enquiry question 1: what are superpowers/how have they changed over time Flashcards
superpower
A country that has the ability to exert its influence/power anywhere in the world.
Emerging Power
A nation whose economic, military and political influence is large, but is expanding (e.g. China)
Regional Power
A smaller, but still influential power. These have influence over neighbouring countries on a continental scale (e.g. South Africa).
Hard power
Nations that use the threat of force or military action to achieve their aims. They may create alliances to reinforce their power/strategies, or use sanctions to remove power from other nations (e.g. USA and economic sanctions on Russia).
Soft power
Nations that favour the ‘power of persuasion’. The values/ideologies of some nations seem appealing, or may have a moral authority.
Mackinder’s geo-strategic location theory
Use of military positioned in key locations to maintain power (like chess). Mackinder identified an area of Eurasia as the ‘Heartland’ - protected from invasion by sea, stretching from Russia to China and from the Himalayas to the Arctic circle. It is key due to the significance of human and physical resources here.
Colonial control
Direct control held by European nations that colonised different areas of the world to expand their empires (1600-1900). Nations were ruled by force, and cultural, religious, economic and political systems were implemented regardless of what previously existed.
uni-polar world
Dominance of a single superpower.
bi-polar world
Two superpowers, potentially with conflicting ideologies, fight for influence/control.
multi-polar world
Multiple superpowers and emerging powers compete for power (e.g. USA, China, Russia).
neo-colonialism
A modern form of colonialism, where developing nations are indirectly controlled/influenced by external sources. This process is associated with FDI, TNCs, trade and aid, and the actions of key players such as China and the World Bank.
Cold War Era
Period of political and military tension between the capitalist USA and communist Soviet Union (USSR). No fighting ever occurred directly between these powers (hence the term), but proxy wars were fought by other nations (e.g. Korean war, Vietnam war, USSR invasion of Afghanistan).
BRICs
Brazil, Russia, India and China - emerging superpowers, also NIC/RICs (emerging economic powers).
G20
An international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies, including USA, UK, but smaller nations such as Brazil, Indonesia and Turkey.
UN Climate Change Conference
Yearly conferences held in the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). They assess progress in dealing with climate change (e.g. Paris agreement).
World systems theory
Three-level hierarchy: core, periphery, and semi-periphery. Core countries are dominant capitalist countries that exploit peripheral countries for labor and raw materials.
Dependency theory
Linked to colonialism and the mercantile era. Resources flow from a “periphery” of poor and underdeveloped states to a “core” of wealthy states, enriching the latter at the expense of the former.
Modernisation theory
Theory used to explain the transition from a traditional society to a modern one. Often linked to Rostow’s 5 stage model.
Hyperpower
A lone superpower - unchallenged and dominant in multiple areas (politically, economically, culturally, military). E.g. British empire, USA 1990-2010.
Diplomacy
The ability for nations to negotiate as part of international relations, which leads to agreements/treaties.
Ideology
Beliefs/values held by individuals. A government will possess a particular set of ideological beliefs which will influence policies and strategies both economically and politically. E.g. US hegemony, capitalism, individualism.
Blue Water Navy
Naval capability to deploy in to open water, as opposed to only patrol national coastlines (known as green water navy).
G7
Group of seven leading industrial countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United States.
Designed to facilitate multilateral discussions and political responses to global challenges.
Originally the G8, Russia was suspended from the forum in 2014 for the annexation of Crimea, and subsequently withdraw permanently.
