Superpowers Flashcards
What is a superpower
a nation with the ability to project its influence anywhere
-dominant global force
What is a hyperpower
superpower dominant in all aspects of power (political, economic, cultural, military)
Name the 5 pillars of superpower status
-military
-political
-cultural
-resources
-economic
What is economic power
base of temple and prerequiste of power
-large, powerful economy enables nation -> control trade, have strong military forces, exploit natural resources
What is military power
can be used to threaten/ invade other countries (hard power)
or achieve geo-political goals (UN Peacekeeping)
What is cultural power
way of projecting a nation’s cultural values on others can change the way other
populations think and align their ideology with the superpower’s culture
What are resources
physical resources (fossil fuels, minerals, land) -> can help a nation develop their economy & power over other countries
human resources (level of education, skills) -> large human workforce -> develop economy
What are emerging superpowers
countries with a large role in one of more superpower characteristics, and with growing influence.
E.g. China, Brazil, India, Russia (BRICS)
What is diplomacy
descision making that takes place between nations -> international agreements
What is hard power
using military and economic influence (trade deals, sanctions) to force a country to act in a particular way.
What is soft power
more subtle persuasion of countries to act in a particular way, on the basis that the persuader is respected and appealing. Includes political persuasion (diplomacy) and cultural influence.
What is economic npower
-economic/ development aid from one nation to another
-signing favourable trade agreements to increase economic ties
Which is more effective hard power or soft power
hard power: can get results, but expensive and risky.
military action seen as unnecessary or illegal,
soft power: relies on a country having respected culture, values and politics, which may be enough to persuade some countries but not others.
low cost, about creating alliances and friendly relations, may spread to other countries.
What is WW Rostow’s ‘Take Off’ model (modernisation theory)
illustrates how countries move from relative underdevelopment to a state of high mass consumption
-believed that all countries would follow the same pathway;
-traditional society
-preconditions for take-off
-take off
-drive to maturity
-age of high mass consumption
What does Rostow’s theory consider
considers how some nations become wealthy and powerfulv-> it describes the process of economic change & growth
-doesn’t help us understand political & cultural aspects
What is AG Frank’s Dependency Theory
relationship between developed and developing countries is one of dependency
This prevents developing countries from making economic progress
Provide an example of hard power
USA
1991: organised and led the coalition to expel Iraqi forces that had invaded Kuwait in the First Gulf War
2003: invaded Iraq in the Second Gulf War when economic sanctions (softer power) failed to persuade President Saddam Hussein to change policy
Provide an example of soft power
UK
Described by foreign secretary Douglas Hurd in the 1980s as ‘punching above her weight’D
5th largest economy - attractive market and source of TNC FDI.
Diplomacy - one of the largest networks of diplomats and embassies in the world.
According to Henry Kissinger in the 1970s, the UK benefits from its moral authority.
BBC World Service - more neutral and reliable than many government broadcasters. Worldwide news and programmes.
Films (Pride and Prejudice), television (Downton Abbey) and literature (Harry Potter)
City of London (and New York) dominate international finance, banking and law - setting standards and values
What does the Heartland Theory produced by Halford Mackinder suggest
states world island of europe, asia, africa contains most of world’s natural resources
-heartland is area of central asia bordered by hialayas, russians, artic
-hard to invade -> physical barriers in way
-meaning its a power base allowing control of world island
Why was the Heartland named a geo-strategic location
as whoever controlled it
would control large amount of physical and human resources.
Why was Mackinders heartlands geo-strategic location theory influential
as whoever controlled it would control large amount of physical and human resources
Why is the heartland theory not as important today
-technology has advanced, transportation improbed -> shrinking world
-> reduced imortance of this theory as resources can now be easily transported around world
What is a unipolar world
where one country dominates
What is a bi-polar world
where theres 2 main superpowers with opposing ideas and ideologies
