Superpowers Flashcards
Describe the USA as a superpower.
Economic - GDP per capita: $53000, many natural resources, global trade links.
Military - US military spending accounts for 37% of all military spending globally.
Demographic - 45 million migrants live in USA.
Cultural - 16 of the top unis are in the states, rich culture, music, film, fast food.
Describe the tensions in the South China Sea case study.
China set up a military base on the Spratly islands, which are claimed by 6 different countries. Philippines pays some citizens to live on the islands.
There are large reserves of fossil fuels around them and it’s a strategic location - 30% of world trade passes through this region.
China has the most installed surface-to-air missiles in the Parcel archipelago maybe due to USA military presence in the Philippines.
USA sees this area as within its sphere of influence and contests China’s claims.
Describe the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
After the USSR collapsed in 1991, Ukraine became independent and factions within it made moves towards closer ties with the EU.
This was humiliating for Russia which had always seen Ukraine, as being within its sphere of influence.
Following the overthrow of a pro-Russian president in Ukraine in 2014 Russia stage a military intervention there, there was conflict between Western Ukraine and Eastern Ukraine.
Russian troops took control of the Crimea in Ukraine. The Crimea is now treated by Russia, as being an independent state within the Russian Federation.
Describe China’s belt and road initiative.
China’s belt and initiative is a $1 trillion infrastructure project to improve trade roots between China and 70 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. This increases China’s soft power influence across these three areas. China’s investment in military also increases its influence in Asia and the world. China is second in military spending.
What projects have China invested in, in Africa?
They invested $86 billion in 3000 projects in Africa.
They created a railway in Chad, Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, DR Congo, and Nigeria.
They created a hydro powered dam in Angola costing $2.8 billion and copper mining in South Africa for $1.36 billion.
Why are China investing in Africa?
To secure raw materials for Chinese industries. A third of Chinese investments are mining.
To develop African countries as a market for Chinese products. Many African nations are seeing rapid economic growth.
To increase China’s global political influence investments in military technology and infrastructure, gives China significant influence over these African countries .
What are the social/cultural tensions in the Middle East?
Between religions.
Refugees.
Young populations.
What are the political/historical tensions in the Middle East?
Borders.
Weak or no government.
What are the economic tensions in the Middle East?
Conflict over resources.
65% of oil/gas comes from the Middle East.
What are the environmental tensions in the Middle East?
Scars to landscapes.
More CO2 emissions.
How much did USA spend on space programming in 2013?
$40 billion.
(China - $11 billion) (Russia $10 billion).
What are the social challenges in the EU?
In 2015 - youth unemployment was 22%.
By 2025 - 20% of the EU will be over 65.
The EU’s workforce will drop by 14% by 2030.
What are the social challenges in USA?
Health spending is 17% of USA’s annual GDP.
74% of adult Americans are overweight.
USA is ageing slower.
Less women giving birth in the USA = older population.
How did the UK become a superpower through commerce?
The UK took resources from colonies and then turned them into products which were sold for more money than if you were to sell the raw resource.
Including the slave trade.
How did the UK become a superpower through conquest?
They took land/territory by force.
Expansion was supported by the Royal Navy (largest navy in the world).
How did the UK become a superpower through colonisation?
Settled in other parts of the world.
Imposed governments and education systems as well as religion.
Describe Russia as a BRIC nation (politics).
+Forming close ties with China, a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
-Difficult relationships with the EU as well as the USA.
Describe Russia as a BRIC nation (economics).
+Lots of natural resources (oil/gas) to export and sell.
-Extreme levels of inequality.
Describe Russia as a BRIC nation (military).
+Lots of nuclear weapons with a very large military capacity.
-Not many allies.
Describe Russia as a BRIC nation (culture).
+Encourages hard work and hospitality.
-No recent spread of culture.
Describe Russia as a BRIC nation (demographics).
+No overcrowding.
-Ageing and decreasing population.
Describe Russia as a BRIC nation (environmental).
+Much of the land is untouched.
-Environment destroyed due to oil/gas reserves.
How many REEs does space/military use?
17
