Question 1

Al Qaeda terrorists consider all U.S. citizens to be potential targets.

Accepted Answer

Al Qaeda has openly declared war against the United States and considers all U.S. citizens to be potential targets of their terrorist attacks.

Question 2

Argentina and Chile are separated by one type of physical boundary, a desert.

Accepted Answer

Argentina and Chile are primarily separated by the Andes mountain range, not a desert.

Question 3

The nation-state concept originated and has been used most extensively in modern Europe.

Accepted Answer

The nation-state concept originated in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries and has since been used extensively throughout the world. However, its roots and early development were primarily in Europe.

Question 4

What are the two main nationalities on the island of Cyprus? Imagine that you are chosen to lead a UN effort to bring lasting peace to the island. What would your first priorities be? How would you begin to implement changes?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the two main nationalities on...

Question 5

In the 1980s, Yugoslavia was a good example of a federal state.

Accepted Answer

Yugoslavia was a federal state composed of six socialist republics, each with its own government and president.

Question 6

How might landlocked states attempt to overcome transportation problems if they wish to export their raw materials overseas?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How might landlocked states attempt to overcome...

Question 7

South Africa is a good example of a landlocked state.

Accepted Answer

South Africa is not a landlocked state as it has a coastline along the southern part of the African continent.

Question 8

Language and religion are two significant characteristics which can distinguish among nationalities.

Accepted Answer

Both language and religion are important cultural aspects of a nationality or ethnic group and can be used to distinguish among them. Different nationalities often speak different languages or practice different religions, which are both important parts of their identity.

Question 9

The most important elements of state power are increasingly military rather than economic.

Accepted Answer

Economic power is increasingly seen as the foundation of national strength, influencing global politics, diplomacy, and military capabilities. Economic resources enable states to sustain and enhance their military forces, invest in technology, and exert soft power globally.

Question 10

The boundary between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a good example of a physical boundary.

Accepted Answer

The boundary between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a political boundary, not a physical one, as it does not follow significant physical features like rivers or mountain ranges.

Question 11

Scientists are observing a rapid decrease in polar ice owing to global warming. How might a warming climate affect national claims to land and resources in Antarctic and Arctic areas? How might the states of the world best address those changing claims?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Scientists are observing a rapid decrease in...

Question 12

Russia is a member of the European Union.

Accepted Answer

Russia is not a member of the European Union. It is a separate country and member of other organizations such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Question 13

Physical boundaries are more important than cultural boundaries.

Accepted Answer

Cultural boundaries shape identities, beliefs, and social norms, which are crucial for the cohesion and functioning of societies, making them equally if not more important than physical boundaries in many contexts.

Question 14

Since the end of the Cold War, what elements of cultural geography have been weaknesses for Russia, limiting it from maintaining its old superpower status?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Since the end of the Cold War,...

Question 15

Describe how the alliances in Europe after the Cold War related to changing global economic interests.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe how the alliances in Europe after...

Question 16

Russian leaders fought to prevent Chechnya from gaining independence partly because the Caucasus region contained deposits of petroleum.

Accepted Answer

The Caucasus region, including Chechnya, is known for containing significant petroleum reserves, making it a valuable resource for Russia. This was one of the factors that contributed to Russia's efforts to maintain control over the region and prevent Chechnya from gaining independence.

Question 17

Chechen rebels attempted to separate Chechnya from Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Accepted Answer

Chechen rebels launched two wars against Russian forces in 1994 and again in 1999 in an attempt to gain independence for Chechnya.

Question 18

Osama bin Laden declared war on the United States in 1996 because of U.S. involvement with Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Accepted Answer

Osama bin Laden viewed U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia and U.S. support for Israel as a violation of Muslim holy land and Palestinian rights, respectively, leading to his declaration of war against the United States in 1996.

Question 19

Most Iraqis have stronger loyalty to a tribe or clan than to a national government.

Accepted Answer

Tribal and clan affiliations remain a significant aspect of Iraqi society and identity, often taking precedence over loyalty to a national government.

Question 20

Since the end of the Cold War, what elements of cultural geography have been weaknesses for the United States, potentially threatening its superpower status? Use evidence from this chapter to reinforce your assertions.

Accepted Answer