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Flashcards in Superpowers Intro Deck (12)
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1
Q

Define ‘superpower’

A

A nation with the means to project its power and influence anywhere in the world to be a dominant global force

2
Q

Define ‘hyperpower’ with an example

A

An unchallenged superpower dominant in all aspects of power e.g. Britain 1850-1910

3
Q

What are the seven characteristics of a superpower?

A
Size
Demographic
Resources
Economic strength
Military strength 
Culture 
Politics
4
Q

Describe size as a characteristic of superpower?

A

A greater land area generally provides greater sources of natural resources and influence over neighbours

5
Q

Give two examples of size as a characteristic of superpower

A

Russia - large land area and resources and 14 neighbours

Britain - relatively small land area but strong naval power to extend influence

6
Q

Describe demographics as a characteristic of superpower using four examples

A

Large population size is seen as important
• Economic growth from workers e.g. UK
• Cheap workers promote economic growth e.g. China
• Increased population encourages economic growth through markets e.g. EU
• Increased political influence with lower population e.g. Qatar attracts skilled migrants

7
Q

Describe how resources are important to superpower status

A

More resources means more power because it gives a nation leverage over countries that need or want resources however exports add little value to a country and TNCs control large volumes of resources

8
Q

Describe military power as a characteristic of a superpower with three examples

A

Threat of force exerts pressure
• Achieves geopolitical goals e.g. US toppling Saddam Husein
• Type of weapons represent extent of threat e.g. Russia has 7k nuclear weapons and the USA have 6.8k
• Ability to project power e.g. USA has almost 800 military bases in more than 70 countries

9
Q

What treaty was created to control nuclear warfare?

A

No proliferation treaty of 1968 to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology which was successful in terms of the Cold War arms race to set a revenge to for cooperation between nuclear and non nuclear states signed by 62 countries including Soviet Union but not Israel

10
Q

Describe economic power

A

The control of investment and use of powerful currencies and influence to determine economic policies

11
Q

Describe political power

A

Only five countries have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council
Alliance interaction
Superpowers have a disproportionate weight in international bodies

12
Q

Describe cultural power

A

The appeal of a nation’s way of life , values and ideology e.g. clothing, religion and art
Capitalism or communism