Superpowers Flashcards
Define superpowers.
A superpowers is an extremely powerful country, especially one capable of influencing international events and the acts and policies of less powerful countries. It’s Power can be felt all over the world.
Name the 7 Superpowers
Brazil, USA, UK, France, Russia, India and China.
What factors make a superpower?
Military, Economic, Soft, Population, Resources, Size and Political Power.
Why are countries with large area important?
Tend to have greater natural resources
Extend influence over a larger number of neighbours
Why is Population important?
Cheap workers can help to promote economic growth e.g. China and India
Larger populations encourage economic growth through markets e.g. EU
India is predicted to have the largest population by April 2023
Why are rescources important?
Countries with resources necessary for economic development should hold significant power e.g. Russia – gas; Middle East – oil
But some raw materials aren’t that valuable e.g. Australia and iron ore. And some TNCs control large volumes of resources e.g.BP/ Shell in Nigeria
Why is Military Power important?
The type of weapons owned is more important than the number of soldiers.
Countries in possession of nuclear weapons: USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, (Israel)
Ability to project power round the world with military bases and aircraft carriers.
Why is economic power so important?
Countries with the largest economies have a big influence over global economies
The top 10 economies around the world:
• Have around 2/3 of world GDP
• Control investment
• Use the world’s most powerful currencies ($, € and £)
• Determine economic policies which affect the globe
What is cultural power?
This is how appealing a nation’s way of life, values and beliefs are to others. It is sometimes called soft power.
It is often happens through film, the arts and food.
Britain has a lot of soft power - why?
Superpowers seek to project their beliefs onto others. Eg the USA – ‘western values’ of individual liberty, free-market capitalist economics and consumerism
How do superpowers have Political power?
Only 5 countries have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council – which is the key decision making body.
Only they can veto (stop) any resolution.
What are BRICs
They are Brazil, Russia, China and India and they are the ones who are most likely to become more powerful. They are emerging superpowers.
