topic7- superpower Flashcards
(145 cards)
define superpower
a nation with means to project its power and influence anywhere in the world
how did America become a superpower
-control lots of territory
-in WW1, they intervened to end the war, promoting peace and stability.
-the creation of IGOs e.g. the Bretton’s Woods Agreement
-They maintained economic stability during the war
- creation of Nato (a military alliance)
-controlling global affairs
what’s a hard power
a power through force and is likely to involve military power or economic sanctions
whats a soft power
exerting influence through favour and persuasion ,and is therefore likely to be based on cultural power
examples of hard powers
- using economic sanctions against countries
-military action, or the threat of it
-military presence and force
-military alliances such as NATO
examples of economic power
-favouring certain trade partners
-using aid to influence policy
-trade blocs and alliances
-aid and trade
examples of soft power
-culture and ideology
-exerting influence through favour and persuasion
-using the media to promote a particular image and message
what are the 5 permanent members of the UN security council
China, France, Russia, UK, USA
whats a hyperpower
an unchallenged power dominant in all aspects of power e.g. USA (1990-2010) and Britain (1850-1910)
characteristics countries need to be a superpower?
-military
-political
-cultural influence
-access to natural resources
talk abt physical size and geographical position and the advantages and disadvantages for superpowers
soft power
-bigger countries have greater resources and influence- e.g Russia controls significant resources
however may have complex relations with neighbours
talk abt economic power and influence and how advantages and disadvantages for superpowers
hard power
-the 10 largest economies:
-earns 56% of global GDP
- control investment
-have the worlds most powerful currencies
-determine economic policies
however aid is only granted to those agreeing to policies specified to the countries providing aid
talk abt demographic factors and the advantages and disadvantages for superpowers
soft power
- a large population size leads to economic successes as there is a sufficient labour force
- many areas use people as a source of cheap labour
-a large population also spurs economic growth
However a large pop is not critical to pwr, e.g Singapore ( great influence upon SE Asia)
talk abt military strength and the advantages and disadvantages for superpowers
Hard power
-the size of a countries military determines their power- many countries regard the membership of the UN security council as the ultimate status of power
However type of weapons owned is representative of power e.g. nuclear weapons
talk abt political factors and the advantages and disadvantages for superpowers
Hard power
-most countries have realised that grouping up with like minded countries can cause them to exert more influence.
OECD began
- the G20 has a great influence and is a significant decision making forum
via this few countries have much influence on their own.
limitations- permeant members can block others decisions in the UN security council
talk abt military strength and the advantages and disadvantages for superpowers
Hard power
-the size of a countries military determines their strength
-many countries regard membership of the UN security council as the ultimate status in power
-however, military size is often less significant than national defence budgets and technology
- the type of weapons owned is also representative of power (nuclear > big military)
talk abt cultural influence and the advantages and disadvantages for superpowers
Soft power
-increased globalisation has lead to a global culture, spread via multimedia TNCs such as Disney. They dominate global culture by deciding which films people can watch
-many UK commercial radio stations
-however, North Korea dislike cultural erosion (censorship)
talk abt access to natural resources and the advantages and disadvantages for superpowers
Soft power
- some resources are essential to economic development
-OPEC countries influence setting global oil prices
however, the possession of natural resources doesn’t guarantee development. many countries’ natural resources may be managed by major TNCs so they can gain less profit, also countries with lack of investment means countries cant acquire material
where is the heartland located
Eastern Europe into Russia at the centre
what 3 things determined power in the heartland
- whoever ruled the most strategic part of Europe would command the heartland
-whoever ruled the heartland would command the world island (Europe and Russia)
-whoever controlled the world island ruled the world
what happens to the power when moved away from the heartland
power decreases
what 2 simple factors contribute to Russia’s power
-its location and resources
what factors hinders Russia’s power
-its many borders means it can be attacked from many directions
- because much of it’s coast is frozen in the winter, it has few year round ports
what role does sea power play in global power in terms of the heartland throry
- it was thought that the heartland could shift geographically, especially due to sea power.