7.1 What is a superpower? Flashcards
What is a superpower?
a nation with the ability to project power and influence anywhere in the world and act as a dominant global force
Who has become the hegemon (supreme) power?
USA
What are the factors that help a country to become a superpower?
physical size and geographical position
economic power and influence
demographic factors
political factors
military strength
cultural influence
access to natural resources
What does it mean for a country to have economic power and influence?
This is the essential base of a superpower; money is needed to invest in military, exploit resources and develop society.
How big is the US’s economy?
$17.4 trillion
Which country can challenge the US as an economic power?
China
What do the world’s ten largest economies have control over?
-earn 65% of global GDP
-control investment: most investment is targeted in these 10 countries because countries investing there are more likely to make bigger profits. In 2015, half of all global investment passed through London, creating jobs in London’s financial sector
-have the world’s most powerful currencies e.g. the dollar and euro. The US and EU produce over 40% of global GDP and so the currencies are seen as ‘safe’
-determine global economic policies- G20 and trading blocs
-give the most aid to the world’s poor and can therefore determine payback conditions
What does it mean for a country to have demographic power and influence?
Population size can be key to economic success, by providing a sufficient labour force to generate economic growth and provide a market
What is examples of countries with big populations?
-The UK has used inward migration since the 1990s as a means of filling the labour shortage
-China and India each use their large populations as a source of cheap labour in manufacturing
-All EU member state have access to a single market of 450 million
Which country shows large demographic power is not crucial to power?
Singapore has a total population of about half of London yet it has major influence on southeast Asia’s economy through attracting investment
What does it mean for a country to have political power and influence?
the ability to have power within an organisation such as the UN and WTO, allowing countries to ‘get their own way’
What is the OECD?
in 1960, the organisation for economic cooperation and development began with 20 countries, and now it has 35. It’s aim is to promote global development by sharing common issues and policies
What organisations have now superceded the OECD?
G8 until recently was the most influential group
This has now been overtaken by the G20 as economic power has moved towards Asia. It also includes all the BRIC countries. Between its members, it now represents over half the world population and has increased even further since the addition of the African Union. They were for example able to collectively deal with the 2008 global financial crisis
What does it mean for a country to have military power and influence?
the threat of action can be used for bargaining and military force can achieve political goals. Especially influential with blue navies
What is the US like militarily?
They are the most powerful globally with an expenditure on it of $508 billion annually and 800 military bases globally. They account for 37% of global military spending. They also spend 12% of their annual expenditure on research, development and testing, which is nearly as much as Russia’s entire military expenditure
