USA- A world powers influence Flashcards
Factors
This essay will examine the USA’s military, economic and political influence
LOA
This essay will argue that the USA has the ability to influence other countries to a moderate extent.
Military
The USA has great military influence. It is one of the original countries that set up NATO in 1949 and remains it’s most influential member. In terms of finance, troops and resources the USA provides more than any other member and provides a “nuclear umbrella” for it’s members. For example, in 2017 the USA played the lead role in NATO’S mission in bombing ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria. This suggests that this strength puts the US in a commanding position militarily. However, the USA’s military strength does not always guarantee success. Despite thousands of US troops in Afghanistan, they failed to defeat the Taliban and on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 President Biden ordered a complete withdrawal. It could be said they failed to “win the hearts and minds” of the Afghan people. Whilst some see the USA as a superpower, many would argue that it cannot control everything, so the USA has international influence to a moderate extent.
Economic
The USA has great economic influence. It has the highest GDP in the world. This is a measure of economic output. The USA’S GDP is $16.2 trillion. In 2023, the US gross domestic product rose 6.3% in nominal terms. The USA is the second largest trading nation in the world and the 3rd largest producer of oil and natural gas. A wealthier country is usually able to ensure terms that are more favourable to them, allowing them to boost their prestige, employment and profit. This would suggest that the USA is an ‘economic superpower’ with worldwide influence. However, there is evidence of economic stagnation as the IMF claimed that China’s economy is bigger than the USA’s. IMF figures show that the Chinese economy is worth $17.4 trillion, higher than the USA’s at $17.4 trillion. This suggest that the USA is threatened by the advancing Chinese economy. Whilst some see the USA as an “economic superpower”, many would argue that it is facing stiff competition from China and this is why Trump put tarrifs on Chinese exports of steel and aluminium, so the USA has the ability to influence other countries to a moderate extent.
Political
This USA has a significant influence on the world due to it’s political power. America has a permanent membership in the UN Security council meaning it can both propose and veto UN security council resolutions. For example, the US proposed a resolution in 2017 to impose new sanctions on North Korea in response to their missile tests which was unanimously accepted. They can also veto resolutions and they can use this to pursue their own agenda. For example, between October 2023 and March 2024, the USA has used its veto three times against UN security council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This shows that the USA has a significant influence on international poltiical decision making as it is able to use it’s seat on the security council to further its own agenda. However, it is not the only country to hold a veto and as a result the USA cannot force through a decision which shows a limitation to it’s influence. In March 2024, the USA proposed a resolution urging a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for hostages. This was vetoed by Russia and China in the UN security council. This shows that their political influence can be limited by other influential countries. So, the USA has the ability to influence other countries to a moderate extent as it’s recommendations in the security council are also subject to a veto.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the USA has international influence to a moderate extent. There is no doubt that the USA is a country with huge international influence. It has a strong economy and military, it’s a key member of various international organisations and is heavily involved in international conflicts and in the affairs of other countries. However, it’s influence has lessened because of the economic growth of China whose economy is now seen as bigger than the USA’s.
