Superpowers Knowledge Flashcards
What defines a superpower?
A nation able to project its power and influence anywhere in the world
A superpower is characterized as a dominant global force.
What are the pillars of power that a superpower depends on?
- Political
- Cultural
- Military
- Economy
- Resources
- Ideology
These pillars are essential for maintaining global influence.
What is political influence?
The ability to influence others through diplomacy
Political influence is a key component of a superpower’s strategy.
What role does military power play for a superpower?
It serves as a source of power threat and a bargaining chip
Military presence can deter adversaries and support diplomatic efforts.
How is culture significant to a superpower?
It represents a nation’s way of life, values, and ideology appealing to others
Cultural influence can enhance a nation’s soft power.
Define ideology in the context of a superpower.
A set of shared beliefs that are considered superior to others
Ideology can unify a nation and promote its values globally.
What types of resources are important for a superpower?
- Natural resources
- Wealth
- People
Resources are crucial for sustaining economic growth and military strength.
What does the economy refer to in the context of superpowers?
The money required to fund infrastructure
A strong economy supports all other pillars of power.
What is soft power?
The power of persuasion, often through culture
Soft power is about attracting others rather than coercing them.
What is hard power?
Using force, such as military presence
Hard power is often seen as a more aggressive approach to influence.
How has the importance of hard and soft power changed over time?
There is a greater emphasis on using soft power now
Many nations prefer diplomatic and cultural means over military force.
What does Mackinder’s geo-strategic location power theory state?
Whoever controlled Europe and Asia would control the world
This theory highlights the significance of geographic power.
What is imperial power?
A period in history when powerful nations expanded by establishing and controlling colonies
Imperial power often involved the exploitation of resources and peoples.
What percentage of global land did Britain own at the height of its imperial power?
24%
This illustrates the extent of British influence during the imperial era.
What is a unipolar world?
A world dominated by one superpower
This term refers to a global structure where a single nation holds the majority of cultural, economic, and military influence.
Define a bipolar world.
A world with 2 superpowers having differing ideologies competing for power
This structure often leads to geopolitical tensions and conflicts as seen during the Cold War.
What characterizes a multipolar world?
Many emerging and already superpowers competing for power
This can lead to a more complex international landscape with multiple centers of power.
What marked the beginning of the bipolar era?
The decline of the British Empire leading to competition between the USSR and USA
This transition significantly reshaped global politics.
What type of economic system does the USA represent?
Capitalist, hierarchy based
This system emphasizes private ownership and market-driven economies.
What type of economic system was the USSR based on?
Communist, equality based
This system aimed to eliminate class distinctions through state ownership.
What was a consequence of the bipolar world?
Geopolitical instability and proxy wars
Such conflicts often involved third-party countries fighting on behalf of the superpowers.
What was the result of the fall of the USSR?
A unipolar world with only the USA in power
This shift allowed the USA to exert significant influence globally.
How did the USA maintain its hegemony after the Cold War?
By using soft power
Soft power includes cultural influence, diplomacy, and international aid rather than military force.
What mechanisms rose alongside neocolonialism?
Various forms of control exerted by powerful countries over weaker ones
This often involves economic and political manipulation rather than direct territorial control.
From which groups are future superpowers likely to emerge?
BRICS and G20
These groups include emerging economies that are gaining global influence.
What influence does Brazil have as an emerging power?
Strong political and cultural influence, particularly in global football
Brazil’s cultural exports contribute to its soft power.
What type of influence does Russia hold?
Strong political influence, exemplified by its permanent seat on the UN Security Council
This position allows Russia to play a significant role in global governance.
What is notable about India’s military status?
India has the largest military globally
This military strength positions India as a key player in regional and global security.
What distinguishes China’s military?
China possesses the world’s largest military
This capability is a critical aspect of China’s rising global influence.
Who proposed a model suggesting stages a country must go through to gain power?
Rostow
His model outlines economic development stages that nations typically experience.
