Topic 7 - Superpowers

Question 1

Define superpower?

Answer 1

A nation with the ability to protect its influence anywhere in the world and be a dominant global force - used to describe dominant world powers like British empire, USA and USSR

Question 2

Explain the role of size and population for superpowers?

Answer 2

Size
- larger land areas have greater natural resources
- extend influence over a large number of neighbours

Population
- economic growth can not be sustained without sufficient number of workers and large pops encourage economic growth through markets
- cheap workers can help promote growth (China and India)
- attracts skilled migrants and other workers

Question 3

Explain the role of resources and military power for superpowers?

Answer 3

Resources
- countries with resources necessary for economic development should hold power - eg oil and gas
- not guaranteed power from exporting material as this add little value and TNCs control large volumes of resources (BP - Nigeria)

Military power
- military force can be used to exert pressure for achieving geopolitical goals (toppling saddam Hussain)
- type of weapons owned are sign of power (eg nuclear weapons)
- bases, aircraft carriers, drones and a blue water navy allow the deployment of military anywhere in the world

Question 4

Explain the role of economic power and political for superpowers?

Answer 4

Economic power
- Countries with the largest economies have a significant influence over global
economies these countries have (around 2/3 of world GDP)
- Control investment and use the world’s most powerful currencies ($, € and £) and determine economic policies which affect the globe

Finnish political

Question 5

Explain the role of cultural power (soft power) for superpowers?

Question 6

Finnish notes

Question 7

What are the 4 pillars of superpower status - briefly explain each one?

Answer 7

• military - can be used to achieve goals through reach and strength
• political - ability to influence others through diplomacy
• cultural - how appealing a nations way of life is and its values/ideology’s attractiveness
• resources - physicals resources (oil,minerals, land ext) and human (population, skill or education)

Economic base - gives the national wealth to maintain military power, exploit natural resources and develop resources

Question 8

Explain soft power?

Answer 8

The power of persuasion - contrast with hard power which is getting your way by force

Question 9

Explain how soft powers maintain power?

Answer 9

Soft power co-opts the views and agreement of other countries – they exert influence without force - due to history, culture and diplomacy

• eg the UK

Question 10

Explain how hard powers maintain power?

Answer 10

Hard power incorporates military and economic powers - USA confronts other nations with force and dominates the
worlds economy

Question 11

Explain why the uk is a the top of the ‘soft power’ index?

Answer 11

• foreign aid commitments
• democracy and personal freedoms
• high quality education
• popular media and shows
• relations with countries and diplomatic ties
• military aid and training

Question 12

Explain why the uk is a the top of the ‘soft power’ index?

Answer 12

• foreign aid commitments
• democracy and personal freedoms
• high quality education
• popular media and shows
• relations with countries and diplomatic ties
• military aid and training