IBGEOG Geopolitics of the Oceans

Narrow channels along key trade routes which need to be kept open in order to ensure movement of oil globally is not disrupted.

• Maritime Zone

• Choke Point

• EEZ

• Territorial waters

Basically relates to the way in which the geography of economics and the distribution of resources links with the politics of nations and the links/relationships between nations. In geopolitics we often look at the strategic importance or value of a particular place to a nation.

• Geopolitics

• Globalisation

• Economic development

• Social development

Coastal state claim a territorial sea that extends to 12 nautical miles. State has sovereignty over sea, airspace and seabed.

• Choke point

• Territorial waters

• EEZ

• Strategic value

All living organisms of an ecosystem both fauna (animal) and flora (plant).

• Biotic resources

• Abiotic resources

All the non-living components in an environment both chemical and physical.

• Biotic resources

• Abiotic resources

UNCLOS – This agreement lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans and seas.

• UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

• UN Convention on the Law of the Oceans

• UN Convention on the Law of Freshwater

• UN Convention on the Law of the Land

Areas of ocean or sea which are or will be subject to national or international authority.

• Coastal zones

• Territorial waters

• Maritime Zones

• Choke points

If a place is of "********* importance", it usually means it is vital to the military and economic wellness of a country. These places become targets during times of warfare. In times of peace, efforts are made to improve the infrastructure of these locations.

• Military value

• Political value

• Economic value

• Strategic value

A Superpower is a large country/nation with a large population, strong economy, great military power, and great political and cultural influence. Current examples are:

• USA and China.

• USA and the USSR

• China and Japan

• Japan, Thailand and the UK