EQ1 Superpowers Flashcards
what are the 3 ways of classifying powerful countries?
superpowers, emerging powers, regional powers
define superpower
A nation with the capacity to project its power and influence anywhere in the world, sometimes in more than one region of the globe at a time.
A dominant global force.
what are emerging powers
e.g the brics nations
They are the potential superpowers of the future. They hold significant economic power, but may not have all 6 components essential for superpower status.
what are regional powers
countries that are able to influence other countries within the continent they are in.
e.g- Mexico
what are the 6 characteristics that a country needs to have before being called a superpower?
economic-, political, military, cultural demographic strength and rich in natural resources
economic characteristic of superpower status
A country’s economy is seen as the foundation of its power. It is difficult for a country to be string in areas without a strong and stable economy to support it. A superpower nation will have a high GDP and be able to make money around the world through the the ownership of TNCS. Superpowers are likely to have stable currencies.
political characteristic of superprpower status
A superpower holds significant influence in intergovernmental organisations, such as the UN, and can influence how other countries behave and what policies they follow
military characteristic of superpower status
A superpower can use its military to threaten, invade, defend and aid other countries. Military power is an important way of expanding influence over other countries. Superpowers spend a significant percentage of their GDP on their armed forces and are likely to export military technology to their allies.
cultural characteristic of superpower status
Cultural - Superpowers often have a specific ideology (a dominant set of beliefs or behaviours) that other countries may wish to follow. They may also have a strong influence on the arts, food and fashion.
demographic characteristic of superpower status
Having a larger population that is educated and healthy can lead to a greater amount of power. For example, a larger population can create a larger military and a bigger labour force. A superpower is also likely to have more migrants entering the country than leaving it each vear.
accès to natural resources- superpower status
Access to natural resources — A country with a large supply of natural resources is unlikely to be reliant on other countries for their supply. A country can also influence other countries through the trade of those natural resources for profit. Having an abundant source of energy (such as coal or oil) or key metal reserves (such as iron) is especially powerful.
what countries have been hyper powers and when? + definition
A hyperpower also dominates the above characteristics but is completely unchallenged by other powers. Britain was a hyperpower from around 1850-1910 and the USA was a hyperpower from around 1990-2010.
large SA increases likelihood of superpower- what country proved an exception to thus
A country that has a large surface area of land is more likely to become a superpower — an exception to this is Great Britain before the creation of the British Empire. A country’s geographical position and topographical features (such as mountains and coastlines) impact the ability of a country to influence other countries around them. For example, a large coastline that is easy to navigate will help a country establish itself as an international trader.
what is hard power?
The use of power exerted through military or economic force.
examples of hard power
● Military action
● Threat of trade restrictions
(embargos)
● Use of economic sanctions to damage
a nation’s economy
● Owning the debt of other countries
what war did the USA use hard power in?
the USA and its allies used hard power during the Iraq war (2003-11)
example of a country using hard power (economic)
economic sanctions can take the form of trade restrictions, freezing of assets, arms embargoes and travel bans. They aim to limit opportunities for a country to act in an undesirable way.
E.g- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 resulted in sanctions being applied to Russia(e.g Britain, gas)
main negatives of hard power?
can work but it is expensive, risky and can create greater long-term political instability. Although it is still used today, its importance has decreased over time.
Examples of soft power
Attracting national governments and individuals to their country through
● Attractive culture & lifestyle
● Sought-after political advice
● Foreign policies that encourage
migration
● Trade alliances
● Foreign direct investment in
business, infrastructure or facilities
- spread of a common language- English has become the world’s most useful tool of communication, which helps spread ideas and beliefs.
how has globalisation contributed to the growing importance of soft power?
soft power is more likely to succeed when countries already share a degree if cultural similarity with one another. It may have less of an impact on countries that are more culturally different (switched off, e.g North Korea)
how do trade agreements combine soft and hard power?
