U3- The Role of the US as a World Power Flashcards
Is the US a superpower?
Yes
It is an extremely important world power and is widely acknowledged to be the biggest superpower.
What makes the US a superpower?
It has the worlds largest economy
It has unparalleled military might
It has 15 of the top 20 universities in the world
It is extremely technologically and economically advanced
It plays a key role in international relations
It is a member of NATO, the UN, G7 and G20
How much of the worlds wealth does the US economy produce?
The US economy produces around 1 quarter of the worlds wealth
What is the GDP of the USA?
16.77 trillion US dollars
Give 5 facts about the US military
The USA has the most experienced, skilled and best armed military
They have sophisticated nuclear missiles with even the potential for defence in space
The US spends as much on its armed forces as the remaining G7 powers combined
The US is investing $1.45 trillion to produce and operate a single future aircraft- the F35
The US has the largest naval fleet in the world, this allows it to have a military presence anywhere in the world. In size and technological hardware it dwarfs every other country in the world
What happens at a G20 meeting?
The leaders of the G20 meet annually to discuss international policy issues ranging from the economy to climate change.
The US is the leading power in the G20 group of nations
What did president Obama say about the G20?
That he supports the G20 as the “premier global economic forum” this shows America is keen to allow emerging countries such as Brazil and China to have a stronger voice in how the global economy is run
What is the G8 group of Nations?
A governmental political forum, however with the recent increase in G20 power the G8 group is now less important and exerts less influence.
It consists of the most wealthy developed countries (by GDP)
The US is the leading power in this group
Why are G8 meetings held today?
With the purpose of discussing issues such as global security and terrorism
Who does the US face some opposition from in the G20?
China and Russia usually oppose the US
What is the UN?
It is an international organisation set up after WWII to encourage international co-operation and peacekeeping.
It provides aid to developing countries and plays a major role in international security
How has the US influenced countries in other ways? (Name 4)
In 2001 the US and NATO invaded Afghanistan to tackle the Taliban, this has impacted its relationship with other countries
It is allies with Israel in the Middle East
US technology such as apple dominates as well as fast food and clothing brands
It has a ‘special relationship’ with the UK
Give 4 facts about the USA and the UN
The US is a founding member of the UN and is one of the 5 permanent members on the security council
It is the biggest contributor to the UN budget, it provides 22% of the total budget
However relationships have been strained of late. The US is the largest contributor to UN programmes but most years have failed to pay their contribution in full
The USA has the power of VETO for any security council proposal, however China and Russia are also permanent members and use their veto to block US proposals
How much of the wold’s defence spending is by the US alone?
36%- so over a third
Name 2 challenges to US influence
China, it is estimated that its economy will have overtaken that of the US by 2020
Russia- the US is frustrated with Russia over Syria. Their support for the Syrian government by means of its UN Security Council veto has meant that the US has been unable to gain UN approval for action
Russia has reemerged as a military power
