Superpowers OLD Flashcards
(38 cards)
what is a hyperpower
hyperpower is a ‘lone dominant force’
what is a superpower
a nationwhich has the ability to project its influence around the world
what is hard power and example
exerting power through military (or economic) power
what is soft power
power through cultural diffusion, political stance, values, ideologies and foreign policy
what are the different ‘mechanisms of power’
economic, political, military,
cultural, demographic and access to natural resources
Also: Physical size, population and dominant belief system
what is meant by polarity
different areas at different times at the ‘centre of global dominance’
what does Multipolar mean
There are several superpowers, each with a characteristic strength, competing
for global influence and status.
what does Unipolar world mean
There is one superpower who dominates economically and politically
what does Bipolar world mean
Two superpowers exist, each with opposing ideologies
Rise and Fall of the British empire key facts
1494 - America was first colony
15th and 16th century - Africa expansion (slave trade)
1913 - ruled 23% of worlds population
1947 - India and Pakistan given sovereignty
1949 - Suez Crisis (Egypt canal) tarnished political
Post war decline
Ended in 1973 - when Britain joined European Economic Community
Cold War key facts
1946-1991
USSR and US
Post war stalemate of communist vs capitalist tensions
both tried to extend ‘sphere of influence’
1950-3 - Korean war (USA withdrew)
1955-75 - Vietnam war (USA withdrew with huge losses)
1962 - Cuban missile crisis (nearly lead to war)
1991 - USSR broke up
why did the USSR break up?
Multiple Reasons:
Large economy became stagnant
1987-9 - Afghanistan war (defeat by tribes)
1987 - Perestroika (economic reform
Rise of nationalism in east Europe (Ukraine etc.)
what are the BRIC emerging countries
Brazil
Russia
India
China
what are Brazils strengths and weaknesses (key facts)
STRENGTHS 1/2 of Americas GDP self sufficient for food 13% of all worlds species in the Amazon basin 60% of Americas military budget youthful population
WEAKNESSES Reliant on raw materials corruption allegations since 2013 falling fertility rate environmental issues
what are Russia’s strengths and weaknesses (key facts)
STRENGTHS
9th largest global economy
increasing military presence (in Syria and Ukraine)
WEAKNESSES
Reliance on gas and oil (makes up 1/2 of their GDP)
unbalanced economy and inequality (35% of wealth is owned by 110 people)
legacy of pollution issues
rate of natural increase 0.2
what are India’s strengths and weaknesses (key facts)
STRENGTHS Worlds largest democracy large English speaking and educated population 1997-2015 had 7% annual economic growth huge growth in IT 5th ranked world military Youthful population (66% aged 5-64) worlds largest film industry 'Bollywood'
WEAKNESSES Ageing infrastructure 20% of population in abject poverty 3rd CO2 emitter in the world power cut in 2016 effected 620 people
what are China’s strengths and weaknesses (key facts)
STRENGTHS
1.3 billion population
2nd largest military budget
largest investor in Africa
3rd in the world nuclear capability
excellent copying and manufacturing capabilities
‘Belt and Road’ initiative - extending their global reach
WEAKNESSES only 2% of population are uni educated (compared to most developed nations at 25-30%) not involved in global crisis' military mainly in sea of Japan large dependant population
what does geopolitical mean CHECK
influence of such factors as geography, economics, and demography on the politics
what is colonialism
The act of gaining control, building an empire and exerting influence over other
countries.
what is hegemony
what are an emerging and reginal powers
EMERGING
Countries that have quickly gained influence, developed and have notable
culture. Emerging States may become superpowers in the future.
what is direct and indirect control
what is neo-colonialism
control of less-developed countries by developed countries through indirect means.
what is a sphere of influence
