EQ1: What are superpowers and how have they changed over time?

Question 1

How can the relative power of different countries be considered?

Answer 1

In terms of their economic, political, military and cultural power. Demographics, access to natural resources, location, neighbouring countries can also be considered

Question 2

What are the different mechanisms of maintaining power?

Answer 2

Hard and soft power. There has been a shift in terms of relative importance of these different types of power

Question 3

Superpower

Answer 3

A nation with the capacity to project dominating power and influence anywhere in the world, sometimes in more than one region of the globe at one time

Question 4

From the mid 19th century to the early 20th century, who was arguably the world’s biggest superpower?

Answer 4

The UK, having successfully created a global empire with strong trading links, which it then defended against challenges by other European countries

Question 5

Examples of current superpowers

Answer 5

United States
United Kingdom
China
Russia

Question 6

Examples of emerging superpowers

Answer 6

India
Brazil

Question 7

Emerging superpowers

Answer 7

Countries with a large role in one of more superpower characteristics, and with growing influence

Question 8

What is a hyperpower?

Answer 8

An unchallenged superpower that is dominant in all aspects of power e.g USA (1990-2010) and Britain (1850-1910)

Question 9

What superpower characteristics does the US have?

Answer 9

Over 800 military bases, government maintained by checks and balances - stability, economic power, can provide aid and trade, trade blocs and alliances, military presence, military alliances e.g NATO, diplomatic threats to use if negotiations fail, using economic sanctions, US has 37% of global military spending, media to promote ideas, exporting culture in film and TV

Question 10

Where did US power become concentrated in?

Answer 10

Federal government, leading to expansionist presidents

Question 11

It is argued that true superpowers need to combine both a “hard” and “soft” power to become what?

Answer 11

A “smart” power

Question 12

Hard power

Answer 12

Defined as power through force or coercion and is likely to involve military power or economic sanctions

Question 13

Soft power

Answer 13

Exerting influence through favour and persuasion, likely to be based on cultural power

Question 14

Examples of hard power

Answer 14

Military alliances such as NATO
military presence and force
trade blocs and alliances
military action
Britain’s military action taken in Iraq and Afghanistan

Question 15

Examples of soft power

Answer 15

Culture and ideology
exporting culture in the form of media/global brands
using aid to influence policy
exerting influence through favour and persuasion
using media to promote ideas
global dominance of USA through TNCs e.g McDonalds and Coca Cola

Question 16

Examples of economic power

Answer 16

using economic sanctions against countries
favouring certain trade partners
aid and trade
economic sanctions e.g those taken against Iran to try and prevent it from developing its military nuclear capability

Question 17

Regional powers

Answer 17

project dominating power and influence over other countries within the continent or region

Question 18

Examples of regional powers

Answer 18

UK, Germany, France in Europe
Saudi Arabia and Iran in the Middle East
South Africa and Nigeria in Africa

Question 19

What country poses a future challenge to the USA’s status as the primary economic superpower?

Answer 19

China.
As a resurgent, China benefits from its own unique twist on capitalism, and it’s rising in wealth and influence.