A-Level Geography: Superpowers KEY TERMS

Question 1

Superpower

Answer 1

Nation or group of nations with a leading position in international politics.

Question 2

Hard power

Answer 2

Strong countries use military and economic resources to control the actions/decisions of less powerful countries.

Question 3

Soft power

Answer 3

Countries use their culture, history and foreign policies to indirectly influence other nations.

Question 4

Multipolar

Answer 4

A world where several powerful nations share control.

Question 5

Unipolar

Answer 5

A world where one powerful nation has all the control.

Question 6

Mercantilism

Answer 6

The primary economic trade system from the 16th to 18th centuries focused on precious metals.

Question 7

Imperialism

Answer 7

Phase in the British Empire from 1850 to 1945, extending British power by acquiring territories.

Question 8

Decolonisation

Answer 8

From 1945, when colonial powers withdrew leaders from territories, giving ex-colonies independence.

Question 9

Neocolonialism

Answer 9

The dominance of strong nations over weak not by direct political control but by economic and cultural influence (using capitalism, globalisation and cultural imperialism).

Question 10

Rostow’s modernisation theory

Answer 10

The five-step model was used to explain the growth and dominance of the USA and the British Empire.

Question 11

Dependency theory

Answer 11

The theory is based on the idea that developed rich countries (core) are limiting the level of development of the poorer countries (periphery) from the control of the world economy.

Question 12

World Systems Theory

Answer 12

The theory asserting that most nations are part of a worldwide interdependent economic and political system based on the unequal exchange in the division of labor and allocation of resources between core nations, semi-peripheral nations, and peripheral nations.

Question 13

Cultural imperialism

Answer 13

An enforced spread of culture by a larger power or the voluntary adoption of a foreign culture by other people.

Question 14

Electronic colonialism

Answer 14

The expanding global economy has led to a global culture, spread by information technology and multimedia TNCs.

Question 15

World Bank

Answer 15

IGO aims to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, end extreme poverty and promote prosperity among the lower 40% of each country’s population.

Question 16

World Trade Organisation

Answer 16

The IGO aims to manage the global rules of international trade including world patents. It works to reduce trade barriers (both tariff and non-tariff) and create free trade.

Question 17

Austerity measures

Answer 17

Aim to reduce government deficits through spending cuts and tax increases.

Question 18

BRIC nations

Answer 18

Significant emerging economies since the early 90s.

Question 19

Spheres of influence

Answer 19

Areas of the world are linked by the same culture.

Question 20

Heartland Theory

Answer 20

The theory that states whoever rules East Europe (the pivot area) commands the world.

Question 21

International court of justice

Answer 21

The juridical branch of the UN settles disputes between member countries and advises on international law.

Question 22

ANZUS

Answer 22

1951 security agreement between the USA, Australia and New Zealand agreeing to cooperate on military matters in the Pacific.

Question 23

ASEAN

Answer 23

IGO is made up of 10 South Asian nations to encourage cooperation and growth between them.

Question 24

European Union

Answer 24

The IGO/trade bloc is comprised of 28 member states, mainly in Europe, aiming to allow free movement of goods, people, services and money.

Question 25

IMF

Answer 25

IGO comprising of 189 countries working toward global financial stability. The IMF provides loans to countries facing short-term balance of payment difficulties.

Question 26

NAFTA

Answer 26

Agreement between Canada, the USA and Mexico promoting free trade.

Question 27

NATO

Answer 27

Military alliance for Atlantic countries with the principle that an attack on one place is an attack on all.

Question 28

World economic forum

Answer 28

Meeting of ‘global elite’ committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Question 29

UN security council

Answer 29

Responsible for preventing conflict with 15 members at any one time.

Question 30

UN Climate conference

Answer 30

Annual conference aiming to make progress in managing climate change.

Question 31

Hegemony

Answer 31

Leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others.

Question 32

Democracy

Answer 32

A political system where every member of the population has an equal vote.

Question 33

Dictatorship

Answer 33

One individual controls a country, rather than an elected government

Question 34

Emerging States

Answer 34

Countries that have quickly gained influence, developed, and have notable culture. Emerging States may become superpowers in the future.

Question 35

Frank’s Dependency Model

Answer 35

Describes neo-colonialism and how a country can gain control over a neo-colony through exploitation and economic dependency

Question 36

FDI

Answer 36

The investment of money, infrastructure or assets by a foreign government or business.

Question 37

Intellectual Property

Answer 37

The ownership of ideas and designs, such as patents and copyrights.

Question 38

Mackinder’s Heartland Theory

Answer 38

Whoever controls the heartland (Russia, Eastern Europe and parts of South Asia) controls the majority of physical and human resources, and so will be a leading superpower.

Question 39

Rostow’s Modernisation Theory

Answer 39

The development of a country takes five stages of growth: Traditional Society, Pre-Conditions for Take Off, Take Off, Drive to Maturity, Mass Consumption.

Question 40

Sanctions

Answer 40

Restrictions put into place against a country who breaks international law or agreements.

Question 41

Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory

Answer 41

Describes the movement of raw materials and manufactured goods between the core and periphery.

Question 42

Spheres of Contest

Answer 42

• Areas of competition for superpowers and emerging states, e.g. land ownership, intellectual property, state borders.

Question 43

Communism

Answer 43

The belief that everyone in a population should be equal financially, the property they own and politically.

Question 44

Capitalism

Answer 44

The belief that individuals may gain wealth and status through business ventures, the hours they work, and their skills.