This is a 2-page maximum for this set of questions, so both clarity and conciseness in your responses will be necessary. You may use outside sources, and be sure to cite them according to Chicago style.

The Progress Assignment consists of three questions:

Question One: Ethnicity is an important part of individual and group identity, as it allows individuals to discern which group they are part of (and to which groups they do not belong). Often ethnic identity markers are used when geography and ethnic lines do not coincide – give an example of when geography and ethnicity clashed, and what role geography played in the outcome.

Question Two: The so-called “Arab Spring” had in its roots, at least in Egypt, in the lack of availability of reasonably-priced bread; the resulting conflict led to the ouster of long-time President Mubarak. However, most scholars agree that an even more critical resource is water, which is vital for food production and much more. How does geography matter in terms of state interactions over water?

Question Three: Globalization is a hot topic among many scholars, political pundits and armchair politicians. International trade allows states to interact with each other in the global open market, and globalization has opened new markets to many states. Yet some argue that geography makes some states more likely to be overall losers in terms of trade. How would you argue that geography matters when it comes to trade?

General Instructions for Assignments and Rubrics

Your essay must follow standard essay formatting and structure as follows:

· Substantive introduction and conclusion that explicitly state the essay’s thesis (your argument) and summarize the paper

· Fully developed body with well-organized paragraphs, each containing one central idea with topic and concluding sentences

· Grammar-error free, i.e. no errors in syntax, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, etc.

· Double spaced, 1” margins, Times New Roman, size 12.

· Limit your quoting. Paraphrase in your own words and cite.

· Citations and bibliography are formatted in Chicago style.