Superpowers Flashcards

(86 cards)

1
Q

What is an example of soft power?

A

The UK hosting the 2012 Olympic Games

Soft power refers to the ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce.

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2
Q

Which country expanded its military power and range of weapons to increase global influence?

A

China

This expansion is part of China’s strategy to enhance its position on the world stage.

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3
Q

What is the aim of BRIC nations in the 21st century?

A

Superpower status

BRIC refers to Brazil, Russia, India, and China, which are emerging economies.

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4
Q

Who was the leader in military spending in 2016?

A

The USA

The USA’s military spending was $600 billion in 2016.

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5
Q

What was China’s military spending in 2016?

A

$150 billion

This reflects a significant gap between the military expenditures of the USA and China.

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6
Q

In what year was the world bipolar with the USSR and the US?

A

1945

This period marked the beginning of the Cold War.

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7
Q

What organization was formed to help the US?

A

NATO

NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

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8
Q

What was the heavily defended border between Eastern and Western Europe called?

A

The iron curtain

The term symbolizes the ideological conflict and physical boundary dividing Europe during the Cold War.

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9
Q

What type of influence is described as neo colonialism?

A

Aid to rebuild war damages and inward investment to Singapore

Neo colonialism refers to the practice of using capitalism, globalization, and cultural imperialism to influence a developing country.

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10
Q

How much did the US grant towards global health programs in 2014?

A

$8 billion

This funding reflects the US’s commitment to global health initiatives.

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11
Q

What percentage of South America’s GDP does Brazil produce?

A

50%

Brazil is the largest economy in South America.

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12
Q

Since what year has Brazil faced protests related to corruption?

A

2013

These protests reflect public discontent with government corruption.

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13
Q

What percentage of South America’s total military budget does Brazil account for?

A

Over 60%

Despite this, Brazil is considered the least significant military power among BRICS nations.

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14
Q

What is Brazil’s fertility rate?

A

1.8

This indicates a trend towards an aging population.

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15
Q

What percentage of global species does Brazil have?

A

13%

Brazil is known for its biodiversity.

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16
Q

What is Russia’s economic vulnerability?

A

High dependency on oil and gas

This dependency makes Russia susceptible to fluctuations in global oil prices.

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17
Q

What percentage of wealth was owned by 110 people in Russia in 2014?

A

35%

This highlights significant wealth inequality in Russia.

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18
Q

What demographic trend occurred in Russia during the 1990s?

A

Population declined

This was due to various social and economic factors.

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19
Q

What is the fertility rate trend in Russia?

A

Lower fertility rate

This contributes to population aging.

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20
Q

What percentage of goods and services does the Western core consume?

A

75%

This reflects the economic dominance of Western nations.

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21
Q

What percentage of world bank votes did the US control in 2016?

A

16.5%

This indicates the US’s significant influence in global financial institutions.

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22
Q

What percentage of IMF votes are controlled by eight countries?

A

47%

This concentration of voting power is indicative of global economic power dynamics.

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23
Q

How many of the largest 10 TNCs were American in 2006?

A

Six

This number dropped to three by 2015, showing a shift in global corporate dominance.

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24
Q

What role do superpowers play in responding to crisis?

A

Superpowers play a key role in responding to crisis.

