Superpowers Revision Flashcards
What is the definition of a superpower nation?
A nation with the ability to project its influence anywhere in the world and be a dominant global force
What are the 5 pillars leading to superpower status?
- Economy
- Military
- Political
- Cultural
- Resources
What is a hyper power?
An ‘unchallenged’ superpower, dominant in all four aspects of power
Who are the top 5 countries by GDP population and area?
- USA
- China
- Russia
- India
- Brazil
What is hard power?
It’s the exercise of influence through coercion , relying on tactics like military force, payments, and economic sanctions
What is soft power?
It uses the attraction and persuasion to change minds and influence behaviour, its sources include culture, government, political values, and positive global engagement
It was introduced by Joseph Nye (political scientist) = he also came up with the idea of “smart power” which uses a combination of hard and soft factors to get their own way
What are the theories of power?
Modernisation theory/framework:
- By W. W. Rostow
- It suggests that economic development only begins when certain pre-conditions are met: modern infrastructure, education, banking and effective government
E.G Bottoms Level to Top = Bhutan, Mexico, Nigeria, India, China
Dependency theory:
- By A.G. Frank
- In terms of
economic development, the
progress is influenced by economic,
political and cultural forces, these
are controlled by developed
nations.
E.G China hold power over African countries such as Nigeria
World Systems Theory:
- By Immanuel Wallerstein
- Does not see the world in Frank’s developed versus developing world terms, but rather as a global system of core, semi-periphery and periphery nations. The semi-periphery countries are the emerging economies, some of which are economic superpowers.
E.G Core = China, Semi-periphery = Vietnam, Periphery = Angola (resources)
Heartland theory:
- By mackinder
- suggested that whoever controlled the heartland - Europe and Asia - would control the world due to the area’s resources and strategic position
Reasons for reduction/lack of growth in EU, Japan and USA leaving space for other countries to rise?
Stagnating wages
Rising interest rates
Increased/higher borrowing rates
Belt and Road initiative aims?
To improve/increase access to trading routes overland and at sea therefore increasing sphere of influence. Hefty cost implications - trillions of dollars.
Shifting centre of gravity
Asia is fast becoming a more dominant global religion…
Population vs GDP shows population growth in Asia and overall decline in Europe and North America. GDP also shifts… rapid growth and change in dominance.
What does the term blue water navy mean?
One which can deploy into open ocean- global reach (Green water is one which might be available to protect the coastline of a country/coastal waters/coast guard up to approx. 1500 NM off the coast and Brown water – mainly inland, rivers etc but can act up to 100 nautical miles out from the coast).
What does diplomacy mean?
Negotiation and decision making between nations as part of International Relations.
What does ideology mean?
A set of beliefs, values and opinions held by many people in a society. These determine what is considered normal or acceptable behaviour. Superpowers project their ideology onto others EG: Western beliefs about free speech.
What are geostrategic policies?
Policies that attempt to meet the global and regional policy aims of a country by combining diplomacy with the movement and positioning of military assets.
What is the Cold War?
A period of tension between ideologically rival superpowers, capitalist the USA and the communist USSR 1945-1990
What is a unipolar world?
One superpower e.g during the British Empire
What is a bipolar world?
Two superpowers dominant E.g The Cold War
What is a multipolar world?
Groups of countries competing for power
What is Neo-colonialism?
the control of less developed countries by developed countries through indirect means. EG – TNC investment, Aid, trade, language, culture etc.. Can be a continuation of imperialist rule from more dominant country after colonialisation has ended
What is capitalism?
free markets/private ownership
What is communism?
centrally planned/govt owned
What are ways that traditionally Western ideas can be established in more dependent countries?
Education (through aid/development)
Systems and technology/teaching and reading are often set up with more Western values and ideals or cultural ‘norms’ and even religion.
What does the term Banana republic mean?
This is sometimes considered or used as a derogatory term.
Its original reference was to Central American countries whose economies were dominated by foreign banana-exporting corporations.
It has since become a term for underdeveloped countries dominated by foreign corporations.
What does hegemony mean?