They involve no direct threat, however the nature of the trade agreement may control how the country wishes to sell its goods. They may be forced to sell at a. lower price than they would like, this is why they are elements of hard power in the agreement.
define unipolar
dominated by one superpower
e.g- the British empire in the 1800s covered 23% of the world’s population
define bipolar
two powers dominating the world at one point
e.g- USA AND USSR
define multipolar
the dominance of 3+ superpowers
What was Mackinder’s geo-strategic location theory?
1) whoever ruled Europe would command the heartland
2) whoever ruled the heartland would command the world island
3) whoever controlled the world island ruled the world.
The futrther away, the less powerful
The more land and closer, the more powerful
e.g- Russia should be the world’s supreme power according to this theory.
why should Russia be the world’s supreme power? (mackinder’s theory)
- surrounded by natural barriers (vast, flat plains, ice)
- many natural resources (ga and oil), huge exports
- occupy the largest land mass
what are Russia’s limitations- what did this lead mackinder to think?
many borders- can be attacked from many directions
its coast is frozen
This led him to believe that the heartland can shift.
major shifts impacting the heartland theory
the heartland has been a pivot if power over time
the global economic centre of gravity has been positioned over the heartland for most of history,m however there have been some major shifts:
- industrialisation of the UK
- Rise of the USA
- global shift; more recent awakenings of Asia, rise of the bric nations
when did mackinder develop the heartland theory
1904
how did mackinders theory influence geostrategic thinking beyond WII?
Superpowers, such as the USA, tried to restrict countries that looked to dominate the heartland (a policy known as containment).
E.G- during the Cold War between the USA and USSR the USA was influenced by Mackinder’s theories and wanted to constrict the USSR’s control of the heartland.
what was wallstein’s world systems theory?
Identifies 2 different economic areas within the world- the core and the periphery.
core regions = economic powerhouses and hence control most aspects lf global trade (trade agreements, trading currency).
The core regions trade with those in the periphery who often provide labour and materials for the core nations (e.g china’s one belt one road policy and fyi in Africa for resources).
- the periphery sells their primary resources to the core. Also provide skills workers through international outward migration. The periphery must mine, farm or extract natural resources for the core (often at their expense).
- the core manufactures, adding value to the goods; provides consumption goods to periphery countries, often at their own profit.
what does wall stein’s world systems theory try to explain?
- example of this
- what do these relationships recently centre around and who do they favour?
inequality in wealth and development across the world.
In the past, relationships between the c and p were purely exploitative (colonialism) and the p was forced to provide their natural resources through means of hard power- such as military force or occupation.
e.g- the British empire’s exploitation of India for natural resources.
In more recent times, this relationship centres around trade agreements (soft power) which often benefit/favour core regions more than the p.
what was roster’s modernisation theory (5 stages)?
1) Traditional Society - The country’s economy is based predominantly on primary industry - agriculture, small-scale mining, foraging and fishing. There is minimal technology or scientific knowledge which protects the country’s traditional culture, religion and values.
2) Pre-conditions for Take Off - There is a demand for raw materials and trade by external countries. A rise in construction of infrastructure will lead to an increase in businesses and FDI. Gradually, the industry centres around manufacturing rather than agriculture as individual families can earn more money from a reliable job (unlike agriculture which is seasonal and can be affected by extreme weather) .
3) Take Off - Here there is rapid Industrialisation, creating a large surge of employment opportunities and productivity. Take-off can also be a period of environmental degradation, as the nation lacks laws to protect its natural surroundings and people from exploitation.
4) This is often fuelled by relaxed laws and regulations protecting the natural son accelerates, Drive to Maturity - Over a period of time, the growing economy will encourage new industries and investment, creating further jobs, improving services through increased tax. This is a positive feedback mechanism of gradually improving living conditions.
5) High Mass Consumption - Developed countries, in Rostow’s opinion, are countries who are capitalistic and consumers hold the most valuable opinion. Often goods are catered towards these markets, as families have disposable income to spend.
what are the limitations/criticisms of roster’s model?
- based largely on American and European development (mass consumption and capitalism to create profit) and therefore ignores the stages of growth other nations who do not fit this mould may go through (e.g. Bolivia’s recent sustainable development).
