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Investigates why states break apart and the process of transferring power to sub-national regions.
Why do countries like the UK or Spain, which look solid on a map, often face internal movements to break apart? Imagine a puzzle where the pieces decide they no longer want to fit together.
Devolution is the process where a central government grants specific powers to sub-national levels, such as regions, provinces, or cities. Unlike a revolution, which seeks to overthrow a government, devolution is often used as a 'safety valve' to prevent total state collapse. It moves a country toward a federal system, where power is shared. However, if devolution fails to satisfy regional demands, it can lead to fragmentation—the actual breaking apart of the state into smaller units. Think of it as a pressure cooker: devolution lets out a little steam so the whole pot doesn't explode.
Quick Check
Is devolution the same as a region becoming a completely independent country?
Answer
No, devolution is the transfer of power within an existing state, though it can sometimes be a stepping stone to independence.
Why do regions demand power? Geographers identify three primary triggers: 1. Ethnic/Cultural Factors: Groups with unique languages or religions (like the Basques in Spain) feel distinct from the majority. 2. Economic Factors: A wealthy region may resent its tax dollars supporting poorer areas, or a poor region may feel exploited. 3. Spatial/Geographic Factors: Regions isolated by mountains, water, or vast distances (like East Pakistan, which became Bangladesh) often feel neglected by a distant capital. When these factors combine, the pressure for autonomy becomes nearly unstoppable.
1. Identify the Region: Scotland, part of the United Kingdom. 2. Note the Triggers: Cultural identity (Scottish vs. British) and Economic factors (control over North Sea Oil revenue). 3. The Result: In 1999, the UK government engaged in devolution by establishing the Scottish Parliament, allowing Scotland to make its own laws on education and health while remaining part of the UK.
When devolution fails or ethnic tensions explode, we see Balkanization. This term originates from the Balkan Peninsula, where the country of Yugoslavia shattered into several smaller, often hostile states (like Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia) during the 1990s. Unlike peaceful devolution, Balkanization is usually characterized by violent conflict and 'ethnic cleansing.' It represents the total failure of a state to maintain a cohesive national identity, resulting in a permanent 'shattering' of the map.
Quick Check
What is the primary difference between devolution in the UK and Balkanization in Yugoslavia?
Answer
Devolution in the UK was a peaceful, legal transfer of power, while Balkanization in Yugoslavia was a violent and total collapse of the state.
Political geographers often look at the balance between centripetal forces (things that pull a country together, like a common language) and centrifugal forces (things that pull it apart, like ethnic conflict). We can think of the 'Fragmentation Risk' () as a function of these forces. If represents centrifugal forces and represents centripetal forces, the risk of fragmentation increases as the ratio grows:
Consider a theoretical model where instability is calculated based on Ethnic Tension (), Economic Disparity (), and Geographic Isolation ():
Which factor best explains why a remote island province might feel disconnected from its capital city?
The violent breakup of Yugoslavia into several smaller countries is an example of:
Devolution is always a peaceful process that prevents independence.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to recall the three main triggers of devolution (Ethnic, Economic, Spatial) and think of one real-world country for each.
Practice Activity
Research the 'Quebec Sovereignty Movement' in Canada. Was their primary motivation ethnic, economic, or spatial? How did the Canadian government respond?