The dominance of a superpower over other
countries
Can be a dominant power – EG the US military or more subtle power, sometimes known as ‘cultural hegemony” a really interesting theory from a prisoner of Mussolini named Grimsci – he observed power exerted through influencing opinion and that opinion becomes the ‘common sense’ view of the population.
Why is there a lack of growth in the EU, Japan and USA leaving space for other countries to rise?
- Slower productivity growth
- Demographic shifts
- Increased trade tensions
Brazil
* Strengths: Strong agricultural economy and exporter, energy independence, growing middle class, global cultural influence.
* Weaknesses: Small military capacity, economic inequality, political instability, environmental issues.
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Russia
* Strengths: Large military, nuclear power, vast natural resources, UN Security Council seat.
* Weaknesses: Aging population, inequality, economy reliant on oil and gas, strained foreign relations.
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India
* Strengths: Large, youthful, educated population; English widely spoken; nuclear armed.
* Weaknesses: Poor infrastructure, high poverty, tense regional relations.
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China
* Strengths: Technologically advanced, major exporter, strong infrastructure, growing global influence.
* Weaknesses: Aging population, pollution, rising labor costs, limited geopolitical leadership.
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Mexico
* Strengths: Part of USMCA trade bloc, improving democracy.
* Weaknesses: Crime issues, obesity-related health costs, skilled emigration.
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Indonesia
* Strengths: Young, dynamic population; rich in natural resources.
* Weaknesses: Environmental degradation, poverty, political instability.
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Turkey
* Strengths: EU trade links, NATO member, educated youth.
* Weaknesses: Political issues with minorities, regional instability.
Why is Japan unlikely to develop and grow much more?
Key Reasons:
1. Aging Population
* Japan’s population is getting older, which slows economic growth due to a shrinking workforce and rising healthcare costs.
2. Past Economic Crises * A property bubble burst in 1989–90, leading to a major stock market collapse. * The economy stagnated in what is now known as the “lost decades”. 3. High Savings, Low Spending * High interest rates (4–6%) encouraged saving instead of spending, which slowed down economic demand. 4. Competition from Other Asian Nations * Countries like South Korea and China became more competitive, overtaking Japan in tech and manufacturing.
Conclusion:
Japan serves as a cautionary tale that rapid economic growth does not guarantee long-term superpower status, and future predictions about global powers are often uncertain.
What are some examples of when global decisions might need to be made?
Peace-keeping/security
Crisis response – Natural Disasters/war/outbreaks of disease
Climate Change
What is the idea that powerful nations hold the role of ‘Global Police’?
EG: The USA has intervened in foreign conflict many times over the past 40 years – map on P169.. As part of UN security, in coalition with other countries (but outside UN) and unilaterally (on its own).
According to the Charter, what are the UN’s 4 purposes?
- To maintain international peace and security
- To develop friends relations among nations
- To cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights
- To be a centre for harmonising the actions of nations
How are TNC’s a key player?
TNCs play a huge part in maintaining wealth, global reach and dominance of Superpower nations.
TNCs have financial global influence and therefore create economic leverage..
Governments compete to attract FDI from TNCs by offering deals and sometimes tax breaks.
TNCs are often innovators of new tech/products/brands - patents, brand logos and copyright. These may become highly valued and sought after resources. Research and development and Intellectual property rights can create a power imbalance and global dominance in this field.
Who are the top three most valuable brands in 2023?
- Amazon
- Apple
What cultural impacts do TNC’s have?
Consumerism – EG Apple.. Encouraged to spend/brand identity.. Easier to have all Apple products.
Capitalistvalues – EG social media (often owned by large, Western TNCs) spreads the idea that money = happiness and fulfilment.. A mainly capitalist concept.
Dominantcountries with English-speaking language – around 15%of the world speaks English – about 5% as a first language.
Adaptation of selective other world cultures – Sushi has become popular in the West.. Billed as ‘exotic’, ‘different’ and healthy food from the East. Yoga – an easternpractice has beenadopted by the West.
What are alliances?
these are usually a mutually beneficial relationship between nations.
It can be informal – possibly when countries share similar values/ideals or more formal – where there could be significant benefits for either party.
What is an example of an alliance?