- some nations may have large reserves of natural resources which allow them to skip some of the stages of development e.g. Saudi Arabia.
- Rostow’s Model only considers the advancement of development, so doesn’t describe a nation that is declining. Some examples of declining states include:
- The USSR (post-cold war) - following ‘loss’ in the Cold War, the USSR became bankrupt and disbanded into the nations of today - Ukraine, Belarus, etc. The new Russia faced economic recession and social deprivation.
- Zimbabwe - For a large period of time, the government has been corrupt, limiting the country’s development regardless of its level of industrial capacity.
- only considers a country in isolation from the world, where the development is the sole responsibility of the country itself.
However, this is not true; in an increasingly connected globalised world, the development of a country may be limited by international politics or competition for trade by other states.-
positives of rosters modernisation theory
- economic wealth and industrial power focus- precursors to obtaining military power.
- simple, easy to read, each stage is significant and cannot jump -takes time (despite Saudi Arabia disproving this).
what was frank’s dependency theory?
Claims historical exploitation, especially through colonialism, has created lasting inequalities, with rich “core” countries benefiting at the expense of poorer “periphery” countries.
- very similar to wall steins model.
benefit- still relevant today
negative- its of NEEs defy this.
benefits of wallerstein’s world systems theory
- stressed that development should be viewed globally rather than individually
- recognised that the world was 3- tiered (periphery, semi-core, core)
- theory DOES have flexibility and countries have freedom to move
- seems to fit todays world (current).
what are the disadvantages of wallerstein’s world systems theory?
- it’s an analysis of the world’s patterns of power and wealth, rather than a detailed EXPLANATION of them
- it doesn’t consider leadership strength or corruption.
what world theory presents the most positive viewpoint
rostows modernisation theory- step of ascending stairs, journey, everyone going in the right direction, there’s a chance.
what world theory presents the most negative viewpoint
franks dependancy model/wallsteins world systems theory- developing countries wont advance due too the continuous exploitation of their resources by developed nations, to further advance themselves. (core and periphery)
define colonialism
A process where by an extended nation takes DIRECT control of a territory, often by force/hard power.
- country is often previously independent
what percentage of the world did Britain colonise?
what force dominated the oceans, why?
20% OF THE WORLD, ACCOUNTED FOR 25% of the world’s land mass
- the navy dominated the oceans, protecting the colonies and trade routes between them.
explain the initial phase of the British empire (1600s-1800s)
- colonies are conquered on costal fringes and islands
e.g- carribeean and Mumbai (previously known as Bombay) - searching for resources; sugar, coffee and tea (cant grow in Britain) and slaves
- the economic interests of private trading companies such as the Royal African company, Hudson bay’s company and the East India company are SUPPORTED by British officials.
explain the second phase of the British empire ; 19th century
- costal colonies extended inland, with the conquest of vast territories
- religion, competitive sport and English language introduced to colonies
- government institutions with British colonial administrates are set up to rule colonial population.
- complex trade develops, including export of UK- manufactured goods to new colonial markets.
- finally; technology (such as railways) allow the British empire to expand even further.
explain the final phase of the British empire; Decolonisation (1918+)
- After the end of WWI (1918), the distribution of power became increasingly multi-polar
- Uk was bankrupt, couldn’t support countries in its empire
- anti-colonial movements began and countries pushed for independence
- most countries became independent in the 1970s.
what is SMART power and who used it?
the combination of hard and soft power
- used by the British empire, superior
successes of colonial power (3):
1) Railway lines were built throughout the country and were used to transport goods and the army quickly between places.
2) The English language spread throughout the Empire, which has allowed Commonwealth countries to become outsourcing services and participate in business.
3) Education for all colonial states was improved - schools were set up & curriculum established. This has led to increased international migration to fill skills shortages in other countries after WWII.
negatives of colonial power (3):
- The majority of crops grown in colonial states were bought by the British at very low prices and then sold off by Britain for large amounts (Neo-colonial Theory - see below).
