Key Definitions Flashcards
Bipolar world
2 superpowers exist, each with opposing ideologies
Capitalism
The belief that individuals may gain wealth and status through business ventures, the hours they work and their skills
The Cold War
Tensions between the USA and USSR from 1950 to the 1990s due to their conflicting ideologies and competition to become a unipolar superpower
Colonialism
The act of gaining control, building an empire and exerting influence over other countries
Communism
The belief that everyone in a population should be equal financially and the property they own
Democracy
A political system where every member of the population has an equal vote
Dictatorship
One individual controls a country, rather than an elected government
Economic alliances
Trade blocs that promote trade between members, offer each other financial assistance and loans and allow the migration of workers between the states
Emerging states
Countries that have quickly gained influence, developed and have notable culture. Emerging states may become superpowers in the future
Empire
A collection of countries, ruled over or influenced by a single government
Environmental alliances
Groups of countries that discuss and pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions and protect the natural environment
Foreign direct investment (FDI)
The investment of money, infrastructure or assets by a foreign government or business
Hard power
Exerting a country’s influence over another through the use of economic or military intervention
Human Resources
The available workforce and skills of the population, which can contribute to a country’s status
Ideology
Beliefs and values that are shared within a population
Imperial era
The period of 18th and 19th century when European states created empires, using hard power to rule over America, Africa and Asia
Intellectual property
The ownership of ideas and designs such as patents and copyrights
Mackinders Heartland Theory
Whoever controls the heartland (Russia, Eastern Europe and South Asia) controls the majority of physical and Human Resources, and so will be a leading superpower
Military alliance
A group of states that share weapons and intelligence, offer military assistance and discuss international affairs such as terrors attacks, national security etc…
Multi polar world
There are several superpowers, each with a characteristic strength, competing for global influence and status
Physical resources
The natural assets such as fossil fuels, minerals or crops, that can be sold for profit or political gain
Sanctions
Restrictions put in place against a country who breaks international law or agreements
Soft power
Exerting a country’s influence over another through cultural diffusion, political reform and FDI
Spheres of contest
Areas of competition for superpowers and emerging states eg. Land ownership, state borders etc…
