1. The Fractured Highlands
Key Terms: Political centrifugal forces, ethnic separatism, economic centrifugal forces, physical/geographic devolutionary forces, devolution
The fictional country of Atheria is mountainous, with remote highland regions that are home to an ethnic minority, the Kaldari, who feel neglected by the central government. The lack of infrastructure in their region and the difficulty of integrating their mountainous terrain into the national economy exacerbate their desire for independence. Recently, the Kaldari have begun a political movement to demand autonomy, citing historical grievances and lack of economic investment.
Task: Show how geographic isolation, economic disparity, and political marginalization contribute to devolution on the map. Indicate regions of ethnic separatism and areas with poor infrastructure.
2. United in Trade?
Key Terms: Economic centripetal forces, political centripetal forces, social/cultural centripetal forces
Meridiana is a coastal country with a thriving port city that has become a hub for international trade. The government has invested heavily in infrastructure connecting rural areas to the port, boosting economic opportunities for all regions. Additionally, a shared national holiday celebrating cultural heritage has fostered a sense of unity across diverse ethnic groups. The central government is stable and enjoys widespread support.
Task: Highlight how economic and political integration reinforce national unity. Identify trade routes, key infrastructure projects, and areas of shared cultural significance on the map.
3. The Breaking Isles
Key Terms: Political devolutionary forces, balkanization, ethnic cleansing, irredentism
In Pelagos, an archipelago nation, several ethnic groups are divided among its islands. Tensions have escalated as one ethnic group, the Noreni, seeks to annex islands inhabited by their ethnic kin from a neighboring country. Violent conflict has erupted, including forced displacement of minority groups. International observers warn of potential ethnic cleansing and the risk of the country fragmenting entirely into separate states.
Task: Illustrate areas of ethnic conflict, regions under threat of balkanization, and zones impacted by irredentist movements. Highlight the islands experiencing displacement and tension.
4. A Nation on the Edge
Key Terms: Social/cultural centrifugal forces, ethnic nationalism, failed state
Lysara is a country with sharp cultural divisions between its northern and southern regions. The northern region is dominated by the Zelani, a group with a strong sense of ethnic nationalism. They refuse to cooperate with the government in the capital, which is controlled by the southern majority. As public services break down and protests escalate, the central government has lost effective control over the northern territories, raising fears that Lysara is becoming a failed state.
Task: Show how cultural divisions and lack of governance contribute to state failure. Mark regions with strong ethnic nationalism and areas where government authority is weak or absent.
5. The River of Discord
Key Terms: Economic devolutionary forces, political centrifugal forces, social/cultural devolutionary forces
In Rivania, a major river divides the wealthy eastern industrial region from the agrarian west. Eastern provinces argue they contribute disproportionately to national taxes, while the western provinces demand more subsidies to modernize their economy. Simultaneously, cultural differences between these regions fuel distrust. The eastern provinces have started demanding greater autonomy, threatening to destabilize the entire country.
Task: Depict the economic disparities and regional demands for autonomy. Identify industrial and agrarian regions, highlighting the river as a dividing line and marking areas of economic and political tension.
6. The Fragile Coalition
Key Terms: Political centripetal forces, social/cultural centripetal forces, irredentism
The diverse country of Cordania has long struggled with unity due to its many linguistic and cultural groups. However, a shared threat from an irredentist neighbor seeking to reclaim territory has temporarily united the population. A recent peace treaty signed with neighboring states has further strengthened national identity, as citizens rally around their government’s success in maintaining independence.
Task: Show how external threats and political efforts promote national unity. Mark irredentist claims and identify regions where the coalition has reinforced a sense of shared identity.