Superpowers EQ1 Flashcards
What is a superpower?
A nation with the means to project power and influence anywhere in the world and be a dominant global force
What are the characteristics of superpowers?
Strong military influence
Political influence
Cultural influence
Access to natural resources
Established economy
What is an emerging superpower?
A rising economic influence of a nation steadily increasing their presence in global affairs
Eg china
What is a hyper power?
Unchallenged superpower that is dominant in all aspects of power
Eg USA 1990-2010
What is a regional superpower?
Country that has significant influence and power within a specific region
What is the definition of hard power?
Use of military force
What is the definition of soft power?
Using cultural influences to influence decisions
USA- English speaking, largely involved, strongly involved, strong cultural influence
What is sharp power?
Manipulation of political decision making
Eg hacking
Espionage- spys to obtain military and political info
What is Mackinder’s Heartland Theory?
argued the central region of europe and east asia (russia-china) was the key geo-strategic region in the world, if had control had control of most of the globes human + physical resources
What is a multi-polar world?
many broadly equal powers with regional influence but less global influence
What is a hegemony?
Control one state holds over others
What is a multi-polar world?
Many broadly equal powers with regional influence but less global influence
What is a bi-polar world?
2 opposing superpowers with different ideologies broadly equal in status
What is an example of a bi-polar world?
During the Cold War USSR and USA
An example of a multi-polar world?
European Imperialism
What is a uni-polar world?
One globally dominant superpower or hyper power
What is an example of a uni-power?
USA
What is neo-colonialism?
Practice of using capitalism,globalisation + cultural imperialism to influence a developing country
What are the possible mechanisms of neo-colonial control?
Strategic alliances
Aid
TNC investment
Terms of trade
Debt
What is strategic alliances?
Military alliances between superpowers and developing nations
Makes them dependent on aid
What is aid?
Development aid with conditions forcing recipient countries to agree to there policies + priorities suggested by donor
What is TNc investment?
Investment from abroad creates jobs + wealth
Depend on receiving country following policies
What is the terms of trade?
Low community export prices for imported goods from developed countries
Hinders development
What is debt?
Developing countries borrow money end up in debtor-creditor relationship
India Case Study facts
Britain had direct control until 1858
Helped Britain expand into south east Asia
1858- policy of promoting British language and culture
1947- became independent
What countries are involved in the BRICS?
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
Strengths of Brazil?
Rich in natural resources
Energy independent in oil + biofuels
Regional leader of Latin America
Strong global soft power
Weaknesses of Brazil?
Unstable economy
High rates of inflation
Small military- had recent investment
Economy suffers boom + bust
Needs to control deforestation
Education levels are lacking
Weaknesses of Russia?
Invasion of Ukraine exposed to poorly trained military
Ageing + declining population
Extreme levels of inequality
Overly dependent on oil and gas
Strengths of Russia?
nuclear power with large military capacity
huge oil + gas reserves - source of wealth
permeant seat on UN security council
Strengths of India?
world’s largest population
economic growth of 7% a year
growing working age
English + graduates wide spread
nuclear armed
largest military personnel
Weaknesses of India?
future resource shortage- water and energy
poor transport + energy infrastructure
high levels of poverty
poor political relations
Strengths of China?
ongoing property market decline
world’s largest navy
new coal fired power station each week
modern transport
highly educated
military tech + reach growing
Weaknesses of China?
major pollution issues
tense relations with south east asia
relies on imported materials
China Case study facts?