This means that farmers and primary manufacturers were left with little profit to invest in their own futures. - Many colonial states did not have their own governments, which caused severe protests for independence and unstable countries when made independant.
- Discriminating policies were established to segregate the British migrants from natives.
These policies have remained in some countries until recent years.
what happened to empires in the 20th century?
- After the war, many colonial powers were bankrupt as they had to spend a lot during the war and so they couldn’t afford to control and maintain their colonies.
- After the wars, colonial powers focused mainly on rebuilding their home countries and so they focused less on the colonies.
- Anti-colonial movements gained popularity, and increasing demand for independence forced colonial armies out
what helped Britain’s rise to dominance?
aided by its strong navy and established trade routes with its colonies
How were British colonies a source of soft power as well as hard (wealth)?
The British set up more permanent homes in the colonies such as India, Australia and Kenya. With these more permanent residences came PUBLIC FACILITIES (such as schools) and the extension of communication and transport lines.
In the late 19th century, the British began to sell manufactured goods back to the colonies, with second and third generation settlers often growing up to know little of Britain at all.
what may have the multipolar nature of the world from 1919 onwards have contributed to?
The massive scale of the Second World War and the number of countries it involved.
What did WWI expose of Britain?
what country became a regional power?
Exposed weaknesses in Britain’s power, and strengths in the EMERGING powers of Russia and the USA.
Japan also started to become a REGIONAL power in Asia.
Explain the ways in which Britain exerted control around the world in the 19th and 20th centuries :
- what did this drive?
- established trading companies to finance voyages to search for valuable commodities, such as spices from the East Indies and India, raw materials bought back to British cities- driving the INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
what did Britain do in 1875
Bought the largest shareholding in the Suez Canal- subsequently occupying Egypy
- establishment of trading routes
How does Britain exert global power in the 21st century?
English is the most spoken language in the world, sports, music, TV, etc.
(soft power, culture, globalisation)
Explain the ways in which Britain’s influence in the world changed over time:
After the war, many colonial powers were bankrupt (due to having too spend a lot in the war)- meant they couldn’t afford to control and maintain colonies, had to focus on rebuilding their national economy and country itself, rather than focusing on its colonies.
Anti-colonial movements gained popularity, increasing demand for independence forced colonial armies out.
e.g- Ghandi, British Raj, India’s independence.
what did bRITAIN DO IN THE opium wars?
helped defeat china, ensuring they would enjoy favourable trade arrangements with them.
why did British people begin to question the morality of colonialism?
Discontent over the killing of Punjabis at the Amritsar Massacre, 1919 morality issues grew.
what were the first signs of the world becoming multi-polar?
- increasing agitation in Ireland for home rule. Since the close of the 19th century had led to guerrilla war against British rule and the eventual creation of the Irish free state In 1922 and the separation of Northern Ireland, which remained part of the UK.
-Discontent over the killing of Punjabis at the Amritsar Massacre, 1919 morality issues grew. and British citizens questioned the morality of colonialism. - People in other countries showed dissatisfaction and declared independence, including Egypt, Australia and South Africa.
WWI saw the growth of the US and Japanese naval power challenging Britain’s control of the seas, forcing the country to make choices regarding its international priorities.
define neocolonialism
Using economic imperialism, globalisation, cultural imperialism and conditional aid to influence a country. Used to gain and maintain INDIRECT control over developing powers.
when did the post-colonial era startt and why?
- The post-colonial era started after the Second World War as there were new ways of creating and maintaining power.
- This post-colonial era began after most colonies became independent. For many former European colonies, independence was gained in the 1960s and 1970s. Independence partly came about because, after the Second World War, European powers lacked the finances needed to maintain power in their colonies while rebuilding their own countries.
- After many colonies officially gained independence, they formed new relationships with the former colonial powers and new powers. Some of these relationships contain neocolonial elements.
What are the 3 forms of neo-colonialism?
1) Political and military
- There may be military alliances
cultural power to gain and maintain
between countries where a former colony relies on indirect control over developing powers
weapons and equipment from another country. Countries may still have political parties that represent the people and ideologies of the old colonial order.
