AO1 (4 marks)

Award 1 mark for each reason why conflict often accompanies the emergence of new states. Award 1 mark for an example with a detail or an extension point.
For example:

In former colonies, the new governments lacked the political power and resources to reach the entire population (1) meaning it was more difficult to overcome colonial-era inequalities (1) This made nation building more difficult (1) as large segments of the population remained politically marginalised (1).
Borders drawn by colonial powers were arbitrarily drawn or drawn to prioritise European interests (1) this meant people from different ethnic groups were placed together in new nation states (1) leading to clashes over who controlled the new state (1) and which ethnic group was favoured (1).
Reluctance by colonial powers to relinquish valuable offshore assets meant conflict occurred post 1945. (1) The Empire supplied Great Britain with valuable resources such as tin, oil and rubber (1) resulting in conflicts over resources as new nation states attempted to reclaim territory and resources (1). These resources were vital for the economic recovery of
the UK, so the UK government were more likely to want to maintain ownership (1).
Religious/ethnic divides in more recent years have resulted in conflict between groups (1) For example in South Sudan, where conflict occurred against the Republic of Sudan (Christian vs Muslim) but also between groups in the South (Christian vs Christian) resulting in thousands of deaths). (1) This was facilitated by the British government during colonial rule through missionary activities (1) resulting in a Muslim population (20% of the population) suffering from poor levels of education and poverty (1)
Conflict could be political between contrasting political parties (1) For example, the increasing pressure for a referendum in Scotland, and then ongoing reluctance to accept the decision, (1) leads to increasing despondency between Scottish voters and the UK government (1) especially post the Brexit referendum when Scotland voted 62% remain (1)

Allow one mark for a detail about an example
Accept any other appropriate response.

Nation States (Edexcel A Level Geography)

Topic Questions