Superpowers Flashcards
(171 cards)
1
Q
Definition: SUPERPOWER
A
A country or region with the ability to project its power and influence, enabling it to become a global force.
2
Q
What are the five pillars of power?
A
Military
Political
Cultural
Resources
Economy
3
Q
What are the emerging powers of the world grouped as?
A
BRICS : Brazil, Russia, India, China (sometimes South Africa)
Influence based on their ability to purchase and manufacture goods, so others remain dependent on them
4
Q
What are the regional powers of the world grouped as?
A
MINTs (Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey)
Rapidly growing economies which are expected to project into the world’s top 15 economies by 2050.
5
Q
A strong economy includes…
A
High GDP
High levels of trade
Home to many TNCs
Having currency held in reserve by others
6
Q
A strong military includes…
A
Spending lots of money on it,
Access to nuclear power
Strong intelligence network,
Permanent seat on UNSC
7
Q
Politically strong means…
A
Powerful Allies
Key player in global institutions Major aid donor
8
Q
Culturally strong means…
A
Many around the world enjoy your way of life (music, fashion)
Media Domination
9
Q
What is the current superpower and what assets does it have?
A
USA :
3rd most populated country
CIA military intelligence
25% of top TNCs
Huge Economy
$ is in global reserve
Huge military budget ($601 billion)
16 of 20 top unis
Member of NAFTA and NATO
10
Q
Resourcefully strong means…
A
Large human capital
Attractive to migrants
Resources secure
Control of commodities
11
Q
What is another word for a hyperpower?
A
Hegemon
12
Q
What is hard power and give a decription?
A
Power by force
This force could be ECONOMIC or MILITARY
ECONOMIC
- BLOCs (trade pacts that exclude)
- Sanctions
MILITARY
- Conquest
- Marginalize
13
Q
What is soft power and give some descriptions?
A
Power by manipulating culture and opinion
This force could be CULTURAL, HISTORICAL or POLITICAL
CULTURAL
-BBC weekly has 372million viewers
- Netflix
HISTORY
- University’s (438,000 non uk students)
- Olympics
POLITICAL
- negotiation in decision making
- Embassy’s
- Productive Relationship
14
Q
Definition: TRADE EMBARGO
A
an official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country
15
Q
What are some reasons to ban trade with a country
A
If they pose a threat via nuclear weapons- banning trade could slow them down due to lack of investment.
16
Q
Does hard power work
A
To an extent but it encourages violence so its very short term
George Bush ‘Mission accomplished’ speech before 10 years of 4474 US soldiers dying and $1.7 trillion spent
17
Q
How can you obtain and keep soft power?
A
Manipulate beliefs and values
‘Thats the way things are’ outlook
18
Q
Does soft power work?
A
No, soft power alone may not persuade a nation to fall inline due to contrasting ideologyies between nations.
19
Q
Which are the four dominant world views?
A
European Liberalism
American Corporate Capitalism
Islamic World
Chinese Confucianism
20
Q
What is smart power and give an example?
A
A combination of soft and hard power.
EG, British in India
- Large Military
- Civil Service
- Statues of British monarchs
- Tradition (cricket and language)
- Railways and infrastructure
21
Q
Definition: GEOPOLITICS
A
Geographical expression of power (the association of politics with physical geography)
22
Q
What is geostrategic theory?
A
In order to have influence, you must own strategic areas of land.
The world island (Africa, Asia, Europe)- the largest and most wealthy region
Offshore islands (Japan and UK)
Outlying Islands(N/S America and Australia)
23
Q
Where is the pivot area and why is it so important?
A
Russia - contains 50% of world island and contains resources (oil)
24
Q
Definition: DIRECT POWER
A
Physically controlling another country
25
Definition: NEOCOLONIALISM
Indirect control over developing countries. Developing countries typically depend of the wealthier nations for economic decisions.
26
What are the three different types of world superpower groups? (Give examples)
Unipolar - Britain
Bipolar - USA + USSR
Multipolar - China, Russia, India, EU, USA?
27
What is a SAP and how does it play into neocolonialism?