2) Economic - A former colony may be in debt to another country or rely on aid to provide its citizens with basic services. This aid may be tied aid (aid that is donated but there are conditions attached to how it is used). This effectively gives control of a country’s finances to another country. Development may stall without trade deals between countries that disproportionately benefit the former colonial powers.
3) Cultural - Colonial place and road names, religions and languages are often used long after independence.
What was the Cold War?
A decades- long struggle for global supremacy (unipolar world)that pitted the capitalist/democratic t USA against the communist USSR (Soviet Union).
Both were superpowers
what had led the USA and USSR into becoming superpowers?
American growth and industrialisation post 1960s following railroads and resource exploitation.
1917- Russian revolution resulting in rapid industrialisation, underpinned Europe’s victory in WWII.
An INDIRECT WAR.
what led to the USA and USSR becoming superpowers?
-American growth and industrialisation post 1960s following railroads and resource exploitation
- in 1917, Russian revolution, resulting in rapid industrialisation, underpinned victory in Europe in WWII.
define communism
a political and economic system advocating for a classless society with communal ownership of the means of production, aiming for equality and shared resources, often contrasting with capitalism.
STATE OWNED
define capitalism
an economic system where private individuals or businesses own and control the means of production (like land, labor, and capital) with the primary goal of generating profit, driven by market forces of supply and demand.
PRIVATELY OWNED
Why did the Cold War occur?
The Cold War emerged after World War II, as the US and the Soviet Union, despite being allies against Nazi Germany, held differing ideologies and political systems, leading to mutual distrust and suspicion.
The US championed capitalism and democracy, while the Soviet Union promoted communism, creating a fundamental ideological clash that fueled the conflict.
A global competition, with the US and the Soviet Union vying for influence and control in various regions through political, economic, and military means.
In the 1950s, Americas was scared of communism being spread.
what was the arms race- Cold War
Arms Race:
The development of nuclear weapons by both superpowers led to an intense arms race, with each side striving to gain a military advantage, creating a constant threat of nuclear war.
Proxy Wars:
Instead of direct confrontation, the US and the Soviet Union often supported opposing sides in regional conflicts, leading to proxy wars like the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
involvement in proxy wars- Cold War
Proxy Wars:
Instead of direct confrontation, the US and the Soviet Union often supported opposing sides in regional conflicts, leading to proxy wars like the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
how did the USA strengthen its global influence through the Marshall plan
The USA strengthened its global influence during the Cold War era through indirect economic control. The Marshall Plan (1948-1951)was a programme of US funding that extended into western European countries. It provided financial assistance (billions of dollars to Europe) to countries trying to rebuild infrastructure after the Second World War.
when were NATO and the Warsaw pact formed, who between?
Some countries aligned themselves politically to the USA (like the UK) and others to the USSR (like East Germany). This made the Cold War period intense and uneasy. NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) was formed by the allies of the USA in 1949, while the Warsaw Pact (1955-1991) was an alliance between the USSR and the socialist countries of Eastern Europe.
space race-cold war
A competition of knowledge and economic capacity between the USA and USSR.
Although the USSR set the first man (Yuri Gagarin) and satellite into space (sputnik)…
many believe the USA won after sending APOLLO II to the MOON.
why did USA invest a significant amount into Japan, Singapore and the phillipines?
In order to protect them (as in the east) from being influenced by communism.
Why did the USSR install communist governments in Poland/Hungary?
The USSR installed communist governments in Eastern Europe- e.g in Poland and Hungary
These countries were of strategic importance to the USSR as provided a ‘shied’ incase the west attacks Russia
what was the iron border curtain (Cold War)
The border between Eastern and Western Europe
when was NATO formed?
1949
Germany split into east and west (Berlin Wall)
why is the term ‘cold ‘ used to describe the war
The term ‘cold’ is used to describe the war as there was no large-scale direct fighting between the two sides. Instead the two sides supported opposing wars which are described as proxy wars.
examples of proxy war involvement
▪ Vietnam War – The USA fought directly against groups which were supported by China and the USSR.