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25
How many Haitians were killed by the hurricane in Haiti in 2016?
900 Haitians.
26
How many personnel did America deploy to help after the hurricane in Haiti in 2016?
500 personnel.
27
How many permanent members are there in the UN Security Council?
Five permanent members.
28
What power do the permanent members of the UN Security Council have?
The power to veto.
29
How many judges are there in the International Court of Justice?
15 judges.
30
What does the International Court of Justice do?
It settles disputes between member countries.
31
By how much has the emerging middle class grown in the last 15 years?
By 500 million.
32
In which region has there been especially large growth of the middle class?
Southeast Asia.
33
What is estimated to be the economic impact of a 10% increase in the middle class?
Leads to a 0.5% annual increase in economic growth.
34
By how much did Beijing's water consumption exceed supply in 2012?
By 70%.
35
By what percentage have CO2 emissions risen from 1990 to 2013?
By 50%.
36
By what percentage did China's emissions rise from 1990 to 2013?
By 286%.
37
What is the EU's aim regarding energy consumption?
To cut its energy consumption by 20%.
38
When did Canada start carrying out military exercises in the Arctic?
Since 2002 ## Footnote This marks the beginning of increased military presence in the region.
39
What claim did Russia make in 2007?
Claimed ownership of the resources at the North Pole ## Footnote This was part of a broader strategy to assert territorial rights in the Arctic.
40
Which country claimed a section of the Arctic in 2014?
Denmark ## Footnote This claim contributed to the ongoing disputes over Arctic territories.
41
What does UK law state about land ownership and natural resources?
Owning land does not mean you own the natural resources within it ## Footnote This legal distinction has implications for resource extraction rights.
42
How has China maintained territorial claims in the South China Sea?
By using exclusive economic zones ## Footnote This strategy has led to increased tensions with neighboring countries.
43
How much foreign direct investment has Africa received from China since 2015?
$60 billion ## Footnote This investment reflects China's growing influence in Africa.
44
What are the rising tensions between India and China primarily about?
Border disputes and the South China Sea ## Footnote These disputes have led to increased military and diplomatic conflicts.
45
By what year is the economic center of gravity likely to be between India and China?
By 2050 ## Footnote This prediction highlights the shifting dynamics of global economic power.
46
What strategy did China propose in 2013 to enhance connectivity?
One Belt One Road strategy ## Footnote This initiative aims to improve trade and infrastructure between China and various regions, including Africa.
47
What are some of the rising tensions in the Middle East related to?
Isis in Iraq focusing on defending oil reserves and ethnic tensions between Iran and Iraq ## Footnote These factors contribute to the ongoing instability in the region.
48
What economic shift has led to increased unemployment in the US?
The shift of manufacturing towards Asia ## Footnote This has resulted in job losses and economic challenges for many workers.
49
What happened in the US economy in 2008?
An economic crash occurred after low-income earners were given loans for mortgages ## Footnote This event was a significant factor in the global financial crisis.
50
What caused banks to collapse during the 2008 economic crash?
Debt and shattered confidence in the system ## Footnote These issues led to widespread financial instability.
51
What are the components that maintain global military power?
Naval power, nuclear weapons, air power, intelligence services, and space exploration. ## Footnote These elements are crucial for a nation’s defense and global influence.
52
What gives Russia its military power?
Russia’s physical size. ## Footnote The vast territory contributes to its strategic advantages.
53
Which country is mentioned as having natural wealth and funding from Shell?
Nigeria. ## Footnote This highlights the relationship between natural resources and economic power.
54
How did the US exercise its military power in the early 21st century?
In Iraq and Afghanistan. ## Footnote These interventions were significant but controversial.
55
What was the impact of US military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan?
They damaged the US reputation. ## Footnote The consequences of military actions often affect international perceptions.
56
What criticism has the US faced regarding the Russia-Ukraine war?
Not intervening in the conflict. ## Footnote This reflects on the complexities of international relations.
57
What does the term 'imperial era' refer to?
The period when Britain expanded its territories forming the British empire. ## Footnote This era significantly shaped global politics and cultures.
58
What percentage of land did Britain control in 1920?
20%. ## Footnote This illustrates the vastness of the British Empire at its height.
59
What justifications were given for the British Empire's expansion?
Modernism and spreading Christianity. ## Footnote These justifications often masked the economic and political motives behind colonialism.
60
What were some effects of colonialism mentioned?
Quick transport of goods, spread of the English language, and education. ## Footnote These effects had long-lasting impacts on former colonies.
61
What negative consequences did colonialism have on local economies?
Crops were bought at very low prices, and colonial states lacked their own government. ## Footnote This led to instability in the newly independent countries.
62
What does communism aim for?
A classless society, collective ownership, abolition of private property, and complete equality. ## Footnote These principles guide socialist movements worldwide.
63
What type of confrontation occurred between the USSR and the US?
Indirect confrontation during the Korean and Vietnam wars. ## Footnote These conflicts were pivotal in the Cold War context.
64
What is the closest the USA and the Soviet Union ever got to real conflict?
The Cuban missile crisis ## Footnote This event occurred in 1962 and brought the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war.
65
What did the Soviet Union agree to buy from Cuba after the communist takeover in 1959?
1 million tons of sugar every year ## Footnote The agreement occurred after the USA stopped all aid to Cuba.
66
Which two major international sporting events did Brazil host?
* 2014 football World Cup * 2016 Olympics ## Footnote These events showcased Brazil on a global stage.
67
What percentage of South America's population lives in Brazil?
50% ## Footnote Brazil is the largest country in South America by both area and population.
68
What has Brazil's fertility rate fallen to in the last 40 years?
From 6 to 1.7 ## Footnote This significant decline reflects changes in social and economic factors.
69
By how much has manufacturing in Russia decreased since 1990?
Halved ## Footnote This decline is indicative of broader economic challenges faced by Russia.
70
What is Russia's current fertility rate?
1.6 ## Footnote A low fertility rate can lead to population decline and aging demographics.
71
What is the annual growth rate of India's economy?
7% ## Footnote India is one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world.
72
What percentage of Indians live in poverty?
20% ## Footnote This statistic highlights the significant economic disparities within the country.
73
How many voters does India have?
900 million ## Footnote India has the largest democracy in the world by the number of eligible voters.
74
What percentage of India's population is aged between 15 to 60?
70% ## Footnote This youthful demographic is an asset for India's labor market.
75
What percentage of the world's bird and plant species does India hold?
6% ## Footnote India is recognized for its rich biodiversity.
76
What is China's GDP compared to that of the USA?
30% ## Footnote This figure illustrates China's economic position relative to the USA.
77
What percentage of China's adult population had graduated in 2009?
2% ## Footnote This figure has seen significant improvement in recent years.
78
What is the current graduation rate among China's adult population?
20% ## Footnote This increase reflects investments in education in China.
79
What percentage of the Chinese population is over 65 years old?
15% ## Footnote An aging population poses challenges for China's social services.
80
At what age do many Chinese people retire?
51 ## Footnote Retirement age varies by gender and profession in China.
81
What percentage of the Chinese population was aged 0 to 14 in 2022?
15% ## Footnote This demographic statistic indicates the aging trend in the population.
82
What was the total revenue of the world's largest 500 companies in 2014?
$30 trillion ## Footnote These companies employ approximately 65 million people globally.
83
What is unique about the 12 biggest TNCs?
They are all state-owned by China ## Footnote This reflects the role of the Chinese government in its economy.
84
How much has chinas consumption gained from 2010 to 2020
150%
85
How much oil does a south China sea hold?
11 billion barrels
86
Where are the worlds cobalt supplies?
The DRC holds 70%