Structurally Adjusted Plan (lending money to nations with conditions where you can control them)
Often SAPs force developing countries to halt protectionism and stop public spending and promotes capitalism
28
Political, Military, Economic and Cultural neocolonialism examples?
MILITARY
Iron curtain (heavily defended)
ECONOMICAL
Loans (eg, Marshall Plan)
Prevent poverty to eliminate communism.
CULTURAL
TV/Film, Communist aired on TV to shame them
29
What is the issue with a unipolar world?
Stable but difficult to maintain control everywhere
Only one ideology doesn't represent everyone
30
What is the issue with a bipolar world?
Stability depends on both powers influence
If contrasting in ideaology then conflict could occur between these two powers which could lead to nuclear war (cold war)
31
What is the issue with a multipolar world?
Balanced but highly complex
Numerous relationships which could be destroyed by misjudgment
Fears of alliance and power
Increased risk of conflict
32
What is an emerging power?
Nations with an already large and growing economy, military political and cultural influence
33
Definition: REGIONAL POWER
Nations with immerse influence in their own geographical region.
34
Definition: G20?
World's largest 20 economies (EU as one member)
Decide global economic decisions but often agree things without committing.
35
Why did Mackinder worry about Britains future?
Britain was mostly a naval power however forces were starting to turn ariel and on land
36
How much of the global GDP does the USA and EU own?
46%
37
How much of IMF voting rights does US/EU?
49%
38
How much of UN permanent membership US/EU?
60%
39
What percentage of nuclear weapons US/EU?
50%
40
What are some weaknesses of the US?
AGEING POPULATION
- economic growth straightening as elderly needs income from pension
MORE DISPOSABLE INCOME
- has already reached peak middle class
41
What is the New Development Bank?
A bank created by the BRICs that directly competes with the IMF to finance infrastructure and development projects.
Non dollar currency's given out so no loss due to conversion
42
What happened in Japan in 1989-90?
Property value burst which led to the collpase of the Japanese stock market.
High interest rates which encouraged saving not spending so the economy slowed
Japan's aging population become a problem slowing it futher
43
Pros and Cons of the BRICS: China
CHINA
Soon to be the world's largest economy and lead in renewable energy
Large amounts of high infrastructure projects.
Will soon have an ageing population due to 1 Child policy
Major pollution
44
Pros and Cons of the BRICS: India
INDIA
Youthful population
English is widely spoken
Resource shortages
High levels of poverty
45
Pros and Cons of the BRICS: Russia
RUSSIA
Huge oil and gas reserves
Permanent UN security council member
Extreme inequality
Poor infrastructure
46
Pros and Cons of the BRICS: Brazil
BRAZIL
Energy independent
Growing middleclass
‘Boom and bust’ phases
Control the destruction of rain forests
47
What is the Modernisation theory
A country would only take off when it: exports raw materials, developed in infrastructure, widespread technology, high education, banking and finance and good governance and legal systems. Based on economics and that capitalism will solve all problems. End goal of High Mass Consumption
48
What is the Dependency theory
Wealthier countries stay wealthy, less developed countries stay less developed. Neo-colonialism/Exploitation. Poverty maintained without effecting price of primary goods. Static theory. Core regions give aid, manufacturing and pollution to periphery, periphery gives educated workers (brain drain) and primary resources
49
What is the World Systems theory
There are core regions, semi periphery regions and periphery regions. Demonstrates how some countries can rise and fall, cycles of growth and stagnation. Reflection not an explanation.
50
Definition: FREE TRADE
Trade without barriers or trade.
When more trade, more GDP
51
Definition: QUOTA
A restriction on imported goods
52
Definition: IGO
Intergovernmental Organisation's are global organisations which uphold treaties on rights and operations.
53
Definition: HIPCI
HIGHLY INDEBTED POOR COUNTRY INITIATIVE
Idea to wipe debt from the poorest countries
54
Definition: SUBSIDIES
When governments pay workers for a job to reduce the price of a product
55
What is the USA's view on economic policies?
- Democratic
- Business and Property is privately owned
- Being free of control of the government is more important than equality
- Wealthy but at what cost?
