Superpowers 2) Flashcards
What is colonialism?
Control over another country through direct control.
What is neo-colonialism?
Control over another country in subtle, less direct ways.
How do superpowers maintain power?
Directly though the colonial model of direct control. Or by the neo-colonial model of indirect control.
What examples fit the colonial model of direct control?
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.
What examples suit the neo-colonial model of indirect control?
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.
Why and how is Aid usually unfair?
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.
What is an IGO?
Inter-governmental organisation.
Give examples of IGO’s
UN G8 NATO EU IMF
What’s the purpose of NATO
To ensure security of its members through political and military means.
What’s the purpose of the G8?
To discuss global issues to promote economic growth.
What is the purpose of the United Nations?
To promote peace.
Why is the EU not considered a superpower?
Although it’s a significant global power, it’s not considered a superpower as its a group of 27 countries who have internal arguments.
Give four countries that make up the G8
USA, France, UK, Germany and Japan.
Why can IGO’s be unfair?
Membership give key players disproportionate power.
Why is military spending an indicator for superpower status?
Good military spending indicates a good economy.
Threats to use force can be used if negotiations fail.
Gives power to influence global affairs.
How is culture spread by?
Globalisation.
1) Global brands and logos
2) Global media e.g. Disney
3) American based TNC’s
4) Widespread use of English
What’s possibly negative about the spread of culture e.g. Americanisation.
Some people argue that the spread of Western culture can erode local culture and traditions.
How is the superpower status of the US threatened by the rise of the BRIC’s?
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.
What will be the effects environmentally, of the rise of the BRIC’s?
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.
What is holding India back from being a superpower?
Climate
Poor infrastructure - which attracts less FDI
What countries have growing middle class?
Brazil and India
