Conflict Essay

Human Geography

Political Geography Activity

Choose a conflict from the list at http://www.religioustolerance.org/curr_war.htm OR a conflict from your cultural hearth. You may work alone or with a partner. Find the following information about the conflict:

1. Briefly explain: who, what, where, when aspects of the conflict.

2. Does the conflict involve boundary disputes? If so, what kind (antecedent, etc.)?

3. Do buffer states ameliorate the situation?

4. Does the conflict act as a centripetal or centrifugal force? Explain how.

5. Are any organizations involved? If so, what role do they play?

6. Does colonialism or neo-colonialism play a part? If so, how?

7. Is any kind of frontier involved? If so, what are they and how are they involved?

8. What economic issues are involved? How?

9. Feel free to add any other political or economic issues.

When you have found the answers to most of these questions, write an essay describing the conflict while addressing the above issues. In your conclusion address whether or not the issue has been resolved. Include your opinion on the possibility of resolution. Also predict the possible consequences of a peaceful or violent resolution. End the conclusion by identifying some possible questions that this conflict raises.

Be sure to use in-text citations as well as a Works Cited page.

Grading Rubric

____ (40) Coherency (thesis statement in introduction; topic sentences for each paragraph; fully developed paragraphs; transition words)

____ (20) Writing mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.)

____ (20) Evidence of well developed geography vocabulary

____ (10) Thoughtful introduction and conclusion)

­­____ (5) Formatting (font, pg.#, Works Cited in and end, margins)

____ (5) Following directions.