International Influence

Question 1

1P

Answer 1

The USA is hugely influential, partly because of its economic power.

Question 2

1E

Answer 2

The US is the world’s largest economy. It has the highest GDP in the world at $16.2 trillion, and an abundance of natural resources

Question 3

1E

Answer 3

For example, it is a world leader in oil and gas production, as well as manufacturing. Over 130 of the world’s biggest 500 companies are American, including Exxon Mobil and Chevron.

Question 4

1A

Answer 4

The huge wealth generated by the USA gives it huge international influence. Many American companies operate globally which again demonstrates the USA’s influence. In addition, the fact that so many countries in the world were affected by the 2008 recession, which began in the US.

Question 5

1R

Answer 5

However, in recent years the economic influence of the US has faltered.

Question 6

1E

Answer 6

The US’s economic supremacy has come under threat due to the recent global recession and increasing competition from other countries.

Question 7

1E

Answer 7

Total public and private debt in the USA is three times its GDP at over $50 trillion. The number of households in the US with incomes below $2 a day as doubled in recent years making it one of the most unequal countries in the world in terms of its economy. The US’s Gina-coefficient (measuring inequality) is at 45.0 which is higher than both Russia and China.

Question 8

1A

Answer 8

This along with China’s continued prosperity mean that perhaps American economic influence is under threat.

Question 9

1L

Answer 9

Overall, it is clear that the US is hugely influential in terms of its economy. It has the world’s highest GDP and has economic interests all over the world. However, its dominance is under threat as a result of the recent recession and increasing competition from countries like China.

Question 10

2P

Answer 10

In addition, the US has huge military influence.

Question 11

2E

Answer 11

The US has the most powerful and well-funded military in the world today.

Question 12

2E

Answer 12

In 2012, the US spent almost $700 billion on defence which is more than Russia, China, the UK and several other powers combined.

Question 13

2A

Answer 13

This gives the US tremendous influence as other countries are well aware of its militry prowess. It is the leading member of NATO, the world’s biggest and most influential military alliance and has been involved in numerous conflicts in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.

Question 14

2R

Answer 14

However, the US’s military influence is not limitless.

Question 15

2E

Answer 15

The US has in recent years tried to prevent such as Iraq and North Korea from gaining nuclear weapons but it may have failed in this regard.

Question 16

2E

Answer 16

In addition, since leaving Iraq after more than a decade, the region remains extremely volatile. Furthermore, the US has faced international condemnation because of its continued drone strikes in countries such as Pakistan.

Question 17

2A

Answer 17

This suggests that perhaps the US military is not all-powerful.

Question 18

2L

Answer 18

To sum up, the US has the world’s most powerful military and this undoubtedly gives it huge influence internationally, however it is clearly limited in that it is not always able to realise its aims.

Question 19

3P

Answer 19

Furthermore, the US’s involvement in various international organisations is evidence of its international influence.

Question 20

3E

Answer 20

The US is one of the five permenant members of the UN Security Council. This gives the US the power to veto UN acton on issues and they have used this power on numerous occasions.

Question 21

3E

Answer 21

The US has repeatedly vetoed resolutions conemning Israeli aggresion towards Palestinians and as a result the UN has not stepped in this region. The US is also heavily involved with UN specialised agencies such as WHO, UNICEF and UNESCO, as well as the IMF and World Bank.

Question 22

3A

Answer 22

The US’s membership, and leadership, of the NATO alliance is further evidence of its international influence.

Question 23

3R

Answer 23

However, in spite of being at the forefront of many international organisations, it is arguable that it does not have total power.

Question 24

3EE

Answer 24

Tensions between the US and other countries, particularly Russia and China, highlight that perhaps the US will not be the world’s ony superpower for much longer.

Question 25

3L

Answer 25

To sum up, the US’s membership of various organisations including the UN, G8 and NATO demonstrate its huge influence internationally. Although it does not face an increasing threat from other potential superpowers, most notably Russia and China.

Question 26

CONC

Answer 26

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the USA is a country with huge international influence. It has a strong economy and military, is a key member of various international organisations and is heavily involved in international conflicts and in the affairs of other countries. However, perhaps its influence has lessened as a result of as a result of the economic recesion and increasing international condemnation of its military compaign in Iraq, as well as an on-going drone strikes in countries such as Pakistan. Furthermore, the US’s claim to be the world’s only superpower could be under threat as a result of the growth of the other world powers, most notably China. Overall, the US is hugely influential although its power may be declining.