Superpowers Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a superpower?
A nation with global power and influence
Superpowers have significant economic, military, and cultural influence worldwide.
What characteristics influence superpower status?
Political power, Cultural power, Economic power, Military power, Access to resources, Demographics
Acronym used: PCADEM.
What does BRICs stand for?
Brazil, Russia, India, China
These are emerging powers increasingly important in global systems.
What is hard power?
Using military force or coercive strategies to exert influence
Examples include military invasions and economic sanctions.
What is soft power?
Influencing others through cultural and ideological means
Examples include diplomacy, cultural exchange, and global media.
What is smart power?
A combination of hard power and soft power strategies
Smart power is used to navigate complex international relations.
What is Mackinder’s Heartland Theory?
The theory that controlling the ‘Heartland’ (Asian/European landmass) grants global power
It emphasizes the importance of geostrategic locations for military advantage.
What is Modernisation Theory?
The idea that pre-industrial societies develop slowly until conditions for economic growth are met
This theory suggests a linear progression towards modernization.
What does Dependency Theory argue?
Superpowers keep developing nations in a state of dependency to further their own growth
It highlights unequal relationships between developed and developing countries.
What is World Systems Theory?
The theory that interactions between periphery, semi-periphery, and core nations change over time
It focuses on the flow of goods and money between different levels of development.
What is neo-colonialism?
Indirect control over another country through economic, political, or cultural pressure
An example is China’s investment in Africa.
What role do inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) play in global economy?
They support economic stability, promote free trade, and facilitate discussions between governments
Examples include IMF, WTO, and World Bank.
What are TNCs?
Transnational Corporations that operate in multiple countries
They exert significant economic and cultural influence globally.
Fill in the blank: Economic power is necessary to achieve all other characteristics of _______.
[power]
True or False: Hard power is considered more effective than soft power in gaining global influence.
False
Soft power has become increasingly important in modern international relations.
What is the significance of China’s investment in Africa?
It increases China’s global influence and taps into Africa’s young labor force
China’s FDI into Africa was $110 billion in 2019.
What is the impact of globalization on local cultures?
Western culture spreads, often overshadowing local cultures through TNCs
Glocalisation allows adaptation of western products to local tastes.
What is the relationship between demographics and economic power?
A large and skilled population attracts TNCs and supports economic growth
Countries with large populations can leverage this for global influence.
What was the primary strategy of the British Empire during its mercantile phase?
Invasion and colonization of other countries to access natural resources
This led to economic growth and increased military power.
What economic mechanism did the USA use during the Cold War?
Indirect power through alliances and proxy wars
This included forming NATO and competing in the Space Race.
