Superpower characteristics Flashcards
(7 cards)
Physical size + geographical position
Larger countries have greater resources and influence
Russia largest country with many oil and gas reserves, however too many neighbouring countries can lead to conflict
USA third largest country and only 2 neighbours
Economic power and influence
5 largest consumer markets are UK, USA, China, Japan + Germany
Most powerful currencies produce around 40% global GDP e.g. dollar and pound
Organisation e.g. EU allow greater influence
USA most powerful consumer market and most powerful currency
Demographic factors
Population size can be key to success as provides proficient labour force
Inward migration beneficial to fill job shortages e.g. UK and Poland
USA and China have largest pops
EU largest single market access
However, population size not always most important factor as Singapore has small population but large east Asian influence
Political factors
G20 represents over half worlds population and includes worlds largest economies
Having more links with countries provides more power as more trade e.g. EU
USA is part of G8
Military strength
Large military allows countries to use force to defend/ attack
Being a member of UN security council is regarded as high status military power (Perm members are UK, USA, France, China, Russia)
Military alliances e.g. NATO
USA responsible for 37% of all global military spending
Largest militaries are USA, UK, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia
Cultural influence
Status can come from media and entertainment, corporations can dominate global culture by deciding what news is spread etc..
Sony, Universal and Warner own most UK radio stations
Access to natural resources
Some resources are essential for economic development e.g. steel industry in UK brought industrial revolution + fossil fuels needed for electricity
However, resources don’t guarantee development as in some countries e.g. Nigeria, their oil is owned by Shell and BP, so they don’t see the profits as much