The USA/UK “Special relationship” was a term first coined by Winston Churchill.
The two countries have similar ideals.
Although the relationship has had ups and downs
What are economic alliances?
Trade agreements between Nations. Some overlap with Military alliance groups.
Examples:
EU – Many alliances and overlaps with NATO
USMCA – United States, Mexico, Canada
ASEAN – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Founded in 1967, free trade bloc since 2009 – economic, cultural, security and political aims.
TNCs play a huge part in this and are able to become international companies with cooperation from many countries = Economic growth.
What are military alliances?
UN Security Council
NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. 31 members so strength in numbers.
NATO membership is open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.”
ANZUS Treaty – set up in 1951 and includes Australia, New Zealand, US. Namely to protect the Pacific region. Also includes defense pacts with Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.
Collective Security Treaty Organisation – Russia plus border countries
SCO –Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – strategic partnership in Asia – covers a large geographical area..significant bloc
What is a ‘Bloc’?
A ‘bloc’ is a group of countries with similar interests who have formed an alliance
What do the actions of IGO’s depend on?
From member states they require:
1. Political will
2. Money
3. Willingness to act
What are the pillars of global security?
- Political = UN Security Council and peacekeeping forces
- Economic = IMF
- Social = UN, WHO, food and agriculture organisation
- Judicial = International court of justice and international criminal court
What agreements have been put in place to reduce emissions?
Reducing emissions – 1997 Kyoto Protocol: an international agreement set up to reduce carbon emissions.
Superseded by the Paris Agreement agreed at COP21 (2015) which came into force in 2016, a legally binding international treaty.
Why is air quality low in emerging economies?
Air quality is often low in emerging economies due to burning coal
Superpowers have high demand for which natural resources in particular?
Water – human consumption/industry/food production
Energy – homes/businesses/transport
Minerals – manufacturing/construction
Land - building/agriculture.
Why is this demand for natural resources often compounded/made worse?
Superpowers often:
- have large populations
- have high numbers of high-income residents = demand for resources
- Hold positions as hubs for transport and trade
- have access to a plentiful supply of natural resources
What are the general concerns regarding resource depletion?
It is widely believed that the current rates of resource depletion are unsustainable and that it is causing irreversible environmental damage.
What is the middle class defined as?
Globally, the middle class are defined as people with discretionary income (what is left after paying tax and other essentials – house/food etc. – Disposable income is what is left after essential tax/payments).
This money is then spent on consumer goods and holidays etc.
The global middle class is described in the text book as having an annual income of more than US$10,000.
This figure is more likely to be $14,000-$29,000 according to the PEW institute (2021)
Between which dates did the Cold War span?
1945-1990
Is the USA predominantly capitalist or communist?
Capitalist
Was the former USSR capitalist or communist?
Communist
Do you consider colonial rule ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ power?
Hard
Can you name the term for the process of cultural change that takes place when different cultures meet and interact? (often a dominant culture will transfer cultural ideas to a subordinate culture)
Acculturation
Name three mechanisms of possible neo-colonial control
Strategic alliances, Aid, TNC, Investment/FDI, Trade deals, Debt/Credit, IGO control (e.g IMF)
Modernisation theory saw _______________ as an answer to poverty?
Capitalism
IGO stands for what?
Inter-Governmental Organisation
Name an example of an IGO and briefly explain what its aim/role.
EG: IMF – promotes global stability.
What is a sphere of influence?
A physical region over which a country believes it has economic, military, cultural or political rights.
This can extend beyond the ‘physical’ borders of a country - potentially a region outside the borders where the country still believes it has a right to influence – EG policies/resources.
Why are areas generally contested?
Resource demand:
Physical resources – minerals/ fossil fuels
Human resources are just as important, especially in the 21st Century! EG – labour, knowledge, skills – vital in building tech industry/finance.
What do intellectual property rights (IP) include?
Patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets
What is an exclusive economic zone (EEZ)?
The area of ocean extending 200 nautical miles beyond the coastline (or to the edge of the continental shelf), over which a nation controls the sea and sub-sea resources.
EEZ borders are decided by the UN in the event of a dispute.
