Superpowers Flashcards
What are the 2 case studies for the use of hard power in maintaining superpower status?
Russia-Ukraine conflict, British Empire
When did Russia invade Ukraine and why?
Feb 2022, feared that Ukraine would join NATO so smaller alliance of countries and loss of a physical barrier
What fraction of the world’s population did the British Empire reign over at its height?
Over 1/4 of the population
What was the British Empire used as a vehicle for?
Trade, political influence, diffusion of English language
What part of the British Raj did the British Empire capitalise on?
Large population and soldiering being an honourable tradition in India –> became backbone of military power
What is the case study for soft power?
Ghana (IMF)
When did Ghana become a crude oil-exporting nation and by what % has production risen by?
December 2010, 173%
What % of Ghana’s finished petroleum products are imported back into Ghana?
80%
What is the case study for cultural neo-colonialism?
Apple (soft power)
What has Apple become as a result of technological innovation and advertising (cultural neo-colonialism)?
Most powerful brand in the world
How much more does Apple have in cash reserves than the US government (cultural neo-colonialism)?
3x more
What is the case study for political neo-colonialism?
World Bank (reinforces hegemony of US)
What is economic/political decision-making by the World Bank dependent on and what % of this is held by developed nations?
Voting, 60% voting shares held by developed nations
What is the case study for miltary neo-colonialism?
Saudi Arabia
What % of global oil reserves does Saudi Arabia hold and which country is Saudi Arabia in conflict with (military neo-colonialism)?
60%, Iran
Who is supplying arms to Saudi Arabia (military neo-colonialism)?
USA
What are the BRIC countries (emerging powers)?
Brazil, Russia, India, China
What is a strength of Russia?
Large oil and gas reserves so huge export potential
What is a weakness of Russia?
Difficult relations with the rest of the world and now has economic sanctions after Ukraine invasion
What is a strength of China?
One Belt One Road initiative distributes wealth more evenly across the country
What is a weakness of China?
Conflict with US as One Belt One Road will bypass heavily US-dominated maritime routes, conflict with India over growing influence
What are 2 strengths of India?
Large, youthful population (65% under 35) so strong workforce, 2nd largest English-speaking country in the world so benefit from outsourcing
What are 2 weaknesses of India?
Don’t have good coastal protection, potential conflict with China over China’s growing influence
Which 3 IGOs do superpowers influence the global economy with (promote free trade/capitalism)?
IMF, World Bank, WTO (see migration for 7.3a)