▪ Korean War – Korea was divided into the South which was supported by the US and the North which was supported by China and the USSR.
What happened at the end of the Cold War?
The collapse of the USSR in 1991 allowed the USA to become the dominant superpower. However, there is debate about whether the current era is more of a multipolar power system or a unipolar power system. Emerging economies like China and India are becoming more powerful, while established economies are starting to stagnate.
During 1989 and 1990, the Berlin Wall came down, borders opened, and free elections ousted Communist regimes everywhere in eastern Europe. In late 1991 the Soviet Union itself dissolved into its component republics. With stunning speed, the Iron Curtain was lifted and the Cold War came to an end.
who won the Cold War
The United States is widely considered to have won the Cold War, as the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, leading to the end of the Cold War and the rise of the US as the sole superpower.
what prevented the Cold War turning into a hot war? 9direct)
The constant threat of nuclear weapons being used kept both powers from starting a ‘hot’ war.
economic strengths of Brazil (emerging power)
-Brazil is important regionally for South America as it produces more than 50% of S. America’s GDP
-It has large reserves of natural resources
-It has energy and food security. It is self-sufficient in producing and sourcing its own food and energy resources.
economic weaknesses of Brazil
- The economy repeatedly faces boom and bust phases, that severely hamper Brazil’s development.
economic strengths of Russia
-It is the 9th largest economy in the world and has large reserves of oil and gas.
economic weaknesses of Russia
It is overly dependent on oil and gas for revenue, which is not sustainable income for the future.
-The country has been hit with EU sanctions that have weakened the Ruble and the economy.
-It is the most unequal emerging nation, where the richest 1% control 71% of total wealth.
economic strengths of China
-China is a major player in global investment, the Chinese have invested heavily in developing countries especially in Africa.
-A lot has been invested in modern infrastructure like high speed rail throughout the country.
economic weaknesses of China
-Due to its large population, GDP per capita is only 10% of USA’s.
-Many of its industries copies foreign ideas and so it isn’t very innovative.
-In 2009, only 2% of China’s adult population graduated from university.
-Rising wages in China have led to TNCs moving to cheaper countries like Bangladesh.
- Its ageing population combined with its one Child Policy may cause its economy to collapse entirely.
economic strengths of India
Between 1997 and 2015, annual growth rates averaged 7% which is much higher than MDCs. -Widespread use of English has been beneficial as it has attracted many TNCs. -Infrastructure like energy and water supply as well as transport is poor, power cuts are frequent.
economic weaknesses of India
-The government has a lot of debt. -Society is very unequal and more than 20% of people live in poverty.
political weaknesses of Brazil
- Brazil has been very politically unstable in recent years.
- Corruption is rife throughout the country.
- Since 2015, leadership has drastically changed. The President was impeached in 2015, leading to uncertainty. In 2018, the far-right Bolsonaro was elected.
- very few political strengths, if any at all.
political strengths of Russia
-It is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
political weaknesses of Russia
-Relations with the EU are strained and its annexation of Crimea exacerbated this.
- Russian spies …distrust
political weaknesses of China
-Unlike the USA, China doesn’t really get involved I n global crises or aid towards other countries, limiting China’s international relations.
-China’s government is run by an authoritarian party.
-Has tense relationships with many SE Asian nations.
- very few/if any political strengths
political strengths of India
-India is the world’s largest democracy -It is a member of the G20 and was a founding member of the UN.
political weaknesses of India
-It has poor geopolitical relations with neighbours like China and Pakistan.
Military weaknesses of Brazil
-Its military is insignificant; only playing a small regional role and no international involvement.
- vert few/if any military strengths.
Russia’s military strengths
-It has nuclear weapons and a large militar.y
Russia’s millitary weaknesses
-Russia has intervened in Syria with airstrikes which has damaged relations with other countries.
-The majority of Russia’s fleet and aircraft are ageing and unsuitable for modern times.
China’s military strengths
-China’s People Liberation Army has the world’s largest army and has nuclear weapons.
