Superpowers EQ1 Flashcards
What is a superpower?
A nation with the means to project its power and influence anywhere in the world, and to be a dominant global force.
What is a hyperpower?
Is an unchallenged superpower that is dominant in all aspects of all power e.g USA and Britain.
What is hard power?
Power through force or coercion and is likely to involve military power or economic sanctions.
What is soft power?
Exerting influence through favour and persuasion, and is therefore likely to be based on cultural power.
What is economic power?
Economic or development aid from one nation to another.
Give an example of a superpower, an emerging superpower, and a regional power.
- USA
- India
- South Africa, Brazil
What characteristics make a country a superpower?
- Military
- Political
- Cultural influence
- Access to natural resources
How effective is soft power?
Hard power is expensive, both in terms of money and lives. Many countries rely on soft power as it’s both attractive and effective. For decades the olympic and Paralympic games have been used by host countries to improve their global brand.
How does physical size help superpowers maintain power?
Countries with a large land area are important because they tend to have greater natural resources. Extend influence over a larger number of neighbours.
How does the population help superpowers maintain power?
Countries with a large population are seen as important because:
Economic growth cannot be sustained without sufficient number of workers e.g. UK
Cheap workers can help to promote economic growth e.g. China and India
Larger populations encourage economic growth through markets e.g. EU
However, some countries have managed to promote significant economic growth without a large population e.g. Singapore
How does the resources help superpowers maintain power?
Countries with resources necessary for economic development should hold significant power
However, countries with significant resources are not necessarily powerful because:
Exporting raw materials adds little value. TNCs control large volumes of resources
How does military strength help superpowers maintain power?
Countries with a large military may be viewed to be more powerful. However, the type of weapons owned is also representative of power.
How does economic strength help superpowers maintain power?
Countries with the largest economies have a significant influence over global economies. Between the top 12 richest countries they:
Earn around 2/3 of world GDP
Control investment
Use the world’s most powerful currencies ($, € and £) determine economic policies which affect the globe.
In addition, the G20 group (countries with the 19 largest economies plus the EU) influence the global economy and control aid to LEDCs
How does the cultural influence help superpowers maintain power?
Increased globalisation has led to the spread of global culture via TNCs. E.g China dominate by deciding what people watch= censorship.
What are the top 12 richest countries?
USA , Japan, China, India, Mexico, Brazil, UK, France, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Russia.
- OECD Members
- G8 Members
- G20 Members
- 38 Countries involved. e.g. Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica etc.
- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK and USA.
- EU and 19 states that compose 85% GDP and 65% population
What is the Mackinder Theory?
Mackinder the idea was that whoever gained control of Eastern Europe, controlled the Heartland –also known as the Pivot Area—and whoever controlled the Heartland, could easily gain control of the World Island (Africa and Eurasia).
What is cultural hegemony?
Cultural hegemony describes a situation where the values of those in power are accepted by the people, thus keeping them in power. Education, religion and the media subtly reinforce the values of the powerful and maintain their hegemony.
What was the British Empire?
This was the largest empire in history
By 1922, the British Empire controlled over 458 million people; 25% of world’s population & covered more than 13,000,000 square miles.
Why was the British Empire created?
To obtain raw materials, to secure markets, to extend political power and beliefs.
What was the colonialism in India?
The current presidential palace in Delhi was built by the British as a symbol of political power. The navy surrounded the ports of India as a symbol of military power
In order to maximise exploitation the British ‘modernised’ India building an extensive rail network.
Why did colonialism rise and how did it fall?
Raw materials
A powerful military
The large slave industry
Uprisings
Wars
Industrialisation
Why was Britain so powerful as a superpower?
- Slave trade
- Good land
- Strong navy
- Industrial revolution
How did the British Empire fall?
At its strongest, the British Empire covered about 25% of the world’s land area and had 25% of its population.
After the second world war the UK was bankrupt and could not support countries in its empire.
Anti-colonial movements began and many countries pushed for independence. Most countries became independent by 1970.
What is a Uni-polar world?
One superpower eg British Empire 1800-1918.
What is a Bi-polar world?
Two superpowers eg US and USSR till 1990.
What is a Multi-polar world?
Many powerful nations eg today china, US, EU.
What is Colonialism?
A process by which a country takes over new land, and recognises that land’s economy to benefit the colonising power, rather than to benefit the residents of the colony.
What is Imperialism?
A relationship of political, economic or cultural control between geographical areas.
What is Colonisation?
They physical settling of people from a colonial power within their colony.
What was the Mercantile phase of the British Empire?
1600-1850, to do with trade, forts navy and protecting trade of raw materials (sugar, tea) and slaves
-private companies eg east India company.
What was the Imperial phase of the British Empire?
1850-1945, coastal colonies extend inland, religion sport and - English language introduced to colonies.
What was the Post Colonial phase of the British Empire?
British rule throughout the world weakened. The empire was transformed into the commonwealth in which numerous states gained independence, but voluntarily associated with great Britain..
What was the justification of British colonialism, modernism?
Modernists believed the world could be benefited by human intervention, paper published suggested British were naturally intelligent.
