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SPATIAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN POLITICAL PATTERNS AND PATTERNS OF ETHNICITY Overview/Introduction: two components of Human Geography: Political Geography and Ethnic Geography Textbook(s) or not; (separate unit or not); definitions, and background concepts not only patterns, emphasis on processes (not static) 1) FOCUS ON AFRICA superimposed boundaries/arbitrary imposition "boundaries of today's African nation-states were drawn by European colonial powers without regard for cultural (ethnic) affinity" MAP: "carving up Africa"; "partition of Africa"; the changing map of Africa diverse continent (especially ethnic diversity), contains thousands of ethnic groups. "following colonial partition, some ethnic groups are divided among more than one state (country); while others have been grouped with dissimilar ethnic groups within a country". History of colonial presence and the colonial map 1880s to 1914 ('scramble for Africa') competition and control over resources Geographic characteristics of Africa's nation-states (size, shape, location) political map of Africa; "Africa is not a country": huge continent with many nation states microstate (very small)--Rwanda, Mauritius; "megastate"--Dem Rep of Congo (Zaire), compact state (nearly circular territory)--Zimbabwe; perforated state (another state totally contained within its borders)--South Africa; prorupted state (has one or more narrow extensions of territory)--Namibia; Landlocked state (lacks a sea coast)--Zambia, Lesotho 2) NIGERIA as a case study Like most countries in the world, Nigeria is a multi-ethnic state Geographers are interested in where ethnic groups are located and how they are distributed Begin with the distribution of ethnic groups in Nigeria Map showing regional clustering of Nigeria's main ethnic groups River Niger--three regions: north, east, and west corresponding with Hausa-Fulani, Ibo, and Yoruba hence ethnic groups in Nigeria are associated with particular regions/places Yet, Yoruba represent multi-state nation (eastern Benin Rep) i.e., Yorubaland and Hausa represent multi-state nation (southern Niger Rep) i.e., Hausaland Nigeria--most populous country in Africa (oil wealth) heterogeneous, much cultural diversity--language and religion also. Language Map of Nigeria (simplified)-- over 250 distinct languages English is the official language and pidgin English is one lingua franca --common tongue among people of an area where several languages are spoken Ethnic Territorial Conflict: The Biafra war (1967-1970) attempt of Eastern Nigeria to secede, civil war; millions died (reconciliation) "Nigeria: conflict among speakers of different languages" Centrifugal forces: forces of disruption that divide or threaten the unity of a state Religious Map Muslim versus Christian clashes past and continuing significance of ethnic identity principles/patterns/issues of ethnic coexistence and nation-state building --(?charges of) domination resulting in the creation of states from 3 to 4 regions, to (12, 19,) 36 states and the federal capital territory i.e., Changing Map of Nigeria ("federal character", sharing of oil wealth among states; demand for more states; improved infrastructure in more towns and local areas). --pluralism (observed national religious holidays both Christian and Muslim) --Sharia states ?! the status of long-term non-Muslim residents --geographical relocation of the national capital from Lagos--predominantly Yoruba town (Eko) to centrally located non ethnic-dominant Abuja i.e., to reduce regional tensions Some positive notes: --Nigeria's leadership role in ECOWAS--illustration of supranationalism: "association of three or more states for mutual benefit and achievement of shared objectives"; or AU (OAU); or membership in OPEC Centripetal forces: forces that strengthen or unify leadership: --Gowon (Go On With One Nigeria) slogans: --'to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done' symbols of nationalism: --national anthem; pledge service: --National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) (university graduates serve for one year outside their state of origin) soccer (opium of the people?!)--world cup!! the Nigerian National Eagles Other concepts that can be highlighted from and illustrated with the Africa-Nigeria case Ethnicity/Ethnic group (ethnocentrism) Nation (culture, a group of people with shared beliefs/customs occupying a particular region) State (political unit occupying defined territory) "country" Nation-State: composite term, a state (country) whose territory is identical to the territory occupied by a particular people (nation) multi-nation state (multi-ethnic states) multi-state nation (Kurds--classic textbook example) Where are boundaries drawn between nation-states? Principles for delimiting and demarcating boundaries of nation-states natural areas; cultural affinity; strategic significance (physical; cultural; economic criteria)