7.2 Patterns of power change over time and can be uni-, bi- or multi-polar. Flashcards
How was power maintained in the imperial era?
direct colonial control
dominant powers established and maintained colonies of various regions of the world
allowed for the exercise of political, economic, and military control over colonized territories
An example of direct colonial control
The British Empire
established colonies and territories across continents
BE exerted control over India, Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of Southeast Asia
British colonial rule involves governance, exploitation of resources, cultural assimilation, and establishment of institutions to maintain control
Multipolar World 1919-1939
following WWI, world experienced a multipolar power structure
characterized by existence of multiple significant powers competing for influence
maintaining power through colonial rule was a widespread strategy for imperial power including Britain
BE continued to maintain colonies and territories to leverage economic, military, and administrative capabilities
How is political control important in direct colonial control?
colonies needed to be led by officials from the ruling empire
administrations implemented policies, laws, and governance structures to maintain political control over colonies
How did colonial powers use economic exploitation?
exploited control of resources and labor from colonies for economic gain
involved extraction of natural resources,
establishment of trade networks,
and shaping economies of colonies to serve interests of ruling power
How did colonial powers use military presence?
imperial power maintained military forces in their colonies to suppress uprisings
also to maintain order deter external threats
ensured dominance and stability of ruling power
Why did imperial powers assimilate their culture in colonies?
aimed to promote own language, culture, and values in colonies
helped establish social control and reinforce dominance of ruling power
Multi-faceted, indirect control
Cold War era - emergence of China as potential rival to the USA’s hegemony, maintaining power has become increasingly relied on multifaceted indirect control
various dimensions including political, economic, military, and cultural aspects to maintain dominance
Political influence in multi-faceted control
influencing and shaping political systems and policies of other nations rather than direct colonial control
can involve supporting or manipulating governments, engaging in alliances, and exerting influence through international institutions
Economic influence in multi-faceted control
have become more central in maintaining power
exercised through mechanisms like trade agreements, economic aid, investment, and financial institutions
dominant power leverage economic dependencies and structural power to advance their interests and influence other nation’s policies
Military presence and alliances in multi-faceted control
remains significant in maintaining control
dominant powers establishing military bases, engaging in military partnerships, and fostering alliances
arrangements help secure strategic interests, project power, and deter potential challengers
Cultural influence in multi-faceted control
cultural dominance + soft power play an increasingly important role in maintaining power
influencing cultural sphere: media, entertainments, education, and values can shape perceptions, norms, and align interests with dominant power
Neo-colonial mechanisms
refers to indirect forms of control that maintain dominance without direct political control
mechanisms involve economic exploitation, unequal trade relationships, asymmetrical power dynamics, and shaping the political and economic systems of other nations to serve interests of the dominant power
China’s emergence as a potential rival
China’s rise as a potential rival to the USA’s hegemony - multi-facted, indirect control has gained even more importance
as China expands economic influence, military capabilities, and cultural outreach - it poses threat to exists power dynamics and dominant powers strive to maintain their control and influence in face of this emerging power
How do centralized powers bring varying degrees of geopolitical stability and risk?
centralized power and stability
-power concentrated in hands of few dominant nations
-can bring stability by efficient decision making, coordination, and governance
-clear hierarchy and concentration of power can reduce internal conflicts
-HOWEVER
-can also lead to risk of authoritarianism, inequality, and resistance from marginalized groups
transitional power dynamics
-rise of new power or decline of established powers can lead to geopolitical instability
-may lead to power struggles, realignments of alliances, uncertainties about future power relations
-geopolitical stability and risk depend ds on ability of powers to manage shifts peacefully and cooperatively
How do balanced powers bring varying degrees of geopolitical stability and risk?
balanced power and stability
-power distributed among multiple entities or nations
-contribute to geopolitical stability
-multipolar world - presence of multiple powers can create a system of checks and balances
-reduces risk of one entity dominating and potentially causing conflicts
-HOWEVER
-maintaining power requires constant negotiation, cooperation, and avoidance of power imbalances that could lead to competition and rivalries
How do power vacuums bring varying degrees of geopolitical stability and risk?
power vacuum and instability
-characterized by absence of weakness of dominant power
-can lead to geopolitical instability
-absense of clear power structure –> competition, conflicts, and power struggles among nations may arise
-creates instability, regional disputes, and even violence
-power vacuums can result from collapse on empires, political transitions, or conflicts
How do hegemonies bring varying degrees of geopolitical stability and risk?
hegemony and stability/risk
-where one dominant power exerts significant influence over others
-provide degree of order and stability through leadership, shared norms, and common rules
-HOWEVER
-potential absues of power, dominance, and resistance from other powers or regions
-can challenge hegemon’s authority and lead to conflicts
How do transitional powers bring varying degrees of geopolitical stability and risk?
transitional power dynamics
-rise of new power or decline of established powers can lead to geopolitical instability
-may lead to power struggles, realignments of alliances, uncertainties about future power relations
-geopolitical stability and risk depend ds on ability of powers to manage shifts peacefully and cooperatively
