Superpowers 2)

Question 1

What is colonialism?

Answer 1

Control over another country through direct control.

Question 2

What is neo-colonialism?

Answer 2

Control over another country in subtle, less direct ways.

Question 3

How do superpowers maintain power?

Answer 3

Directly though the colonial model of direct control. Or by the neo-colonial model of indirect control.

Question 4

What examples fit the colonial model of direct control?

Answer 4

Using or threatening to use military force.
Imposing laws and language of the colonial power.
Economic imperialism, e.g. Extraction of cheap raw materials to benefit the developed country - possibly damaging them environmentally.

Question 5

What examples suit the neo-colonial model of indirect control?

Answer 5

Debt - unsustainable loans can channel repayments to developed world, causing crisis.
Trade - tariffs on countries not in trade blocs.
Aid - unfairly distributed with strings attached.
TNC’s - protect tech with patents and exploit workers through low wages.

Question 6

Why and how is Aid usually unfair?

Answer 6

It can be unfairly distributed and come with various strings attached. E.g. Israel in 2018, receives the most aid from the US, $3 billion. However, much of this goes to defence programs to protect American interests.

Question 7

What is an IGO?

Answer 7

Inter-governmental organisation.

Question 8

Give examples of IGO’s

Answer 8

UN
G8
NATO
EU
IMF

Question 9

What’s the purpose of NATO

Answer 9

To ensure security of its members through political and military means.

Question 10

What’s the purpose of the G8?

Answer 10

To discuss global issues to promote economic growth.

Question 11

What is the purpose of the United Nations?

Answer 11

To promote peace.

Question 12

Why is the EU not considered a superpower?

Answer 12

Although it’s a significant global power, it’s not considered a superpower as its a group of 27 countries who have internal arguments.

Question 13

Give four countries that make up the G8

Answer 13

USA, France, UK, Germany and Japan.

Question 14

Why can IGO’s be unfair?

Answer 14

Membership give key players disproportionate power.

Question 15

Why is military spending an indicator for superpower status?

Answer 15

Good military spending indicates a good economy.
Threats to use force can be used if negotiations fail.
Gives power to influence global affairs.

Question 16

How is culture spread by?

Answer 16

Globalisation.

1) Global brands and logos
2) Global media e.g. Disney
3) American based TNC’s
4) Widespread use of English

Question 17

What’s possibly negative about the spread of culture e.g. Americanisation.

Answer 17

Some people argue that the spread of Western culture can erode local culture and traditions.

Question 18

How is the superpower status of the US threatened by the rise of the BRIC’s?

Answer 18

Resources are likely to become strained.
Military dominance - e.g. 3 have nuclear weapons.
Outsourcing - e.g. India for software and IT, and China for cheap labour.
Ageing population - Japan, EU and Russia have ageing populations.

Question 19

What will be the effects environmentally, of the rise of the BRIC’s?

Answer 19

Strained resources.
GDP per capita of the BRIC’s is increasing.
E.g. Indias middle class has exceeded 300million. Growth of wealth results in more energy intensive goods/activities.

Question 20

What is holding India back from being a superpower?

Answer 20

Climate

Poor infrastructure - which attracts less FDI

Question 21

What countries have growing middle class?

Answer 21

Brazil and India