Geography 308 / Geographyof Russia and Eastern Europe

GEOGRAPHY 308 / GEOGRAPHYOF RUSSIA AND EASTERN EUROPE

FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

SECTION I: 63 points: Map Locations

SECTION II: 57 points: Locations, definitions, and terms

SECTION III:80 points Essay (2 questions: 40 points each)

200 TOTAL POINTS

SECTION I: Map of Eastern Europe / Eurasia

Know locations from the presentations as well as from current events

SECTION II: Multiple Choice – Locations, Definitions, and Terms

Locations: similar to the map section, but no map

Identifications, Terms and Definitions: from the presentations

NOTE:You may need to Google some items that might not have been clearly defined or explained during the presentations.

SECTION III: Essay (80 Points)

1. Many countries in Eastern Europe / Eurasia currently exhibit significant environmental issues that are frequently related to the legacy of Communism. From the presentations, discuss four (4) examples of environmental issues that exist today in Eastern Europe / Eurasia and what is being done about them. Be sure to address what caused the current negative environmental situations, what their current status is, what potential solutions may exist, and what are the key factors that are inhibiting the effectiveness of these solutions.

1. Despite all the changes, many countries in Eastern Europe / Eurasia remain divided today—some for centuries, others for only a couple decades. The reasons for these divisions are quite varied: 1. ethnicity, 2. religion, 3. politics, 4. economics, as well as 5. physical borders. From the presentations, find one (1)unique example for each of the five (5) categories listed above (for example, find one example of an ethnic division, a different example of a religious division, etc.) and explain what the division is, what groups of people are involved, and why this division exists. Then, in your opinion, offer a compromise that would resolve this division and satisfy BOTH sides.

1. Since 1991, the long recovery of many Eastern Europe / Eurasian countries from Communism has been significant, whereas for others it seems they are still stuck in the past, perhaps still caught in the long legacy of the Soviet Union. In your opinion, identify the top three (3) and bottom three (3) formerly communist countries of Eastern Europe / Eurasia in terms of the “progress” these countries have made since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Then select the “best” country and the “worst” country from your lists and support these choices by presenting and discussing three (3) reasons why you chose these two countries to represent the “best” and “worst” of Eastern Europe / Eurasia.

1. Discuss three (3) examples from the presentations of issues related to ethnic divisions within a particular country. Be sure to discuss the historical context of each ethnic issue and what its current status is. In addition, pick one (1) of the three examples you listed above and discuss what you believe the future holds regarding this ethnic issue. Be sure to include what issues may arise and / or be resolved, why they may arise and / or be resolved, and support your opinion as to what you feel is the most likely outcome for the future.

1. During the presentations we brought up the subject of the Schengen Agreement—or at least issues that potentially involve the “borderless” travel within the EU. Identify what the Schengen Agreement is, how it impacts countries that are not only in inside the Schengen Area—but those that border it on the outside, and how the Schengen Agreement might delay or prevent certain countries from joining the EU. Also, thinking specifically about the countries of the former Yugoslavia and / or Turkey who are not yet in the EU, discuss and explainthree (3) potential issues that are hindering these countries from joining the EUand / or being including within the Schengen Area.

1. The Balkanization of the former Yugoslavia has led to the formation of many new countries since 1989 and, unfortunately, much conflict in the region, as well. This presence of strong nationalistic feelings and the legacy of Communism are slowing down the entry of these former Yugoslavian countries from entering into the EU. Identify and describe three (3) examples (countries) from the presentations and the problems that are at least partly to blame for getting in the way of their possible entry into the EU. Also, describe the drug trade and how it connects to the Balkan Route, what the Balkan Route is, how it affects these countries’ potential entry into the EU, and how it connects to the fall of Communism and Socialism and the rise of free market economies in the region.

1. A number of the presentations directly discussed and / or alluded to migration from one part of our region to another. First, identify three (3)current migrations discussed in the presentations and be sure to mention who is migrating, why they are migrating, where they are going, and if the migration is voluntary or involuntary. Related, for each of these migrations, explain how nationalism is or is not impact these migrations, and how the Schengen Agreement does or does not apply. Also, what stereotypes (fairly or unfairly) do these migrants bring with them given their country of origin? Finally, in your opinion, do you believe these migrants are being treated fairly in their new countries? If so, why so? If not, why not? Support your opinion.

1. The policies of Turkey and Greece were mentioned in a number of the presentations because their policies have impacted a number of countries and ethnicities in the area. Identify four (4) presentations that described the impacts of Turkish or Greek policies on another country or ethnicity and explain what these situations are and if they have been positive, negative, neither, or both. Also, provide three (3) examples of how Greece and / or Turkey’s actions connect to EU Membership.Finally, in your opinion, explain why you feel Greece or Turkey do or do not have the right to exert this degree of influence in the region.

1. Many of the presentations reflect a significant currentongoinginfluence from Russia / USSR—economically, politically, socially, culturally, etc. Identify four (4) examples from the presentations (or class) where Russians (or Russia, itself) are significantly impacting or influencing policies and behaviors of people outside of Russia. From the these four examples, provide one (1) example and explain where Russia’s influence is having a positiveimpact on the local populations and provide one (1) example and explain where Russia’s influence is having a negative impact on the local populations.

1. Eastern Europe / Eurasia continue to see more and more political influence from the European Union in many ways. Describe five (5) examples from the presentations where EU involvement or influence has affected in some way an issue in Eastern Europe. From these five examples, explain one (1) situation where the EU is helping to resolve an issue and explain one (1) situation where the EU (or its rules) has arguably slowed the resolution of a problem. Then, by using three (3) examples from the presentations, explain if you think the EU is a Balkanizing force between Europe and Russia / Eurasia or if you believe the EU helps links Europe with these external regions. Support your opinion.

1. As we know, some Russians want to return to the days of the Czar. Which groups of people would like to return to the monarchy, Communism, or keep the status quo and why? What do you think the U.S. would prefer and why? Also, in your opinion, given everything that has transpired in Russia and the Soviet Union over the past 100 years, which system (Czarist Russia, Communism, Post-Communism) do you feel has offered the “best” situation for average Russians—and why?Finally, which of the three Russian / Soviet governmental systems of the 20th century (the monarchy of the czar, Communism / Socialism, or today’s “democratic” system) in Russia most accurately reflects Vladimir Putin’s way of governing Russia today? Support your opinion.

1. Based on all the presentations you have heard, identify and discuss the country of Eastern Europe / Eurasia that you would MOST want to live in as well as the country you would LEAST want to live in. Be sure to explain why you chose these two countries and provide three (3) specific examples (environmental, political, economic, etc.) for each country, in support of your opinion. In addition, for the country you would MOST want to live in, identify a factor inherent to that country that may be considered as a negative to living there and vice-versa for the country you would LEAST want to live in.

NOTE:for this question, responses relating to climate, family history or genealogy, or being closer / farther and / or having easier access to the U.S. and / or Western Europe are not acceptable answers. Your answers must be based on something specific to that country.