56
How can increased competition benefit the consumer?
Businesses cut costs and increases efficiency
57
Definition: COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS
Do what you're good at initiative
58
What are the four IGO Case Studies?
World Bank
World Trade Organisation
World Economic Forum
International Monetary Fund
59
World Bank
When was it founded?
Where's it headquarters
Who has the most control?
Whats its main aim?
Founded - 1944
Headquarters - Washington DC
Most Control - USA (16.5% votes)
Main Aim - Finance Development, help capitalism and loans and aid after dosastye
60
Definition: PROTECTIONALISM
Subsidising farmers in your own land and putting tariffs on imports so local business is cheaper and more attractive to a consumer to stop foreign business over taking
61
What is Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank?
Bank which supports development of infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region
62
Definition: CULTURAL DIFFUSION
Spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another
63
Definition: CULTURAL HOMOGENISATION
When local cultures become eroded and replaced by one standard culture
64
Definition: WESTERNISATION
Promotion of European and NAmerican cultural values
65
Definition: AMERICANISATION
The influence the USA culture has on other countries such as media, cuisine, tech, business practices or political techniques
66
Definition: PATENTS
The exclusive rights given to an inventor of a company to use or sell an invention for a period of time. Encourages innovation
67
Definition: INITIAL ADVANTAGE
Preventing others having access to imitate your project
68
How many of the worlds highest grossing companies are USA?
5 - dominate revenue
69
What is the equation for percentage increase?
Percent increase = new / old * 100 - 100. where new is the newer quantity or measure, and old is the older (or original) quantity or measure.
70
How can TNC's spread their power?
CULTURAL
Global brands becoming widespread
- increased consumerism
- capitalism
- language
Subtle reinforced messages of American Culture
Investments in patents
- TNCs invest to retain power which gives them initial advantage as everyone else must pay to produce product
- bars countries from cheaper alternatives
71
Spreading culture through TNC Case Studies?
MCDONALDS
- 36,000 locations
- 65 million sold a day
- Glocalised
APPLE
- Technology advantages
- Brand loyalty
- More consumption in China than USA
DISNEY
- Films and merchandise
- Redubbed films for most languages
- Promotes American values (white wedding dress)
72
Investing in patents through TNC Case Studies?
GMOs (Monsanto)
- sells GMOs but cant replant seeds
- businesses must buy new so developing countries are limited and lose profits
PHARMECUTICALS
- cheaper drugs cant be created for 20 years which prevents the poorest from obtaining them
73
Definition: UN SECURITY Council
When?
Who?
Why?
Goal?
Permanent Members?
Who else?
When? 1946
Who? UK, USSR, US and China
Why? Largest countries in population and power, military and economics.
Goal? Maintain global peace
Permanent Members? Russia UK US France and China
Who else? Ten members who are rotated in 2 groups every 2 years
74
How can the UN security council maintain International law?
- sanctions
- military force
- pweacekpeepers
75
Who are the five permanent members of the UN Security Council?
USA
UK
France
Russia
China
76
What are the aims of the UN?
Peace
Human Rights
International Law
Sustainable Development
Humanitarian Aid
77
What are the 4 pillars of global security and what are their councils?
POLITICAL
UN Security Council + Peacekeeper forces
SOCIAL
UNICEF/WHO
ECONOMIC
IMF/WB
JUDICIAL
International Court of Justice/International Criminal Court
78
Superpowers retain their power by having a...
Large Economy
A Military Machine with a global reach
A Large population with a lot of wealth
79
How much of the global coal consumption is used by China? (and how much of the worlds population does it have in comparison)
49% // 19%
80
Who is the worlds largest iron ore producer?
China, but they have to import 933million tonnes to keep up with domestic demand
81
How much of the global growth of sea traffic in the 21st century has China accounted for?
90%
82
Definition: LANDSCAPE SCARRING
When opencast mining removes vegetation and scars the landscape.
Operations may also create loud noise and air pollutions and if extraction requires chemicals then the waste may contaminate groundwater.
83
Why has Brazil's food production increased by 26% and what impact does this have on the forests?
