SUPERPOWERS Flashcards
Bipolar World
Two 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
The act of gaining control, building an empire and exerting influence over other countries.
Colonisalism
The belief that everyone in a population should be equal financially, the property they own and politically.
Communism
The belief that everyone in a population should be equal financially, the property they own and politically.
Capitalism
an economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.
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 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.
Frank’s Dependency Model
Describes neo-colonialism and how a country can gain control over a neo-colony through exploitation and economic dependency.
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.
Mackinder’s Heartland Theory
Whoever controls the heartland (Russia, Eastern Europe and
parts of 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 & intelligence, offer military assistance and discuss international affairs such as terror 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.
Rostow’s Modernisation Theory
The development of a country takes five stages of growth:
Traditional Society, Pre-Conditions for Take Off, Take Off, Drive to Maturity, Mass Consumption.
Sanctions
Restrictions put into 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, e.g. land ownership, intellectual property, state borders.
Unipolar World
There is one superpower who dominates economically and politically.
Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory
Describes the movement of raw materials and
manufactured goods between the core and periphery.
