7.1 Geopolitical Power Stems From A Range Of Human And Physicical Characterisics Of Superpowers Flashcards
What is a superpower
A nation with the ability to project its power anywhere in the world and be a global force
Military power
In modern world, essentially is hard power, in terms of
military personel
number of bases present globally
spending
nuclear weapons
Economic power
Wealth allows superpowers to export their power around the world and influence trade patterns ie.
GDP or GNP
Strength of currency ir dollar used worldwide
Volume or trade
Patent filings
Cultural power
Includes projecting a particular way of life, possibly influencing behaviours, cultural values or ideologies,
Number of global brands, Coca-Cola
Patent filings
No. Of TNCs in global 500
Geographical power
Refers to Sphere of influence a superpower has, may result from physical or cultural presence
Ie no of military bases present
Number of seats in IGOs ie UN Security Council
History of global powers
US USSR and Britain fought on same side in WW2 but afterwards batteled for power.
After WW11 British empire owned 25% of land and population of world
Britain’s power declined
USA and USSR emerged
USA is only superpower today
Major military force and world’s largest economy, values spread globally, brand of Stars and Stripes, Coca Cola and Ford cars.
Emerging and Regional Powers Lack some forms of power
Japan - economic power but lacks military
Brazil - regional power but economic and military influence lacks
China - as of yet lacks cultural and geographical dominance of USA
Soft Power
The power of persuasion, some countries able to make others follow their lead by making policies attractive and appealing.
Hard Power
Getting your way by force
Economic power
Can be thought of as sitting between hard and soft power
Joseph Nye
Argues that the most powerful countries utilise smart power, a combination of hard and soft power to get their way
Mechanism of maintaining power
Military presence and force:
Alliacnces ie NATO, nuclear weapons, diplomatic threatened use force if negotiating fails, bases in foreign countries.
Economic Power:
Trade blocs/ alliances, favouring certain trade partners by reducing import tarrifs, ‘Aid’ to keep allies happy, use economic sanctions against countries
Cultural and Ideology:
Cultural attractions making other countries follow lead, exporting culture like sport/film, use media to promote image or message
Halford Mackinders Heartland Theory
Heartland was the key Geo-Strategic location in world because it contained 50% or worlds resources. Described as pivot area. Whoever owned majority had potential to dominate world island and world.
World is divided into three components:
1. World Island - Europe, Asia, Africa - largest and wealthiest combination of continents
2. Offshore islands - British Isles and Japan
3. Outlying Islands - North and South America and Australia
How Mackinders Theory was influential because it contributed to policies of containment
- Attempts after WW1 to limit Germanys ability to expand area of land it controlled
- Post WW2 NATO allies attempt to contain Soviet Union expanding into Western and Southern Europe
- American ‘Truman Doctrine’ policy of 1940-1950 to contain spread of communism from USSR and China
