Introduction to superpowers Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is a superpower?
A nation with the means to project it’s power and influence anywhere in the world, and to be a dominant global force
Why are superpowers rare?
They demand huge resources
What is an emerging power?
A nation with rising influence of a nation which has steadily increased their presence in global affairs
What are the top four superpowers?
USA, China, India and Russia
Why is the USA so dominant?
It is the world’s most dominant military and economic power
What is the US’s military budget?
$778 billion for 2020
What is the US’s GDP?
$20.9 trillion
The US spends more on defence than…
the next 9 highest spending countries combined
What was China’s 2020 GDP?
$14.7 trillion, 2nd highest in the world
What is China’s defence budget?
$252 billion
China is one of the biggest contributor to…
the global economy
What is an hyperpower?
A unchallenged superpower that is dominant in all aspects of power e.g USA 1990-2010 and the Britain 1850-1910
How does the USA have soft power?
Economic organisations favouring free trade e.g WTO and the IMF, cultural influence through westernisation and they are english speaking
How does China have soft power?
Large capacity to invest around the world, large diaspora and increasing technology and manufacturing
What is sharp power?
Sharp power is the use of manipulative diplomatic policies by one country to influence and undermine the political system and target a country
The US has at least ___ military bases in at least __ countries
750, 80
What factors suggest the US is still the dominant superpower?
International relations, the dollar, military influence and cultural influence
What factors suggest that the US is not the most dominant superpower
Increased influence of emerging powers and countries with natural resources, population growth in other nations, stronger alliances, stronger Chinese economy
