A-Level Geography: Superpowers KEY TERMS Flashcards
Superpower
Nation or group of nations with a leading position in international politics.
Hard power
Strong countries use military and economic resources to control the actions/decisions of less powerful countries.
Soft power
Countries use their culture, history and foreign policies to indirectly influence other nations.
Multipolar
A world where several powerful nations share control.
Unipolar
A world where one powerful nation has all the control.
Mercantilism
The primary economic trade system from the 16th to 18th centuries focused on precious metals.
Imperialism
Phase in the British Empire from 1850 to 1945, extending British power by acquiring territories.
Decolonisation
From 1945, when colonial powers withdrew leaders from territories, giving ex-colonies independence.
Neocolonialism
The dominance of strong nations over weak not by direct political control but by economic and cultural influence (using capitalism, globalisation and cultural imperialism).
Rostow’s modernisation theory
The five-step model was used to explain the growth and dominance of the USA and the British Empire.
Dependency theory
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.
World Systems Theory
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.
Cultural imperialism
An enforced spread of culture by a larger power or the voluntary adoption of a foreign culture by other people.
Electronic colonialism
The expanding global economy has led to a global culture, spread by information technology and multimedia TNCs.
World Bank
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.
World Trade Organisation
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.
Austerity measures
Aim to reduce government deficits through spending cuts and tax increases.
BRIC nations
Significant emerging economies since the early 90s.
Spheres of influence
Areas of the world are linked by the same culture.
Heartland Theory
The theory that states whoever rules East Europe (the pivot area) commands the world.
International court of justice
The juridical branch of the UN settles disputes between member countries and advises on international law.
ANZUS
1951 security agreement between the USA, Australia and New Zealand agreeing to cooperate on military matters in the Pacific.
ASEAN
IGO is made up of 10 South Asian nations to encourage cooperation and growth between them.
European Union
The IGO/trade bloc is comprised of 28 member states, mainly in Europe, aiming to allow free movement of goods, people, services and money.
IMF
IGO comprising of 189 countries working toward global financial stability. The IMF provides loans to countries facing short-term balance of payment difficulties.
NAFTA
Agreement between Canada, the USA and Mexico promoting free trade.
NATO
Military alliance for Atlantic countries with the principle that an attack on one place is an attack on all.
World economic forum
Meeting of ‘global elite’ committed to improving the state of the world by engaging leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.
UN security council
Responsible for preventing conflict with 15 members at any one time.
UN Climate conference
Annual conference aiming to make progress in managing climate change.
Hegemony
Leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others.
Democracy
A political system where every member of the population has an equal vote.
Dictatorship
One individual controls a country, rather than an elected government
Emerging States
Countries that have quickly gained influence, developed, and have notable culture. Emerging States may become superpowers in the future.
Frank’s Dependency Model
Describes neo-colonialism and how a country can gain control over a neo-colony through exploitation and economic dependency
FDI
The investment of money, infrastructure or assets by a foreign government or business.
Intellectual Property
The ownership of ideas and designs, such as patents and copyrights.
Mackinder’s Heartland Theory
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.
Rostow’s Modernisation Theory
The development of a country takes five stages of growth: Traditional Society, Pre-Conditions for Take Off, Take Off, Drive to Maturity, Mass Consumption.
Sanctions
Restrictions put into place against a country who breaks international law or agreements.
Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory
Describes the movement of raw materials and manufactured goods between the core and periphery.
Spheres of Contest
- Areas of competition for superpowers and emerging states, e.g. land ownership, intellectual property, state borders.
Communism
The belief that everyone in a population should be equal financially, the property they own and politically.
Capitalism
The belief that individuals may gain wealth and status through business ventures, the hours they work, and their skills.