Land is converted into pastures and cropland (particularly to grow soya for cattle feed)
Beef exports have increased by ten times
84
How many litres of water is needed to produce a kilo of beef?
15,000l
85
How much of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by agriculture?
8-18%
86
When was the deepwater horizon accident and how many oils was spilt?
April 2010
134mil barrels of oil
87
Definition: COP and what do they do?
Conference of Parties
Hold annual climate change meetings to oversee a coordinated effort to reduce carbon emissions
88
Definition: TRAGEDY OF COMMONS and how does it link to climate change?
When individuals act independently according to their own self interest.
The country that initiates the change for climate change will suffer for the overall good
89
What is China's approach on to tackle carbon emissions.
- They are the biggest carbon emitters
- Want to avoid another famine- cutting back may trigger this
- Largest solar power investor
90
What is USA's approach on to tackle carbon emissions.
- Declined in emissions since 2005
- Obama released carbon emission tax
- Trump pulled out of the Paris Agreement (Biden rejoined)
- US scientists skeptical
- Democrats care more about climate change
91
What is Russia's approach on to tackle carbon emissions.
- Large oil and gas reserves (Bad polluters)
- Nanotechnology (Efficiency V and lighter)
- Keep emissions below 1990 level (already low)
- In Paris agreement
92
What is EU's approach on to tackle carbon emissions.
- Willing to reduce emissions
- CAP - use of subsidies and overproduction
- 75% of Europeans committed to climate change (no flying)
Latvians don't agree?
93
Definition: MIDDLE CLASS
People with a disposable income.
Global middle class is defined as having an annual income more than $10,000
94
Definition: NUTRITION TRANSITION
A change in diet from carbohydrates towards proteins/eating more processed foods
95
Definition: STAPLE FOODS
Carbohydrates that are relied on and eaten regularly.
Staple foods t affordable prices are necessary for regional food security.
96
Definition: RARE EARTH MINERALS
A group of metal elements crucial for technology such as phones, computers and cars. 100x more common that gold.
97
How much more meat does Chinese citizens eat from 1950?
10 times
98
How many adults are in the Chinese middle class?
500 million
99
How is energy effected by a enlarged middle class?
Higher energy consumption due to people being able to afford more energy
Increased car pollution due to increased car usage.
100
What are the statistics on China's unfair work practices in rare earth minerals?
China has 30% global deposits but 90% production
101
One ton of rare earth produces...
10,000 tonnes of waste
102
How could rare earths increase China's superpower status?
- Providing China more money through 'decreasing' supply but increasing demand
- Large production- large power due to initial advantages
103
Definition: EUTROPHICATION
When fertilisers run off into rivers, encouraging surplus algae growth which then decreases light and oxygen, polluting the river.
104
Why are GM crops useful for developing nations
More efficient due to bigger yield.
105
Definition: PEAK OIL
The hypothetical point at which global oil production reaches its maximum.
106
Explain China's water crisis
There is an uneven population distribution.
More rain in South East but bigger population in North East.
Water is unevenly distributed in China.
70% water goes to farming/agriculture
20% water goes into the coal industry
Beijing uses 70% more than supply of water
107
Definition: Sphere of influence?
a physical/economic region in which a country believes it has economic, military, cultural or political rights.
108
Definition: EEZ
Exclusive Economic Zone
200 miles from coast
109
How many barrels of oil does the Arctic have?
100million barrels of oil
110
How many people live in the Arctic?
4 million (500,000 indigenous)
111
Definition: USGS
United States Geological Survey
112
What percent of gas reserves is in the Arctic?
30%
113
What does the USGS estimate extraction costs are in the Arctic compared to Saudi Arabia??
Arctic = $37
Saudi Arabia = $2
114
What are the SOCIAL Implications of greater explorations in the Arctic?
- 500,000 indigenous people live in Arctic circle, increased exploration threatens their way of life
- Mining will create jobs
- Increased energy security
115
What are the ECONOMIC Implications of greater explorations in the Arctic?
