Theory

Question 1

What is a superpower?

Answer 1

• Can conduct a global strategy, command vast economic potential and influence

Question 2

Superpowers in world history timeline?

Answer 2

• 1919-45 - a multipolar world
• Cold war (1945-1991) - bipolar world as British Empire falls (US + USSR 2 superpowers)
• 1991-now - USA alone as a superpower after collapse of USSR, USA uses soft power and hegemony to exert control, war on terror
• Future? - decline of USA, back to a multipolar world bc of BRICs/G20

Question 3

Hard power?

Answer 3

• Using coercive means to influence such as military/economic influence to force a country to act a particular way

Question 4

Soft power?

Answer 4

• Influencing others to get what you want - coopting them rather than coercing - seduction rather than forcing

Culture, political values, policies

Question 5

Hegemony?

Answer 5

Leadership or dominance

Question 6

Cultural hegemony?

Answer 6

View of ruling class/power becomes the globally accepted view - becomes common sense

Question 7

How can a cultural hegemony be promoted?

Answer 7

• Education
• Religion
• Music/tv/film
• News media

Question 8

What does neoliberalism views support?

Answer 8

• Trade
• Deregulation
• Privatisation
• Capitalist/consumerism

Question 9

Neo-colonialism?

Answer 9

• Modern alternative to colonialism - still developed world controlling/influencing developing world
• Soft power/financial power over other states to obtain wealth, labour, markets or power (e.g. USA in S Korea + China in Angola)

Question 10

Intellectual property laws

Answer 10

• Patents
• Trademarks
• Copyrights
• Royalites

Question 11

Benefits of IPL?

Answer 11

• Promotes innovation + R+D - allows innovators to make money from their ideas
• Improves customer trust + safety in TNCs/products

Question 12

Reality of IPL?

Answer 12

• TNCs monopolise innovation + patents - can control pcies (morally questionable when things like pharmaceuticals)
• Encourages spread of western products/culture/ideas - homogenous culture
• Counterfeiting

Question 13

How much of the world’s supply of rare earths is supplied by China?

Answer 13

85%

Question 14

Environmental costs of rare earths?

Answer 14

• Toxic waste - radioactive materials
• Groundwater contamination

Question 15

Why would a superpower want a sphere of influence?

Answer 15

• Balance of power - controlling more territory (e.g. Heartland theory - Eurasia)
• Key trade routes
• Access to natural resources
• Physical barrier in a conflict