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Edexcel A-Level Geography > Superpowers > Flashcards

Superpowers Flashcards

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1
Q

What is Hard Power?

A

The ability of a country or group of countries to use military force or direct economic influence to make another country accept a situation or idea.

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2
Q

What is Soft Power?

A

The ability of a country or group of countries to persuade other countries to agree to a situation or idea by making it attractive.

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3
Q

What is Neo Colonialism?

A

Indirect actions by which developed countries exercise to a degree of control over the development of their former colonies/ The use of investment, trade and culture to influence independent countries instead of direct governance. (same as soft power).

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4
Q

How has Military Power been shown by Superpowers?

A

-The USA responded to Kuwait’s request for military help in 1991 following the countries invasion by Iraq.
-The USA exercised hard power by confronting the Taliban and bringing about the death of Osama Bin Laden.

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5
Q

How has Economic Power been shown by Superpowers?

A

-Although USA and Chinese GDP totals are similar, 2015 per capita income in the USA was 4x higher than China.
-The USA remains the largest trading partner for many countries exporting high-value goods and global brands.
-The USA has dominance in innovation and intellectual property, such as patents.

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6
Q

How has History been used by Superpowers?

A

-English Monarchy
-Families from all over the world send their children to study at British Universities.
-The culture and other relationships established by the British Empire.

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7
Q

How has Culture been used by Superpowers?

A

-The BBC is a major international broadcaster.
-English is the most widely spoken language after Mandarin.

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8
Q

How has Diplomacy been used by Superpowers?

A

-The UK has one of the largest networks of embassies and high commissions, British Diplomats are widely respected and Britain has been highly influential in imposing economic sanctions.

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9
Q

What is the Economic Factor in a Superpowers?

A

-High GDP and high levels of trade.
-Heavy influence over global trade.
-Hard currency held in reserves by other countries.

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10
Q

What is the Political Factor in Superpowers?

A

-Permanent seat on the UN security council, together with powerful allies.
-Many multilateral agreements.

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11
Q

What is the Military Factor in Superpowers?

A

-High expenditure, largest amount of hardware and personnel, including nuclear weapons.
-Could command global military control.
-Unparalleled intelligence networks.
-Exporters of technplogy.

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12
Q

What is the Cultural Factor in Superpowers?

A

Long standing tradition and rich cultural history or way of life voluntarily enjoyed by many around the world, for example music or fashion.

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13
Q

What is the Demographics Factor in Superpowers?

A

-Significant percentage of global population.
-Attracts skilled migrants and other workers.

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14
Q

What is the Access To Resources Factor in Superpowers?

A

Able to export and control the supply of valuable commodities for example oil, or able to secure the resources it needs. On the other hand. multiple resources make a country less dependent on others (energy security). Occupying a world location that enables it to command influence.

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15
Q

What is Halford Mackinders geostrategic theory?

A

-He gave his theory in 1904 where he believed that to exert influence the country had to control strategic areas of land.
-According to this theory the continental power was represented by the world island which consisted of Eurasia and Africa, this Heartland was perceived as the greatest natural fortress on earth surrounded on all geographical barriers.
-For example after WW2 the USA adopted a policy of containment, to ensure that Russian ideology (communism) would not spread by force or influence other countries recovering from the war.

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16
Q

What is Unipolar in terms of international relations?

A

It is a distribution of power in which one state exercises most of the cultural, economic and military influence.

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17
Q

What is Bipolar in terms of international relations?

A

It is a distribution of power in which two states exercise most of the cultural, economic and military influence.

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18
Q

What is the quote for America moving towards global hegemony?

A

“The United States, of course, is the sole state with pre-eminence in every domain of power - economic, military, diplomatic, ideological, technological and cultural with the reach and capabilities to promote its interests in virtually every part of the world.”

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19
Q

What is the Evidence for the Unipolar world (Britain)?

A

Hard:
-The British Empire comprised of colonies in Canada, America and the West Indies.
-The first English colonies were formed in North America.
-1899-1902 the second Boer war where the British conquered South Africa.
Soft:
-Allowing independence for India and Pakistan (1947).
-1973 Britain joined the European Economic community.
-1997, Britain formally handed Hong Kong to China.

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20
Q

What is the Evidence for the Bipolar world (USA vs USSR)?

A

-Korean war (1950) -> when things got heated between the societies and the us
-Space race (1975) -> rivalry of who could get the farthest
-Cuban missile crisis (1962) -> closest to the us and the soviets fighting
-Strategic Arms limitation talks (1969) -> one of the first steps to slow the arms race

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21
Q

What is the Evidence for the Unipolar world (USA)?

A

-The US economy grew by around 4% per year from 1992-1999
-An average of 1.7 million jobs a year were added to the US workforce -> 850,000 a year this century
-Unemployment rate dropped 8% to 4%
-The median household income grew by 10% from 1990-1999

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22
Q

What is the Evidence for the Multipolar world ?