- mining of oil is more expensive in the Arctic than Middle East
- Transport through North East passage will increase trade
- Job creation
116
What are the ENVIRONMENTAL Implications of greater explorations in the Arctic?
- More mining = more oil spills
- Arctic ice is important for the earths Albedo
- Mining = greater dependance on fossil fuels (increased greenhouse gases)
- Increased fishing
117
What are the POLITICAL Implications of greater explorations in the Arctic?
- Russia is already resource rich- with greater access could use this as political leverage
- Much of the seafloor is beyond the EEZ of the 8 countries (conflict)
- Conflict could occur over ownership of North East passage (Russia/USA)
- Increased military precedes in the Arctic
118
What percentage of counterfeits are made in China?
70%
119
Counterfeits cost the G20 how much?
$85billion
+ %75 billion in digital piracy
120
How can counterfeits damage things?
- Damage to brand image
- Damage to people (lack of safety checks)
- Damage to TNC economic gain
- Damage to peoples jobs
- Damage to trade relations
121
What happened in 2011 ( linked to counterfeiting)
32 countries signed up to an anti counterfeit pledge.
China didn't
122
Why are Intellectual property rights important?
- Protects original designs
- Initial advantage (promotes research)
123
What are the drawbacks of Intellectual Property rights?
- might be too expensive for average person but a cheaper alternative is needed
- Lasts for 20 years (prevents new medicial development)
- For developing countries is difficult to attain
124
How can political disputes in the political sphere flare up?
- High level official visits in disputed territories
- Change in the balance of power
- Military presence
- Discovery of resources
125
Case study - South China Sea
In the 1950's China created a nine dash line of territory on a map with no coordinates
Due to this line they claim the Spratly islands and have also been artificially making their own islands.
With these islands they have an increased EEZ which spreads over a stretch of shipping lanes which sees 1/5 of ships
126
Case study - East China Sea
China and Japan have disputes over Senkaku islands.
They have important shipping lanes and rich fishing grounds and lie near oil and gas reserves
127
Defintion - ANNEX
To add territory to your own by appropriation
128
What were the accession 8?
Where 8 pre-USSR countries joined the EU in 2004
129
Definition : INTERDEPENDENCE
Where countries rely on each other
130
What is the relationship between China and Africa?
Africa has a wealth of raw materials and China needs these for manufacturing
131
How does China exploit Africa for its own gains?
- Price undercuts
- Migrant workers
- Temporary Jobs
- Exploitation
132
How does Africa benefit from its relations with China?
- investment in infrastructure
- electricity
- aid
- modern work practices and tech
- a shift from primary to secondary jobs
133
Which African countries are China's biggest trade partners?
Nigeria, Angola, Ethiopia, South Africa
134
How much in debt to China is Zambia?
$8.7 billion
135
Why are African countries more likely to do deals with China than the USA or WB?
China's loans are cheaper with fewer rules
136
What are China's tensions with TAIWAN
After the civil war in 1949, the opposing government retreated to Taiwan. There has never been a peace deal
137
What are China's tensions with TIBET
Tibet is a Buddhist nation but China is mostly atheist
China has been accused of silencing Tibet
Dali Lama left Tibet
138
What are China's tensions with JAPAN
Big trade partners
US troops aided Japanese recovery
Japan is capitalist and water
139
What are China's tensions with INDIA
Different ideologies and a disputed Himalayan border
140
What are the 6 instabilities in the Middle East?
OIL and GAS
- 65% of world crude oil exports
as its more assessable and cheaper
RELIGION
- most of the region is muslim however there are two different variants (Shia and Sunni)
- Syria is Shia led but mostly Sunni which leads to disputes
RESOURCES
- Rich in oil
- Lacking in water and farmland
- Saudi Arabia imports crops
YOUTH
- High unemployment and low education
- Disaffected population
GOVERNANCE
- New states but democracy is weak or nonexistent
- Greater religious identity than cultural
HISTORY
- Most borders drew up by the French and English in 1917
- Most have been ottoman since the 1600's
141
Definition: ARAB SPRING
A series of prodemocracy, pro human rights uprising
Some governments were overthrown but mostly prolonged instability.
