Case studies - Superpowers Flashcards
(53 cards)
Superpower nations
USA, China, EU
The British empire = unipolar
Cold War = Bipolar = A period of tension between ideologically rival superpowers, capitalist the USA and the communist USSR 1945-1990
Hegemonic power
USA = 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 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.
BRICS/MINT
Emerging powers = Strengths and Weaknesses
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.
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.
India
+ Strengths: Large, youthful, educated population; English widely spoken; nuclear armed.
- Weaknesses: Poor infrastructure, high poverty, tense regional relations.
China
+ Strengths: Technologically advanced, major exporter, strong infrastructure, growing global influence.
- Weaknesses: Aging population, pollution, rising labor costs, limited geopolitical leadership.
Mexico
+ Strengths: Part of USMCA trade bloc, improving democracy.
- Weaknesses: Crime issues, obesity-related health costs, skilled emigration.
Indonesia
+ Strengths: Young, dynamic population; rich in natural resources.
- Weaknesses: Environmental degradation, poverty, political instability.
Turkey
+ Strengths: EU trade links, NATO member, educated youth.
- Weaknesses: Political issues with minorities, regional instability.
Cultural impacts of superpowers
TNC’s = adaptations to local tastes = glocalisation
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.
International decision making
UN Security Council and the USA = global policies
Crisis response
Haiti 2010 = links to tectonics
Military alliances
NATO
Russia Ukraine
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.”
Economic alliances
NATO/EU free trade blocs
Recent changes in the USA trade deals and agreements on tariffs
Pillars of global security
Political, Economic, Social, Judicial
Environmental concerns
Plans to reduce carbon 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.
Growing middle class and consumerism = pressure on resources
Spheres of influence and shifting centre of gravity
China’s belt and road initiative = To improve/increase access to trading routes overland and at sea therefore increasing sphere of influence.
Hefty cost implications - 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
Asia = fast becoming a more dominant global region…
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.
Middle East = 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.
6 million Syrians forced to flee due to neighbouring countries conflicts
Neocolonialist control/ NEE and Superpower relations
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
China uses a form of neocolonialism that creates the appearance of partnership and trust, but is actually used to extract natural resources through soft power.
Challenges for Africa:
1. Debt - China’s loans to African countries are part of a strategy to trap them into debt and force them to give up control of their resources.
2. Corruption - There are accusations of increased corruption, bribery, and unfair business practices in Africa.
3. Prioritization of Chinese interests - Some say that China prioritizes its own interests over local needs
Opportunities which may result in gains for African nations include:
1. Economic growth - China’s investments have helped African countries diversify their economies, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.
2. Trade - China has provided a market for African products and has helped African countries increase their exports.
3. Technology - China has provided products and technologies to African countries.
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
- Slower productivity growth
- Demographic shifts
- Increased trade tensions
Why is Japan unlikely to develop and grow to become a superpower?
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.
Who are the top three most valuable brands in 2023/largest TNC’s?
- Amazon
- Apple
USA/UK 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
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 does the Belt and Road 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..)
Importance of the South China Sea?
he 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.
Neo-colonial (exploitative) or mutually beneficial?
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
Top 5 countries by GDP
- USA
- China
- Russia
- India
- Brazil
Cold War
A period of tension between ideologically rival superpowers, capitalist the USA and the communist USSR 1945-1990
Unipolar world
British Empire = 1926