A

-1 million Chinese people are estimated to live in Africa -> which have large amounts of raw materials
-BRICs are starting to lead the world in renewable energy production -> e.g. the solar panel production in China
-In 2010, 80% of Chinese important their mineral products from Africa
-China had become a ‘mega-trader’, larger than imperial Britain -> prices have soared while manufacturing costs have shrunk

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23
Q

What are some facts about the BRICS?

A

-China has become a ‘meg-trader’, larger than imperial Britain commodity prices have soared while manufacturing costs have shrunk
-Cultural differences mean there is a lack of common understanding which limits sharing of experiences
-Larger populations means a huge labour market
-Working age populations are starting to shrink
-Historic rise in greenhouse-gas emissions three of the top four polluters are BRICS countries
-Starting to lead the world in renewable energy production

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24
Q

What are some facts about G20?

A

-Newer members of G20 tend not to keep agreements and commitments as seriously
-Focuses on creating economic growth by encouraging private businesses to invest in infrastructure; will help tackle youth unemployment
-Agree to post-recession ‘green stimulus package’ worth US$1.1 trillion and -commitment to remove fossil fuel subsidies
-Have agreed on a need to tackle climate change and global health issues

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25
Q

What is Rostow’s Modernisation Theory?

A

There are 5 stages of development through time
The Traditional Society -> Pre-conditions for Take Off -> Take Off -> The Drive to Maturity -> High Mass Consumption

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26
Q

What are the Successes of the Modernisation Theory?

A

-Regardless of speed, the stages are representative of what is seen
-Mirrors similar geographical models e.g. Clark Fisher
-Accounts for global shift, most countries fit into it

27
Q

What are the Criticisms of the Modernisation Theory?

A

-Doesn’t account for uneven development
-Doesn’t account for speed
-Doesn’t account for geopolitical intervention (other countries give things)

28
Q

What is Acculturation?

A

A process of cultural change that takes place when two different cultures meet and interact. It includes the transfer of a dominant culture on a subordinate culture.

29
Q

What is Hyperpower?

A

An unchallenged superpower that is dominant in all aspects of power (political, economic, cultural, military) examples include the USA from 1990 to 2010 and Britain from 1850 and 1910.

30
Q

What is Andre Frank’s Dependency Theory?

A

-He suggested that development should be viewed within an economic global context rather than focusing on individual countries
-It has two categories, Core Developed Countries and Peripheral Developing Countries
-The core countries exchange with the peripheral countries, Manufactured goods, Aid, Polluting Industry, Political and economic ideas.
-The peripheral countries exchange with the core countries, Brain drain, Raw materials, Political support, Debt repayments and purchase payments

31
Q

What are the Successes on the Dependency Theory?

A

-Aspects are recognised in todays world
->Aid represents global trend
->Political support
->Resources (unaccounted for renewable technology)

32
Q

What are the Criticisms on the Dependency Theory?

A

-Manufactured goods no longer made in developed (outdated)
-> model does not recognise global shift
-Broad 2 categories
->emerging world not recognised
->BRICS
-Time frame/ limited categories recognised

33
Q

What is Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory?

A

He developed his theory to view development within a global economic context rather than focusing on individual countries, as peripheral regions have increasingly become part of the world economy.
-Recognises that countries can change -> global shift

34
Q

How can a Superpower be defined?

A

-Economic power
-Military power
-Cultural power
-Resources
-Political power

35
Q

What are the BRICS?

A

Rising BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China) were identified as a group of emerging power in 2001. South Africa is sometimes included.

36
Q

What is G20?

A

This group includes some potential emerging powers e.g. Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
->G20 countries account for 285% of global GDP, 85% of world trade, 65% of the worlds population.

37
Q

What is Counterfeiting (economic conflict)?

A

Manufacturing copies of products of a trusted brand without the permission to do so.

38
Q

Who carries out Counterfeiting?

A

Companies in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, the EUA, Russia and India.

39
Q

Why is Counterfeiting problematic for G8 countries in particular?

A

It sours relationships between countries, especially the USA and China.
Counterfeiting costs G20 countries US$85 billion a year.

40
Q

Why is Counterfeiting on the increase?

A

Global manufacturing has shifted to countries where intellectual property rights are poorly protected.
The internet has made it easier to find the technological information required to make fake goods and sell and distribute the products around the world.

41
Q

What have been the attempts to Limit Counterfeiting?

A

-In 2011, 32 countries signed the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, including the USA and the EU but not China.
-US and EU companies have filed lawsuits against prominent Chinese banks that are regarded as ‘safe havens’ for counterfeiting

42
Q

Why is the Arctic Circle a potential site of Conflict (environmental conflict)?

A

Around 1/4 of the world’s undiscovered oil and natural gas may be loctaed in the Arctic Ocean and there are already territorial boundary disputes.

43
Q

Who can claim what in the Arctic Circle?

A

-The USA could claim territory roughly half the size of Alaska
-Russia is claiming nearly half of the Arctic ocean
-Greenland and Russia Lomonosov Ridge -> giant undersea mass extending between the two
(If they overlap it is disputed using military force)

44
Q

Who recognises what in the Arctic Circle/Key Military Developments?

