy, and Geography
- Political Geography: This topic explores how geographical factors shape human
activities and influence political policies. Geography affects population distribution,
economic development, and state power. For instance, mountainous regions may be
harder to govern and develop, impacting national policies and regional governance.
- Geopolitical Influence: Policy decisions are often influenced by a country's
geography, such as its access to coastlines, natural resources, and strategic locations.
This shapes foreign policy strategies, trade agreements, and national security
considerations. For example, landlocked countries may focus on policies ensuring
trade access through neighboring states.
- Human Geography, the relationship between people and policy is shaped by
demographic trends, migration patterns, and urbanization. Political geography
examines how governments respond to the challenges and opportunities presented
by diverse populations, economic shifts, and geopolitical pressures.
These topics illustrate the complex interplay between geography, politics, and
international relations, highlighting how spatial factors influence global conflicts,
resource competition, and policy-making decisions.
