Superpowers Case Studies

Question 1

US economic power?

Answer 1

Over 60% of international trade transactions are in US$

Question 2

Where is the UK on the soft power rankings?

Answer 2

2nd

Question 3

British Empire PEAK stats?

Answer 3

At the height of the British Empire in 1922 the UK ruled over 25% of the world’s land area and 458 million people

Vast area meant the “sun never set on the British Empire”

Question 4

Apple / TNC one liner?

Answer 4

Over 150 countries - bigger market cap (value) than Canada’s GDP.

Question 5

State owned TNC?

Answer 5

Gazprom (Russia)

Question 6

The 500 largest TNCs account for ?

Answer 6

The 500 largest TNCs account for 70% of world trade

Question 7

Walmart TNC?

Answer 7

Walmart

• Walmart is the top TNC by revenue
• Walmart’s supply chain involves 30,000 factories in China
• It has 10,500 stores around the world and directly employs 2.3 million people

Question 8

Patent being bad?

Answer 8

The patents on new HIV treatments have made these drugs unaffordable in many developing countries where the disease is most prevalent

Question 9

Of the 10 best known brands, how many are american?

Answer 9

7

This increased the spread of Western culture - the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of western society

Question 10

Turkey / Syria Earthquake Aid Case Study?

Answer 10

At least 105 countries and 16 international organisations pledged help to Turkey and Syria following the 2023 earthquake, including significant resources from the USA and emerging superpowers

• USA pledged $185 million in aid
• China sent three rescue teams totalling almost 600 people
• The EU sent 31 rescue teams and 5 medical teams as well as committing €6.5 million
• NATO deployed temporary housing to accommodate 4,000 people
• The World Bank agreed to provide $1.78 billion in aid for relief and recovery

Question 11

US military bases?

Answer 11

**600 in total **

Almost a trillion in US defense spending per year!

Question 12

EU union headline stats?

Answer 12

• There are 27 member states
• The Euro currency is used by 19 of the members
• Allows for freedom of movement for people (within the Schengen Area) and goods
• It is also a political alliance with supranational and intergovernmental decision making

Question 13

Water scarcity stat?

Answer 13

Over 2.7 billion people suffer water scarcity for at least one month each year

Question 14

Give two examples of fossil fuel usage:

Answer 14

Indonesia: 81% of electricity from fossil fuels

China: Uses more coal than the rest of the world combined (57% of its energy)

Question 15

What minerals are in rising demand?

Answer 15

Graphite

Lithium (both used in batteries and renewables)

Question 16

Water pollution stat?

Answer 16

Water pollution (80% of China’s groundwater unsafe)

Question 17

What will the global middle class be like in 2030?

Answer 17

The global middle class is increasing and is predicted to reach 5.3 billion by 2030.

Over 43% of the global middle class will live in either India or China

Middle class spending is predicted to almost double by 2030.

Demand pull inflation - washing machines, TVs etc - all energy intensive.