superpowers Flashcards
(8 cards)
🇺🇸 USA – Unipolar Superpower
Military: Largest global military budget (~$700 billion in 2021), extensive global base network.
Economic: Home to major TNCs (e.g., Apple, Google), US dollar as global reserve currency.
Cultural: Global influence through media, music, and technology.
Political: Permanent UN Security Council member, influential in IMF and World Bank.
🇨🇳 China – Emerging Superpowe
Economic: Second-largest economy, significant manufacturing and export hub.
Military: Rapid modernization, expanding naval capabilities.
Geopolitical: Belt and Road Initiative enhances global influence.
Africa Relations: Investments in infrastructure and resource extraction
🇷🇺 Russia – Resurgent Power
Military: Nuclear arsenal, involvement in regional conflicts (e.g., Ukraine).
Energy: Major exporter of oil and gas, energy leverage over Europe.
Geopolitical: Assertive foreign policy, influence in former Soviet states.
🇪🇺 European Union – Regional Superpower
Economic: Collective GDP rivaling the USA, significant trade bloc.
Political: Influential in global diplomacy, environmental policy leadership.
Challenges: Internal divisions, Brexit, aging population.
🌊 South China Sea – Contested Sphere of Influence
Strategic Importance: Vital maritime corridor with over 30% of global trade (~$5.3 trillion annually) passing through; rich in oil, gas, and fishing resources.
Claimants: China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia assert overlapping territorial claims.
China’s Actions: Assertive “Nine-Dash Line” claim; construction of artificial islands (e.g., Fiery Cross Reef) equipped with military facilities, termed the “Great Wall of Sand.”
International Response: The USA conducts Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) to challenge China’s claims; regional nations seek support from international bodies.
Legal Framework: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) extending 200 nautical miles; China’s expansive claims have been contested under this framework.
Geopolitical Implications: Escalating tensions have led to increased militarization, raising concerns over potential conflicts and impacting global trade routes
❄️ The Arctic Region – Contested Geopolitical Space
Strategic Importance: Estimated to contain 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of undiscovered natural gas reserves.
Territorial Claims: Russia, Canada, the USA, Denmark, and Norway have overlapping claims, particularly over the Lomonosov Ridge.
Military Presence: Russia has increased its Arctic military capabilities; NATO members like Norway and the USA are enhancing their presence.
Climate Change: Melting ice opens new shipping routes (e.g., Northern Sea Route), increasing accessibility and strategic interest.
Governance: The Arctic Council facilitates cooperation, but rising tensions challenge its effectiveness
🌐 China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – Expanding Global Influence
Overview: Launched in 2013 to develop infrastructure and trade routes across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Economic Reach: Over 140 countries have signed agreements; significant investments in ports, railways, and roads.
Strategic Goals: Enhances China’s access to resources and markets, extending its geopolitical influence.
Criticisms: Accusations of “debt-trap diplomacy” where countries accrue unsustainable debts to China.
Impact on Africa: Investments in infrastructure have boosted development but raised concerns over sovereignty and economic dependency
🏛️ International Organisations – IMF and World Bank
Origins: Established at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference to promote global economic stability and development.
IMF: Provides financial assistance and policy advice to countries facing economic crises; promotes monetary cooperation.
World Bank: Offers loans and grants for development projects aimed at reducing poverty and supporting infrastructure.
Influence: Criticised for promoting Western economic models and for conditionalities attached to assistance.
Geopolitical Role: Serve as tools for superpowers to exert influence over developing nations’ economic policies