A

-Norway doesn’t recognise Russia’s claim as legitimate
-There have been military developments from 2002-2012

45
Q

What are the Threats to the Natural Environment in the Arctic Circle?

A

It puts ecosystems under more stress.

46
Q

Where is a Sphere of Influence?

A

A physical region over which a country believes it has economic, military, cultural or political rights. Spheres of influence extend beyond the borders of a country. It represents a region where the country believes it has the right to influence the policies of other countries.

47
Q

What is the Conflict over in the South China Sea (political conflict)?

A

The 8 islands (The Senkaku’s) in the East China Sea because the surrounding seas are rich fishing grounds and there are extensive gas and oil reserves under the seabed.

48
Q

What Actions has been taken by China?

A

Established a small military presence on the Spratly islands.

49
Q

How has the USA gotten involved?

A

The USA is committed to defending the Philippines and Japan, and has used an aircraft carrier group to resume ‘freedom of navigations’ operations.

50
Q

What has been the Switch in Allegiance?

A

Former communist states of eastern Europe have joined the EU in 2004.

51
Q

What is the Role of Gazprom (political conflict)?

A

-Russia has opposed the US constructing a strategic missile shield in Poland.
-In 2006 and 200- Gazprom raised the price of its gas and subsequently cut off the supply to Ukraine in winter.

52
Q

What is the situation with Georgia?

A

When Georgia wanted to join NATO in 2010, Russia used the excuse of Russian ethnicity in both South Ossetia (part of Georgia) and North Ossetia (part of Russia) to behin an armed conflict between the two territories.

53
Q

What is the situation with Crimea?

A

The Crimean Peninsula gives Russia complete access to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean for its navy.

54
Q

What are the causes of Instability in the Middle East?

A

-Governance (Most of the countries are relatively new states so democracy is either weak or non-existant)
-Religion (Most of the region is Islamic, but there are different types which are in conflict with each other within and between borders)
-History (Many international borders in the region were drawn on the map by colonial powers and don’t reflect the actual geography of religious or cultural groupings)
-Oil and Gas (65% of the world’s crude oil exports originate in the region)
-Youth (Many have youthful populations with high unemployment rates and relatively low education levels. The potenital for young adults to become dissaffected is high)
-Resources (Altough rich in fossil fuels, the region is short of water and farmland meaning territorial war over resources is likely)

55
Q

What is the United Nations?

A

-The main function of the UN is to preserve international peace and secuirty
-There are five permanent members, China, USA, France, UN and Russia -> if any of them say no to as decision then it doesn’t happen
-The UN has helped to end numerous conflicts often through the actions of the Secuirty Council
-It is mainly located in New York City in the USA
-The UN has three major offices outside of its headquarters and five Regional Economic Commissions

56
Q

What is the World Trade Organisation?

A

It is an organisation for trade opening
-The WTO operates the global systems of trade rules and helps developing countries build their trade capacity
-The five principles are non-discrimination, reciprocity, enforceable committments, transparency and safety valves
-There are 164 members
-The WTO operates the global systems of trade rules and helps developing economies build their trade capacity, global rules of trade provides assurances and stability

57
Q

What is the International Monetary Fund?

A

-The IMF works to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity for all of its 290 members countries
-The IMF provides financial support to countries hit by crises to create breathing room as they implement policies that restore economic stability and growth
-The IMF headquarters are in Washington DC, USA
-The IMF promotes global macroeconomic and financial stabiloty and provides policy advice and capacity development support to help countries build and maintain strong economies

58
Q

What are the Challenges for Superpowers?

A

-Human rights record
-Migration
-Tourism
-Who to support?

59
Q

What are the factors Threatening Superpowers?

A

-Economic Restructure
-Energy Insecurity
-Aging Population
-Internal Conflict

60
Q

How is the EU (superpowers) being threatened?

A

-Debt in the Eurozone amounted to €9.7 trillion in 2016 and £1.6 trillion in the UK
-The EU is aging fast; by 2025 20% of EU citizens will be over 65
-Energy security is a key EU issue, as it relies on imported oil and gas, some of which comes from Russia

61
Q

How is the USA (superpowers) being threatened?

A

-National debt in the USA in 2016 was US$19 trillion
-Race relations in parts of the USA are strained and at a national level, there is often political deadlock between democrates and republicans
-Water insecurity is an increasing problem in the southwest
-Health spending swallows 17% of the USA’s annual GDP -> 74% of adults are overweight, adding significantly to healthcare costs

62
Q

What are the Costs of being a Superpower?

A

-Costs of competition
-Responsibility -> leaders, populations
-Financial contributions
(these all lead to greater scrutiny)

63
Q

How has the UK shown Hard Power?

A

-UK’s nucelar arsenal sonsist of 225 nuclear war heads
-4 UK built vanguard class nuclear powered submarines at least one of which is at sea at all times
-Replacing the missiles costs £25 billion

Edexcel A-Level Geography (12 decks)

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