EQ3 Flashcards
define sphere of influence
the claim by a state to exclusive or predominant control over a foreign area or territory
TRUE OR FALSE
are superpowers fuelled by resources
TRUE
what type of resources are superpowers fuelled by
give examples
Human resources are crucial; human innovation, skill and entrepreneurship are vital to maintain technological, economic and military goals
Physical resources are still important → fossil fuels, ores and minerals
what does it mean if land is contested
ownership of a land mass is in dispute
define colonial
the act of one nation or power controlling another nation or people for an extended period of time
define neo-colonial
where less-developed countries are still indirectly controlled by superpowers through economic, cultural or political methods.
what have the EU and USA been accused of doing what to developing countries
Existing superpowers, such as the USA and EU have been accused of unfair relations with developing countries.
E.g: neo-colonialism, unfair terms of trade, brain drain, local wealthy elites controlling exports + imports in developing countries
what is the global shift
The world’s economic sector has shifted in terms of location;
where has the global shift moved to
ASIA
why has the global shift occurred
It is cheaper in terms of labour, capital, and regulations in Asia than Western countries
reasons as to why Asia may become the dominant global region
There is no doubt that asia is or very soon will be the dominant global region
It hosts India, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia which are are all powerful countries, with some emerging and some with superpower status
This will increase the geopolitical influence of the region but also creates economic and political tensions within the region
While China and India have superpower status (within the region by 2030, the other Asian economies will be doing battle for the 3rd, 4th and 5th places in the region’s power rankings)
This could lead to tension in the future.
why is there instability within the middle east
Low human rights (women and sexual orientation)
Conflict and tensions
Corruption in government
Natural resources (oil)
Patriarchy
2nd largest oil and gas market of the world
Yemen, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia UAE, Syria, etc
what political and social issues are going on in the middle east
A refugee crisis caused by IS in Syria and Iraq, and the syrian civil war, which has forced up to 2 million syrians to flee and put huge strain on neighbouring countries who accept refugees
Many terrorist groups in middle east → Al-Qaeda, IS, Taliban
Ongoing Israel Palestine conflict: the USA has traditionally supported Israel with military and economic aid while some middle eastern countries display open hospitality such as Iran and Israel
what has the complexity of the middle east lead to around in terms of tensions with other countries
e.g turkey, usa, Europe
Turkey has long been fighting a low-level civil war against the Kurds in Turkey. Who would like the Kurdish state however the Kurds are IS supporters whereas with Turkey being involved in NATO they are against IS.
The EU and USA initially supported the Arab spring uprising against President Assad in Syria that began in 2011, but by 2015 found themselves bombing IS in syria, effectively acting on the same side as Assad’s forces
The air bombing campaign against IS in syria and Iraq by the USA, UK, France and other countries since 2014 means those countries are acting with Russia (who supports Assad)
define economic restructuring
the shift from primary and secondary industry towards tertiary and quaternary industry as a result of deindustrialisation. It has large social and economic costs
who experiences greater issues in terms of maintaining Superpower status EU or USA
EU
Both regions face significant economic challenges that may prevent them from maintaining their global importance going forward. The USA is in a stronger position than the EU
why is the USA in a stronger position to maintain Superpower status than the EU
The USA consists of 50 states with their own rights and laws, the differences are minor and they are not sovereign, unlike the 28 countries that make up the EU. The USA is much more likely to agree on policies.
The USA is not ageing as fast as the EU. It has a fertility rate of 1.9 compared to 1.6 for the EU, so its population will be more youthful for longer.
give examples of the USA investing in its military
Military Expenditure: USA
Hard power approach → threat
£100 billion dollars into military → invests in military pillar of superpower status
In the past striking power and military protection was a huge source of power
After WW2 the USA went to other countries to teach other nations how to be democratic → spread of ideology
The USA set up 800 military bases around the globe
define bipolar world
world is dominated by two opposing powers/ideologies e.g USSR and USA in the cold war
define multipolar world
there are multiple powers within a local area
is the US hegemony
a multipolar, bipolar or unipolar
UNIPOLAR
what is US hegemony
US dominance, economic and military alliances, continue in a unipolar world.
is Regional Mosaic
a multipolar, bipolar or unipolar world
multipolar
what is regional mosaic
Emerging powers continue to grow while the EU and US decline in relative terms, creating a multipolar world of broadly equal powers with regional but not global influence.