141
Definition: ISLAMIC STATE (ISIS, ISIL, DAESH)
A jihadist terrorist organisation that rose to prominence during the civil war.
142
Definition: PROXY WAR
A war instigated by a major power which doesnt get involved
143
DEFINTION: A powerful country with worldwide influence due to a dominant economy, culture, political persuasion or
military strength
Superpower
144
DEFINTION: The ability of a country or group of countries to persuade other countries to agree to a situation or idea
by making it attractive.
Soft Power
145
DEFINTION: The ability of a country or group of countries to use military force or direct economic influence to make
another country accept a situation or idea
Hard power
146
DEFINITION: The ability to establish leadership over a group of people through political or cultural practices
Hegemony
147
DEFINITION: Policies that attempt to meet the global and regional policy aims of a country by combining diplomacy
with the movement and positioning of military assets.
Geostategic Policies
148
DEFINITION: Policies that attempt to meet the global and regional policy aims of a country by combining diplomacy
with the movement and positioning of military assets.
Geostategic Policies
149
DEFINITION: The combination of hard power and soft power strategies.
Smart Power
150
DEFINITION: The negotiation and decision-making that takes place between nations as part of international relations
leading to international agreements and treaties.
Diplomacy
151
DEFINITION: A world where one country dominates global politics and economics, and perhaps culture.
Unipolar
152
DEFINITION: world where two countries either share or compete to have the greatest global influence
Bipolar
153
DEFINITION: A world where several countries have a highly influential role in the world or their world region and link
together in world economic and political systems.
Multipolar
154
DEFINITION: A period of time when many countries were governed and very strongly influenced by colonial rule,
usually by a European country
Imperial Era
155
DEFINITION: The use of investment, trade and culture to influence independent countries instead of direct
governance
Neocolonialism
156
DEFINITION: A period of tension between ideologically rival superpowers, the capitalist USA and communist USSR, that
lasted from 1945 to 1990. It was also the period when nuclear weapons, and systems to deliver them, were perfected, adding to tension
Cold War
157
DEFINITION: A country that has rapidly increased its influence and economic position in the world.
Emerging Powers
158
DEFINITION: A country or state that has a power or influence in a part of a continent or world region
Regional Powers
159
DEFINITION: The richest 20 countries in the world, which meet semi-regularly to discuss key global economic issues.
G20
160
DEFINITION: the collective term for Brazil, Russia, India and China (and latterly, South Africa) which were predicted (by
write Richard Scase in 2000) to show rapid economic growth.
BRICs
161
DEFINITION: The collective term for Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey, a group of countries with the potential to
realise economic growth.
MINTs
162
DEFINITION: A multilateral development bank established by the BRICs countries with the objective of financing
infrastructure projects in BRICs and other emerging economies and developing countries
New Development Bank
163
DEFINITON: A theory that believed that poverty was a trap; traditional family values in poorer countries held
economies back; and that capitalism was the solution to poverty
Modernisation Theory
164
DEFINITION: A theory which argues that developing countries remain dependent on wealthier nations, and that their
reliance on developed economies is the cause of their poverty.
Dependency Theory
165
DEFINITION: The uneven spatial distribution of national population and wealth between two or more regions of a
country, resulting from flows of migrants, trade and investment
Core periphery model
166
DEFINITION: A theory which claims that core regions drive the world economy and that peripheral areas (distant from
the core and lacking capital) rely on core regions to exploit their raw materials. Therefore, unequal trade
develops between them.
World Systems Theory
167
DEFINITION: Where countries can import and export goods without any tariff barriers or other non-tariff barriers to
trade
Free Trade
168
DEFINITION: Obstacles that are put in place to reduce trade between nations. For example import or export tariffs
(taxes) which are sometimes used to protect local products, or quotas
Protectionism
169
DEFINITION: A tax or duty to be paid on imports or exports.
Tariff
170
DEFINITION: Intergovermental Organisation). Regional or global organisations whose members are nation states. They
uphold treaties and international law, as well as allowing cooperation on issues such as trade, economic policy, human rights, conservation and military operations
IGO
