Superpowers Flashcards
Define neo-colonialism?
Indirect control over developing countries using economic, political, cultural, or other pressures to control or influence other countries, especially former dependencies. (an extension of dependency theory?)
What are the three distinct phases of the Empire?
The Mercantilist phase (1600-1850)
The Imperial phase (1850-1945)
The Decolonialisation phase (1945-?)
How many overseas territories does Britain still control?
14
What is the function of the World Bank?
To give advice, loans and grants for the reduction of poverty and the promotion of economic development
How does a superpower exercise its power militarily?
Access to nuclear weapons, ability to ‘watch’ the world using satellite and spy technology
E.g. USA, largest military budget in the world.
Nuclear Weapons= China, Russia, USA and UK…
What is the function of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)?
Trade policy, agreements and settling disputes. It promotes global free trade
How does a superpower exercise its power economically?
Wealth enables them to export their power around the world, buy resources and influence trade patterns.
E.g. USA largest GDP per capita. $53,000
What is the function of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)?
A military alliance between European countries and the USA. Recent new members include Poland
Give examples of a country that has been colonised by the British
India - South Africa -Australia -Nigeria -Sudan -Canada -Malaysia -Guinea -Falkland Islands
Name a country that has experienced Chinese ‘neo-colonialism’?
Ghana -Sudan -Angola -Zimbabwe -Cameroon -Gabon -South Africa -Nigeria
What are the arguments for Chinese investment in Africa?
Building hospitals and schools -better than no investment -investment creates jobs -the real GDP of Sub- Saharan Africa increased by 4.4% between 2001-04.
What is colonialism?
The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically
Why is there often conflict over territory after decolonialisation?
Colonial borders didn’t reflect ethical and religious boundaries
What kind of superpower society was the British Empire?
Imperialist system. Its culture, economy and politics dominated other colonies
Why has the Davos Group been criticised?
Anti-globalisation campaigners say it creates inequality through capitalism. They also have no official status yet it is attended by presidents and prime ministers as well as Hollywood A-listers.
What is the function of G8 and who is a part of it?
To tackle global problems by discussing issues and planning what action Western democracies should take. It consists of the eight most powerful nations in the world: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the UK and the US
What is the function of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
To monitor the economic and financial development of countries and to lend money when countries are facing financial difficulties.
What is the function of the United Nations (UN)?
To prevent war and reach an agreement on international disputes. It has since developed a wide range of specialist agencies dealing with matters such as health and refugees.
What are the arguments against Chinese investment in Africa?
Poor workers rights –> Chambishi copper mine in Zambia. Workers only paid £53 per month -poor safety conditions –> Chambishi copper mine. 51 miners died in an explosion in 2005 -imported Chinese workers for infrastructure projects instead of African workers -imported Chinese doctors but didn’t train African people -China has an unfair deal and receives more e.g. African raw materials
Name some of the most important raw material relationships between Africa and China
Iron and platinum from South Africa, Zimbabwe, DRC -Timber from South Africa, Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville and Cameroon -Oil from Angola, Nigeria, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville -Cotton from several countries in western central Africa. —> 1/3 of Burkina Faso’s exports, almost all cotton, go to China
Name a point of increased tension in the Cold War?
Korean War 1950-53
Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
Why is it sometimes difficult for the UN to reach decisions?
The power of the veto vote allows permanent members (China, France, Russia, UK and USA) to block decisions. For example, the UN has not taken action in the Syrian Civil War due to Russia’s allegiance with Syrian President Asaad.
