Superpowers Lesson 1: Defining Superpowers

Question 1

What are the economic characteristics of superpowers?

Answer 1

-High GDP and levels of trade
-Heavy influence over global trade
-Currency held in reserves by other countries

Question 2

What are the political characteristics of superpowers?

Answer 2

-Permanent seat on the UN security council, together with powerful allies. -Many multilateral agreements

Question 3

What are the military characteristics of superpowers?

Answer 3

-High expenditure, largest amount of hardware and personnel, including nuclear weapons
-Could command a global military control
-Unparalleled intelligence networks
-Exporters of technology

Question 4

What are the cultural characteristics of superpowers?

Answer 4

-Long standing tradition and rich cultural history or way of life voluntarily enjoyed by many around the world, for example music and fashion

Question 5

What are the demographic characteristics of superpowers?

Answer 5

-Significant percentage of global population
-Attracts skilled migrants and other workers

Question 6

What are the access to resources of superpowers?

Answer 6

-Able to export and control the supply of valuable commodities for example oil, or able to secure the resources it needs
-Multiple resources make a country less dependent on others (energy security)
-Occupying a world location that enable it to command influence

Question 7

How many members on the UN security council? How many are permanent? Who are the permanent memebers?

Answer 7

15 in total
5 permanent
China, Russia, USA, UK and France

Question 8

What was the resolution number for the Afghanistan War?

Answer 8

No. 1510
All members agreed