Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of globalization on the formation of a global political system. Design/methodology/approach: Taking into account the fact of global political evolution, the authors of the paper point out that the global political structures tend to change. Findings: During the past millennium the global…

In this paper, the United States' foreign policy with regard to normalization of relations with mainland China and the implications of various normalization strategies is discussed. Failures in Kissinger's policy (fixation upon super-actors, but neglect of regional powers and the attitude that Taiwan was disposable) are identified. The effects of…

In teaching, the policies of the great powers must be considered if one is to understand developments affecting two-thirds of the world's population. Ways are listed to guide students to awareness of how policies of the developed world affect, and are affected by, conditions in the underdeveloped world. (Author)

Puerto Rico has been enmeshed in a debate over status within versus status outside the United States since 1898. The 1952 legislation that established commonwealth status for Puerto Rico created a compact between the residents of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Congress that requires the consent of both parties to any future decisions about the political…

Describes cities as sovereign territorial systems engaging in political struggles with other sovereignties such as states, dominating their physical environment, and exercising jurisdiction over people and institutions within their boundaries. Calls for a more comprehensive history of the city and its residents. (CJS)

This paper suggests that the upcoming transfer of Hong Kong from Great Britain to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1997, offers a unique opportunity to observe how changing configurations in the political environment influence mass media. The article investigates how the Hong Kong press, which spans the entire left-center-right ideological…

Presents a model of the world as an interdependent whole dominated by two conflicts: (1) the North-South economic conflict between developed and underdeveloped nations; and (2) the East-West ideological conflict between two superpowers and their allies. Intended to serve as a theoretical basis for objectives and content selection in geography…

Describes a study where college students studying political geography ranked the geopolitical importance of 55 countries of the world with populations of at least 15 million. The students consistently emphasized the importance of Western Europe, Russia, China, and Japan over less developed countries. (MJP)

Although the American political system is characterized by commitment to democracy and self-determination, the American government has traditionally taken an interest in the political development of other countries. The recent intervention of the U.S. in the political development of Southwest Africa/Namibia is an example. In the body of this paper…

Defines political geography as a discipline specifically concerned with territorial organization and power and how these impact human and political processes. Traces the development of the discipline from the mid-eighteenth century to the present. Discusses reasons for its fall from academic grace and its eventual resurgence. (MJP)

Examines the geographical and political forces that are central to the process of legislative redistricting. Reviews the historical background of the redistricting process and discusses the importance of minority representation. Briefly looks at some of the alternative systems of representation that have been suggested to improve the quality of…

Offers five themes from political geography that could be incorporated into college geography courses: historical specificity of geography; (2) interconnectedness of regions; (3) interpenetration of the human and natural worlds; (4) centrality of culture in social reproduction; and (5) use of political economy to uncover social relations. (MJP)

Presents a conceptual framework that embeds ideas from world-systems theory within the larger context known as the theory of dissipative structures. This perspective reflects the interconnectedness of individual and separate places into a larger global system that is a single functioning spatial entity. (MJP)

Maintains that discriminations against children have increased recently, despite Convention on the Rights of the Child. Examines present condition of childhood in different countries of the ex-Communist bloc and Western world, particularly the levels of well-being and poverty. Attempts to understand the events that have marked reforms of the last…

Explores the intersection of geography and politics in U.S. public policy development and connects this to several of the National Geography Standards. Discusses contemporary issues including economic interdependence, the impact of migration, resource competition, cultural values, and environmental issues. Offers suggested student activities. (MJP)