Superpowers Definition Flashcards
What is a Bi polar world?
Two superpowers exist, each with opposing ideologies
What is capitalism?
The belief that individuals may gain wealth and status through business ventures, the hours they work and their skills
What is the Cold War?
Tensions between the USA and USSR from 1950 to1990s due to their conflicting ideologies and competition to become unipolar superpower
What is colonialism?
The act of gaining control, building an empire and exerting influence over other countries
What is communism?
The belief that everyone in a population should be equal financially, the property they own and politically
What is democracy?
A political system where every member of the population has an equal vote
What is a dictatorship?
One individual controls a country, rather than an elected government
What is an economic Alliances?
Trade blocs that promote trade between members, offer each other financial assistance and loans and allow the migration of workers between states
What is an emerging state?
Countries that have quickly gained influence, developed and have notable culture. Emerging states may become superpowers in the future
What is an empire?
A collection of countries, ruled over or influenced by a single government
What is an environmental alliances?
Groups of countries that discuss and pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions and protect the natural environment
What is franks dependency model?
Describes Neo-colonialism and how a country can gain control over a neo-colony through exploitation and economic dependency
What is Foreign direct investment?
The investment of money, infrastructure or assets by a foreign government or business
What is hard power?
Exerting a country’s influence over another through the use of economic or military intervention
What is Human Resources?
The available workforce and skills of the population, which can contribute to a country’s status
What is an ideology?
Beliefs and values that are shared within a population
What is an imperial era?
The period of 18th and 19th century, when European states created empires, using hard power to rule over America, Africa and Asia
What is intellectual property?
The ownership of ideas and designs, such as patents and copyrights
What is Mackinder Heartland theory?
Whoever controls the heartland (Russia, Eastern Europe and parts of South Asia) controls the majority of physical and Human Resources, and so will be a leading superpower
What is military alliance?
A group of states that share weapons and intelligence, offer military assistance and discuss international affairs such as terror attacks, national security, etc
What is a multi polar world?
There are several superpowers, each with a characteristic strength, competing for global influence and status
What are physical resources?
The natural assets such as fossil fuels, minerals or crops, that can be sold for profit or political gain
What is Rostows Modernisation theory?
The development of a country takes five stages of growth:
Traditional society
Pre conditions for take off
Take off
Drive to maturity
Mass consumption
What is a sanction?
Restrictions put into place against a country who breaks international law or agreements
What is soft power?
Exerting a county’s influence over another through cultural diffusion, political reform and FDI
What are spheres of contest?
Areas of competition for superpowers and emerging states e.g. land ownership, intellectual property, state boarders
What is a unipolar world?
There is one superpower who dominates economically and politically
What is the wallerstines world system theory?
Describes the movement of raw materials and manufactured goods between the core and periphery