What does the term international water mean?
a ‘loose’ term for any water beyond the EEZ – technically not under the jurisdiction of any country.
What are the physical and human causes of conflict over the resources in the Arctic?
The Arctic is particularly interesting because of the number of territorial claims over the Arctic (claims over - potentially 30% of the world’s undiscovered gas and 13% of oil resources).
- Involvement of nations with nuclear capabilities
- Scientific exploration has increased – again, nations extending their sphere of influence
- Russia and Canada have military force dedicated to protecting their territorial claims
- Other nations with patrols over the Arctic include Norway, the UK, Canada and the USA
As the Artic becomes more accessible to shipping (global climate changes), this situation is likely to become more tense
What are the aims of the belt and road initiative?
To improve/increase access to trading routes overland and at sea therefore increasing sphere of influence – it is widely known and has hefty cost implications.
Believed to be in the trillions of dollars.
The straight of Malacca is a choke point for shipping and transport and the BRI would reduce China’s reliance on this access point – see chokepoint map
What does the Belt and Road initiative consist of?
- Overland silk road (based on the historic route from China through to Europe) including rail and road links
- Maritime silk road - ports and shipping routes
- Polar silk road – opening of the North Sea through the Arctic to Europe.
- Also – road, rail and pipeline construction in E. Africa (incl 2Africa..)
What is the importance of the South China Sea?
The South China Sea and associated territories is another very complex example of contested sphere of influence.
In short – China is actively attempting to gain control over the South China Sea using a variety of strategies including:
- Since 2012, launching and strategic positioning of aircraft carriers, including the potential for nuclear capabilities..
- Occupying islands (some deserted) and reclaiming land on Firey Cross Reef
- Since 2015, constructing a new port and airport on Mischief Reef
- Developing a military base on the Subi Reef.
During the COVID pandemic, China announce two new administrative districts in the SCS (both of which are claimed by Vietnam) this increased tension and pressure in an already ‘heated’ area. (Xisha in the Paracel Is. And Nansha in the Spratley Is.
Consider China as PLAYERS in Africa.. Can we make comparisons to Colonial/imperial exploitation of the 19th and 20th Centuries?
Two examples of the growing relationship between China and African nations:
- China - reliance on oil from Angola, Nigeria and Sudan (as well as other minerals)
- African countries – importing manufactured goods from China as well as FDI in roads/rail networks.
How would we consider this relationship between China and African developing countries? Neo-colonial (exploitative) or mutually beneficial?
How does the shifting centre of gravity relate to the superpowers unit?
Asia is fast-becoming a more dominant global region..
Population vs GDP shows population growth in Asia and overall decline in Europe and N.America.
GDP also shifts.. Rapid growth and change in dominance.
Indonesia, China, India and Japan are all likely to have economies > US$ 5 Trillion by 2030 which means they would all be capable of significant military spending.
Maybe a case for India (and possibly Indonesia) to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Lots more jostling for the tops spots.
Will we still be in a multi-polar world?
How do the Middle East link to the Superpowers unit?
The Middle East is an area loaded with conflict and tension..
There are a number of causes of instability. As we have said before, the issues are complex and may be difficult to comprehend.
What does the term Arab Spring mean?
Pro-democracy, pro-human rights civil uprisings in 2011 that affected Syria, Tunisia, Libya, Bahrain and Iran Some governments were overthrown but, in many regions, instability followed.
What are the different acronyms to demonstrate IS and what does it refer to?
IS (Islamic State, aka: ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and Levant) or Daesh (an Arabic acronym)
A jihadist terrorist organization that rose to prominence in 2013 during the Syrian civil war, occupying parts of the Middle East and carrying out terrorist attacks worldwide.
One major (and globally recorded) event was in Libya, where their leader, Gaddaffi was overthrown in a public revolt, there was a mass evacuation from Tripoli.
What are the sources of instability in the Middle East?
Religion – Sunni and Shia Muslim groups in conflict
Resources – land
Oil and gas
Youth – young populations facing the prospect of high unemployment (consider regen topic.. What can this lead to?)
Governance – weak political systems/new democracies
History – many country borders disputed (legacy from Colonial period
