Case studies Flashcards
examples of hard power
Britain’s expansionary policy is the imperial era, was considered a hard power
Military action in iraq + Afghanistan
Economic sanctions such as those taken against iran
example of soft power
Global dominance of the USA through TNCs as well as media
what theory did Mackinder come up with
hint: the heartland
the geostrategic location theory
what is the geostrategic location theory
Mackinder, a british geographer identified a region of eurasia, he called the ‘heartland’. He argued that this area was the key geo-strategic location in the world because control of the heartland commanded a huge portion of the world’s physical and human resources.
what evidence is there that supports the geostrategic location theory
Its theory is accurate due to real life application when policies were implemented onto Germany post WW1 to limit Germany expanding its land area
Post WW2 NATO allies prevented soviet union from expanding into western southern europe
American ‘truman doctrine’ policy of the 1940s and 1950s to contain the spread of communism from soviet union + china
His theory was influential because it contributed to these policies of containment as if these things spread it would impact who controlled the ‘heartland’
what evidence is there that does not support mackinders theory
However Mackinder’s theory is not entirely accurate as the heartland does not include america and he didn’t account for the use of soft power and technological advancement
what empire reached superpower status
the british empire
at the british empires height how much land did it own
The British empire reigned over nearly one quarter of the world’s land surface and more than a quarter of its population.
true or false can it be argued that the british empire an example of superpower polarity
true
a relatively small country, managed to maintain a global empire
How did the british empire remain in power
HARD POWER, military
Royal navy dominated the world oceans during this period, protecting the colonies and trade routes between them and britain
capitalist: how do elections work
The government is chosen in free democratic elections
communist: how do elections work
It is a one party dictatorship, elections were held but all candidates are within communist party
capitalist: who owns industry
Business and property are privately owned
communist: who owns industry
All property belongs to the community and the state owns all the industry
capitalist: what are the individual rights
Being free of government control of government is more important than everyone being equal.
Free control by the government.
Wealthy country but with extremes of great wealth and great poverty
communist: what are the individual rights
Individual lives are tightly controlled.
The rights of individuals were seen as less important than the good of society as a whole.
The general standard of living is low however unemployment and extreme poverty is rare.
who was the cold war between
It was between two large areas (USA and USSR) causing a bipolar world
How did the cold war start
After WW2, two global superpowers emerged, the USA followed a policy to globalise its sphere of influence and become a stronger player in the world system, using economic power to globalise.
However, the benefits and politics of the USSR did not agree with the USA. In order to become more powerful the USSR took advantage of collapsed countries in Europe and enforced a communist regime.
TRUE OR FALSE china accounts for 25% of the worlds coal consumption
China accounts for 50% of world coal consumption yet only has 19% of the earth’s population
is china the largest ___ producer
a. iron
b. copper
c. titanium
A. IRON
China is the largest iron ore producer as it used to make steel
Despite this they are also the largest iron importer having to import excess to keep up with demand.
how do different countries view reducing CO2 emissions
Despite its unwillingness to not sign 1997 kyoto protocol, the USA’s emissions per capita have fallen
EU per capita emissions are going down as well. They have pushed hard for a global agreement on emissions reduction targets at climate change conference in Paris 2015
China’s emissions per person are the same as EU citizens. However, the average per capita income in the EU is US$34,000 whilst Chinas is US$8300
how has the USA been most effective at reducing carbon emissions
Has shown global leadership since 2005 reduced total emissions
2005-15 tripled in output and solar energy
Obama reduced greenhouse gas emissions by greater energy efficiency
However Trumps attitudes altered progress due to his anti climate change views
how has China effect goals of reducing carbon emissions
in 2014 china agreed to work towards emissions peak in 2030, but only started to actual target in 2016
Its current dominance of emissions determines either the success or failure of any treaties
how has the EU been the most effective at reducing carbon emissions
The forefront of climate initiatives e.g carbon trading, emission reduction
EU intends to cut 12% of total EU energy consumption
