Caribbean Studies

Name: Pathelia Brown

Class: 13H

The best way to describe the Caribbean is by using geographical and political definitions. To

what extent do you agree with this comment?

The Caribbean defies a singular definition, requiring a nuanced understanding through

various lenses, such as geographical and political perspectives. Despite its multifaceted richness
in aspects and culture, the Caribbean’s identity remains elusive. Beyond geographical and
political dimensions, historical and geological dimensions emerge as contributors to a
comprehensive definition. In each of the four major definitions, discrepancies arise. Therefore,
the statement that the best way to describe the Caribbean is by geographical and political
definitions can be deduced to having benefits and shortcomings. This essay will explore the
Caribbean geographically and politically , examining the benefits and shortcomings of these
definitions and the extent to which each holds true.
Firstly, setting the boundaries of the Caribbean on a geographic basis involves the
concept of a 'Caribbean Basin.' This relies on the Caribbean Sea as the central identifying
feature, with an archipelago of islands and mainland territories around its perimeter. The
traditional geographic definition refers to 'lands washed by the Caribbean Sea' or the 'West
Indies.' By this definition, territories like Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas would
however be excluded from the Caribbean, though they are geographically adjacent. Also,
countries which are not traditionally perceived as Caribbean have coastlines on the Caribbean
Sea; these include mainland territories such as Panama, Colombia Venezuela and other countries
of Central America. Additionally, other ambiguities arise from the inclusion of countries like
Barbados and the Bahamas, located in the Atlantic Ocean, while Guyana, whose coast borders
the Atlantic Ocean, is considered part of the Caribbean. Hence the geographical definition of the
Caribbean is not the most suitable. However, this definition has discrepancies, as Mexico,
washed by the Caribbean Sea, does not consider itself Caribbean, and countries like Barbados,
Guyana, and the Bahamas, located near the Atlantic Ocean, are excluded. Also, there is
exclusion of Belize, a culturally Caribbean country, and inclusion of Bermuda, located in the
Atlantic Ocean. Subjectivity in interpreting the 'Caribbean Basin' and coordinates adds further
complexity to the geographic definition. Moreover, the geographic definition, although providing
a foundational understanding of the Caribbean's physical boundaries, is not inherently more
suitable than historical and geological definitions, which provide a more comprehensive and
dynamic perspective on the region's identity.
Secondly, through independence, Caribbean territories adopted different types of
governmental systems, which define the region politically. The political definition recognizes the
diversity in governance models within the Caribbean, ranging from independent states to
territories with associated or colonial dependencies. This diversity reflects the region's ability to
shape its political destiny. Benefits in this political dimension manifest in the diversity of governance
systems, offering unique models to emulate or challenge. The Independent States where former
colonies of metropole countries which are now self-governing. These islands, for example:
Jamaica and Haiti have chosen to forge distinct paths of governance , different from that of their
colonial masters, embracing democracy and communism. The Associated States refer to
countries which are not independent but enjoy all the rights and privileges of the countries that
govern them; for example, Anguilla. Conversely, the shortcomings emerge in the remnants of
colonial influence, where political ideologies often reflect external models rather than organic,
indigenous developments. This imposition can foster a disconnect between the political reality
and the region's evolving identity, hindering a more authentic representation of the Caribbean's
multifaceted nature. This is shown through Colonial Dependencies where countries which are
governed by another countries but do not enjoy the rights and privileges enjoyed by the
associated states; for example, Turks and Caicos Islands, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and British
Virgin Islands. In essence, they often grapple with governance by other nations without
accompanying privileges. However amidst the political mosaic, echoes of colonial powers persist
as seen in British crown colonies maintaining ties, like Anguilla and British Virgin Islands still
maintain ties, while territories such as Guadeloupe and Martinique are "departementes d'outre-
mer" under French sovereignty. and thus are part of France's sovereign territory. A part of the
European Union, Cuba is a communist country; Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the
commonwealth of Dominica are republics. However, Most of the British W.I. still holds to the
British traditional form of government, based on the Westminster-Whitehall model. Moreover ,
political ideologies, reflecting historical ties, persist and remain an enduring way to define the
Caribbean, contrasting with the changing geology and geography due to seismic events and
natural disasters. Conversely, the shortcomings emerge in the remnants of colonial influence,
where political ideologies often reflect external models rather than organic, indigenous
developments. This imposition can foster a disconnect between the political reality and the
region's evolving identity, hindering a more authentic representation of the Caribbean's
multifaceted nature.
Pivoting to a broader view encompassing geographical, political, historical, and
geological definitions, a striking interplay of benefits and shortcomings unfolds. The
geographical definition offers a tangible sense of physical boundaries, serving as a foundational
understanding of the Caribbean. However, it falls short in encompassing the dynamic cultural
and historical aspects of the region. Historical and geological dimensions add a dynamic layer to
this narrative, capturing the resilience, cultural nuances, and seismic shifts that shape the
Caribbean's identity. The benefit lies in the comprehensive and dynamic perspective these
dimensions offer, weaving a richer narrative that transcends mere physical demarcations and
political structures. However, the shortcomings also surface as subjectivity extends beyond
geographical boundaries into historical and geological interpretations. The political definition
provides insights into the diverse governance systems post-independence, allowing us to grasp
various political ideologies shaped by historical ties, reflecting the enduring impact of colonial
legacies. Yet, it reveals non-indigenous political practices that may hinder the development of a
distinct Caribbean political identity. Transitioning to the historical and geological definitions,
they contribute significantly to a comprehensive understanding. Historical definitions unravel the
intricacies of the Caribbean's past, marking the resilience of its people against various forms of
oppression and shaping the cultural fabric that defines the region today. The historical lens, while
illuminating the narrative of resistance and cultural evolution, is not immune to biases or gaps in
documentation. Geological definitions illuminate the dynamic forces shaping the Caribbean's
physical landscapes, underscoring the ongoing interplay between the region and natural
elements. While each definition contributes uniquely to our understanding, the historical and
geological definitions add layers of complexity and depth that neither the geographical nor
political can fully capture. A nuanced comprehension of the Caribbean necessitates embracing
these multifaceted perspectives, recognizing that the region's identity emerges from the
intersection of geographical, political, historical, and geological dimensions.
In conclusion, defining the Caribbean involves various perspectives, with geographical
and political dimensions presenting benefits and shortcomings. The region emerges as an
amalgamation of these definers, navigating discrepancies and exclusions. The geographical
definition, relying on the 'Caribbean Basin,' faces challenges such as subjective interpretation
and the inclusion and exclusion of certain countries. and the political definition unveils the
diverse governance systems adopted post-independence, revealing historical ties and reflecting
colonial legacies and persistence of political ideologies becomes a lasting identifier,
distinguishing the Caribbean amidst changing landscapes due to seismic events and natural
disasters and the historical and geological definitions add layers of complexity and depth that
neither the geographical nor political can fully capture.