China’s military weaknesses
- China’s army (PLA) is dated; despite its large numbers of soldiers the army is very poorly equipped.
India’s military strengths
-It has the 4th largest military in terms of personnel and weaponry
-It has nuclear weapons.
- India has come to month-long standoffs with neighbouring China to maintain its border.
- strengths outweigh weaknesses
Brazils demographic strengths
-The population of 210 million is the largest in South America.
-The population is very young.
Brazil’s demographic weaknesses
Fertility rates have decreased significantly so the population may decline in the future.
Russia’s demographic strengths
-The population of 144 million is quite large, but largely spread across Russia’s vast lands, leading to isolation and lack of development of many regions.
Russia’s demographic weaknesses
-Russia’s population has been declining in recent years as birth rates are very low.
-The population is ageing which is impacting the economy.
China’s demographic strengths
-The population of 1.38 billion allows for a vast labour pool, allowing China’s economy to increase.
China’s demographic weaknesses
-By 2020, it is expected that 12% of the population will be over 65 which will require expensive support through healthcare and social care
-China has little inwards migration so they are unable to attract talent and skills from abroad that they may lack.
- weaknesses outweigh strengths
India’s demographic strengths
-The population is 1.27 billion (largest after China).
-The majority of Indians are young and so there is a large pool of labour available.
India’s demographic weaknesses
- There is much outward migration of India’s youth, which may lead to a declining future population and brain drain of skilled workers.
Brazil’s cultural strengths
-Brazil has a global reputation as a footballing nation and has won many world cups.
-It hosted the Olympics + Paralympics in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
- few weaknesses, strengths outweigh
Russia’s cultural weaknesses
- Russia has little cultural influence.
Russia’s cultural strengths
- Its growing influence in USA (Trump’s election), military assistance to Nigeria (to combat Boko Haram) and Syria (controversial air strikes) suggests that Russia’s global influence is expanding.
China’s cultural strengths
-China’s influence is growing as they are investing in other countries (such as Africa).
-Some Cantonese food has been adopted in other countries.
China’s cultural weaknesses
-China has very little global influence on culture.
India’s cultural strengths
-Bollywood which is the world’s largest film industry outside of Hollywood, producing 1200 films annually -Indian food is very common and important in many parts of the world.
- heavily outweigh weaknesses (very few)
Brazil’s environmental weaknesses
-Deforestation is a major issue with large swathes of the Amazon being cut down for agricultural and commercial purposes. -Pollution is another major problem from mining and oil spills.
- very few strengths
Russia’s environmental weaknesses
- One of the most ecologically stressed landscapes due to human degradation -> extraction of natural resources damages surroundings, salinization and overgrazing is causing soils to deteriorate, improper waste disposal.
- very few strengths
China’s environmental weaknesses
-China is the world’s largest emitter of CO2 , producing 33% of the world’s emissions.
-Rivers throughout China have been polluted with chemicals from factories. -Large amounts of land across the world in places like the Amazon rainforest are being cut down in order to export good to China where demand from consumers is rising rapidly.
- very few strengths
India’s environmental strengths
-India is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world with various plant and animal species.
- best out of all emerging superpowers, however weaknesses may still outweigh,.
India’s environmental weaknesses
-Pollution is a major problem as India is the world’s third largest emitter of CO2.
-India has some of the world’s largest and worst urban slums which have damaged the environment.
what do development theories help explain?
the changing patterns of power
e.g- franks dependancy theory, Wallstein’s world systems theory and Rostow’s modernisation theory.
How could global superpower status change in the future- stability
Countries around the world could form their own alliances and another Cold War could occur.
How could global superpower status change in the future- resources
Resources – There could be strong economic and population growth in Asia but along with high demand from the West, worldwide demand for food could increase 35%, 40% for water and 50% for energy by 2030. This could lead severe shortages, high prices and conflict over resources.
How could global superpower status change in the future- Military
Military – A new arms race could occur as China expands its naval and air power.
How could global superpower status change in the future- Economy
Economy – If Asia were to become dominant, then the global economy would depend on the health of NICs in Asia rather than the West.
