Crossing the Line GIS Activity

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1.  The country I decided that was likely to split was Belgium.  Belgium is in north western Europe.  The two countries that I decided were likely to merge were Azerbaijan and Iran.  These two countries are located in the western part of Asia.

2.  The reason I decided that Belgium was likely to split was because of its language diversity.  In the northern half of Belgium that is where most of the population speak Flemish, or in other words Dutch.  These people are called the Flanders.  In the southern half of Belgium is where most of the population speak French.  These people are called the Wallonia.  These two halves of Belgium have been drifting apart due to the linguistic arrangements.  Many say that if it weren’t for Brussels (a bilingual city) the two halves would have split a long time ago.  The reason I decided that Azerbaijan and Iran were likely to merge is because although Iran has great potential to dominate the region, it also has risk of internal implosion. If the current regime collapses, the 20 million ethnic Azeris of northern Iran could merge with the independent state of Azerbaijan, creating a new regional power, and a very strong ally; Turkey.  This would be a big step forward for Iran, as it would merge with not just another independent state, but would become an ally with Turkey.

3.  For Belgium, the new split between the country would be a cultural boundary.  It would be cultural because of the differences in the languages between the two new countries, Flanders and Wallonia.  For Iran and Azerbaijan merging, the new boundary would most likely be a cultural or physical boundary.  It would be a cultural or physical boundary because the north of Iran and the southeast of Azerbaijan are connected culturally, some with the same religion and languages and they are not completely separated physically.    

4.   If Belgium were to split into the Flanders and the Willonia, this would be a great benefit for Belgium.  Because of the linguistic divide, the new states would feel a sense of unity, leading to less disputes between groups. Also, the regional people would be able to communicate easier.  Although there are many benefits to the split, there are a couple of ways it could affect Belgium negatively.  Because Belgium would be divided into two, the two new states would become economically weaker.  

4(a). If Azerbaijan were to join with Iran they would become economically stronger.  Also, joining the two countries would make for an even stronger military force. Iran would also be added to have the very strong Turkey as their ally, which would benefit their new country vastly.