What does the dependency theory suggest?
The world is split into core and periphery countries
This theory critiques global capitalism and highlights economic inequalities.
What is a unipolar world?
A world dominated by one superpower
This term refers to a global structure where a single nation holds the majority of cultural, economic, and military influence.
Define a bipolar world.
A world with 2 superpowers having differing ideologies competing for power
This structure often leads to geopolitical tensions and conflicts as seen during the Cold War.
What characterizes a multipolar world?
Many emerging and already superpowers competing for power
This can lead to a more complex international landscape with multiple centers of power.
What marked the beginning of the bipolar era?
The decline of the British Empire leading to competition between the USSR and USA
This transition significantly reshaped global politics.
What type of economic system does the USA represent?
Capitalist, hierarchy based
This system emphasizes private ownership and market-driven economies.
What type of economic system was the USSR based on?
Communist, equality based
This system aimed to eliminate class distinctions through state ownership.
What was a consequence of the bipolar world?
Geopolitical instability and proxy wars
Such conflicts often involved third-party countries fighting on behalf of the superpowers.
What was the result of the fall of the USSR?
A unipolar world with only the USA in power
This shift allowed the USA to exert significant influence globally.
How did the USA maintain its hegemony after the Cold War?
By using soft power
Soft power includes cultural influence, diplomacy, and international aid rather than military force.
What mechanisms rose alongside neocolonialism?
Various forms of control exerted by powerful countries over weaker ones
This often involves economic and political manipulation rather than direct territorial control.
From which groups are future superpowers likely to emerge?
BRICS and G20
These groups include emerging economies that are gaining global influence.
What influence does Brazil have as an emerging power?
Strong political and cultural influence, particularly in global football
Brazil’s cultural exports contribute to its soft power.
What type of influence does Russia hold?
Strong political influence, exemplified by its permanent seat on the UN Security Council
This position allows Russia to play a significant role in global governance.
What is notable about India’s military status?
India has the largest military globally
This military strength positions India as a key player in regional and global security.
What distinguishes China’s military?
China possesses the world’s largest military
This capability is a critical aspect of China’s rising global influence.
Who proposed a model suggesting stages a country must go through to gain power?
Rostow
His model outlines economic development stages that nations typically experience.
What does the dependency theory suggest?
The world is split into core and periphery countries
This theory critiques global capitalism and highlights economic inequalities.
What is the role of the World Bank?
Makes development loans to developing countries within a ‘free market model’ that promotes exports, trade, industrialization, and private businesses.
What does the IMF promote?
Global economic security and stability; assists countries to reform their economies.
What is the focus of the WEF?
Promotes globalization and free trade.
What is the function of the WTO?
Regulates global trade by promoting open trade and reducing protectionism.
Where do the world’s largest TNCs operate?
In the world’s superpowers and emerging superpowers.
What is a key feature of TNCs?
Their cultural impact on consumers.
Increasing cultural globalization is referred to as _______.
[westernisation]
What drives competition in a capitalist economic system?
Patents.
What global events are superpowers involved in?
Pandemics, climate change, natural hazards, and wars.
What is the primary global mechanism for maintaining international peace and security?
The UN.
Who are the 5 permanent members of the UN?
- China
- France
- Russia
- UK
- US
What is the primary function of the International Court of Justice?
To settle disputes between UN member countries and advise on international laws.
What environmental issues are caused by superpower rising demands for resources?
Environmental degradation and disproportionate carbon emissions contributing to global warming.
What are global environmental concerns associated with?
Food production, minerals, and fossil fuels.
How many states agreed to the Paris Agreement?
195 states.
What does the Paris Agreement include?
Pledges to improve countries’ contributions to climate change.
Do different superpowers have the same willingness to reduce environmental impacts?
No, different superpowers have different willingness to reach environmental agreements.
What are the implications of future rises in middle class consumption?
Implications for the availability and cost of key resources.
