Superpowers EQ3 Flashcards
(35 cards)
Why are there tensions between superpowers?
resource tensions
geopolitical tensions
economic competition
military expansion
tech competition
climate issues
What are examples of tensions in geo?
water- GERD dam (Ethiopia Egypt)
historical claims to Crimea (Russia Ukraine)
Iraq/Syria/Turkey water conflicts
military expansion/strategic advantages
Why are some resources contested?
land border between 2 countries is in dispute
ownership of a landmass is in dispute (e.g. Argentina’s claim to UK governed Falkland Islands)
extent of a nation’s offshore EEZ is in dispute or claimed by another nation (e.g. Artic Ocean)
What is an EEZ?
Exclusive economic zone
The area of ocean extending 200 nautical miles beyond the coastline, where sovereign states have jurisdiction over resources
Why are there tensions in the Arctic?
Contains around 30% of the world’s undiscovered gas, and 13% of oil resources.
Different nations make claims to areas of the Artic Ocean, leading to disputes (some have nuclear weaponry)
Why are there tensions about intellectual property rights?
5-10% of world wide trade counterfeit= illegal
causes sig revenue loss for TNCs + govs
strains trade relations
erodes consumer confidence
can fail to meet health and safety regulations
What are the criticisms of Intellectual property?
IP requires users of a product to pay royalties to the inventor
IP holders do not have a duty to make a new invention available (could prevent new medicine being made etc)
system can create a monopoly where patent holder can charge what they want
Why can disregard for international IP treaties sour relations between countries?
TNCs reluctant to invest knowing their profit is likely to be reduced by counterfeiting
lack of action by governments on IP issues might suggest gov is less likely to co-operate on other issues of international law
trade agreements being made is limited if one side believes other won’t ‘play by the rules’
Why are there tensions over Ukraine/Russia?
Russia annexed crimea after outsing of pro russia president
2014- russia invades crimea
2015- new Minsk agreement signed for cease fire
2017- intends to join NATO (Ukraine)
2022- Russia invades
What are the tensions over the south-China sea?
stratefic intrests + resource disputes between regional and superpowers
vital due to sig trade route, rich resources + energy reserves
estimated $3.4 shipped annually
unexploited hydrocarbons potentally worth $2.5trill
What are the tensions over Taiwan?
China increased military drills nearby
7th Jan- Taiwan held own
10th Jan- satelite evidence of new miliary barges + equip
Jan 16th- taiwan protects sea cables
17th Jan- Pence + others urge trump to renew support
Trump wants more money
What is a sphere of influence?
A physical region over which a country believes it has economic, military, cultural or political rights
What are relationships between superpowers and developing countries often based on?
neo-colonialism: superpowers pulling economic/political strings of developing countries
unfair terms of trade
brain drain of skilled workers from developing countries to boost developed world economies
local wealthy elites who benefit from neo colonial relationship
In what ways can China’s growing relationship with Africa be considered a development opportunity for Africa?
China has invested heavily in infrastructure
vital jobs are created, economy is modernised
Chinese factories and mines bring modern working practices and tech to Africa
Chinese finance has funded 17 major HEP projects since 2000
investment deals are often accompanied by aid
helps raise GDP
What are the challenges for growing relation between China + Africa?
many jobs are done by chinese migrant labours (over 1 mill)
cheap imported goods undercut local african producers
africa’s economic model still raw cheap material exports
What are the environmental issues of the growing relation between Africa + China?
countries without natural resources left out
mining + oil exploitation risk deforestation and pollution
How has the economic growth of BRIC nations affected countries?
India and China have increased geopolitical influence
Increases FDI
What tensions exist in the Middle East?
Political tensions- foreign intervention
Economic tensions- resources and trade routes
Cultural/religious tensions-due to diverse history of area
What are the political tensions in Israel?
Israel’s declaration of independence on May 14, 1948 recognised by US, Soviet Union, and other govs, fulfilling the dream of internationally
approved Jewish state.
Uproar over invasion of palestine
What are the political tensions in Afghanistan?
Unstable gov
viewed suspiciously by western
governments, particularly the USA after 9/11,
Currently controlled Taliban after US withdrawal
Why are there tensions in the Middle East?
Due to the complexity of Middle Eastern politics, religion, ethnic differences and territorial disputes causing potentially dangerous situations
Why are there territorial/enviro tensions in the middle east?
Kurds (Kurdistan)
Kurdish people demanding own state (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey)
turkey fighting low level civil war against
help support against IS do are partially supported
What are the culutral tensions in Iran/ Saudi Arabia?
religious differences between Sunni + Shia muslims
it is a source of conflict
fighting proxy wars (funding wars)
compared to the cold war
What are the economic tensions in the middle east?
65% cude oil exports originate in the region
many armed conflicts encouraged by the fears over energy pathways
have low level of education and young working population
