Geography > Case studies - Superpowers > Flashcards

Case studies - Superpowers Flashcards

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1
Q

Superpower nations

A

USA, China, EU

The British empire = unipolar
Cold War = Bipolar = A period of tension between ideologically rival superpowers, capitalist the USA and the communist USSR 1945-1990

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2
Q

Hegemonic power

A

USA = The dominance of a superpower over other countries

Can be a dominant power – EG the US military or more subtle power, sometimes known as ‘cultural hegemony”

A theory from a prisoner of Mussolini named Grimsci – he observed power exerted through influencing opinion and that opinion becomes the ‘common sense’ view of the population.

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3
Q

BRICS/MINT

A

Emerging powers = Strengths and Weaknesses

Brazil
+ Strengths: Strong agricultural economy and exporter, energy independence, growing middle class, global cultural influence.
- Weaknesses: Small military capacity, economic inequality, political instability, environmental issues.

Russia
+ Strengths: Large military, nuclear power, vast natural resources, UN Security Council seat.
- Weaknesses: Aging population, inequality, economy reliant on oil and gas, strained foreign relations.

India
+ Strengths: Large, youthful, educated population; English widely spoken; nuclear armed.
- Weaknesses: Poor infrastructure, high poverty, tense regional relations.

China
+ Strengths: Technologically advanced, major exporter, strong infrastructure, growing global influence.
- Weaknesses: Aging population, pollution, rising labor costs, limited geopolitical leadership.

Mexico
+ Strengths: Part of USMCA trade bloc, improving democracy.
- Weaknesses: Crime issues, obesity-related health costs, skilled emigration.

Indonesia
+ Strengths: Young, dynamic population; rich in natural resources.
- Weaknesses: Environmental degradation, poverty, political instability.

Turkey
+ Strengths: EU trade links, NATO member, educated youth.
- Weaknesses: Political issues with minorities, regional instability.

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4
Q

Cultural impacts of superpowers

A

TNC’s = adaptations to local tastes = glocalisation

Consumerism – EG Apple.. Encouraged to spend/brand identity.. Easier to have all Apple products.

Capitalistvalues – EG social media (often owned by large, Western TNCs) spreads the idea that money = happiness and fulfilment.. A mainly capitalist concept.

Dominantcountries with English-speaking language – around 15%of the world speaks English – about 5% as a first language.

Adaptation of selective other world cultures – Sushi has become popular in the West.. Billed as ‘exotic’, ‘different’ and healthy food from the East. Yoga – an easternpractice has beenadopted by the West.

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5
Q

International decision making

A

UN Security Council and the USA = global policies

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6
Q

Crisis response

A

Haiti 2010 = links to tectonics

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7
Q

Military alliances

A

NATO
Russia Ukraine
UN Security Council

NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. 31 members so strength in numbers.
NATO membership is open to “any other European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area.”

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8
Q

Economic alliances

A

NATO/EU free trade blocs

Recent changes in the USA trade deals and agreements on tariffs

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9
Q

Pillars of global security

A

Political, Economic, Social, Judicial

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10
Q

Environmental concerns

A

Plans to reduce carbon emissions = 1997 Kyoto Protocol: an international agreement set up to reduce carbon emissions.

Superseded by the Paris Agreement agreed at COP21 (2015) which came into force in 2016, a legally binding international treaty.

Growing middle class and consumerism = pressure on resources

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11
Q

Spheres of influence and shifting centre of gravity

A

China’s belt and road initiative = To improve/increase access to trading routes overland and at sea therefore increasing sphere of influence.

Hefty cost implications - trillions of dollars.

The straight of Malacca is a choke point for shipping and transport and the BRI would reduce China’s reliance on this access point – see chokepoint map

Asia = fast becoming a more dominant global region…
Population vs GDP shows population growth in Asia and overall decline in Europe and North America. GDP also shifts… rapid growth and change in dominance.

Middle East = The Middle East is an area loaded with conflict and tension.. There are a number of causes of instability.

6 million Syrians forced to flee due to neighbouring countries conflicts

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12
Q

Neocolonialist control/ NEE and Superpower relations

A
  • China - reliance on oil from Angola, Nigeria and Sudan (as well as other minerals)
  • African countries - importing manufactured goods from china as well as FDI in roads/rail networks

China uses a form of neocolonialism that creates the appearance of partnership and trust, but is actually used to extract natural resources through soft power.

Challenges for Africa:
1. Debt - China’s loans to African countries are part of a strategy to trap them into debt and force them to give up control of their resources.
2. Corruption - There are accusations of increased corruption, bribery, and unfair business practices in Africa.
3. Prioritization of Chinese interests - Some say that China prioritizes its own interests over local needs

Opportunities which may result in gains for African nations include:
1. Economic growth - China’s investments have helped African countries diversify their economies, create jobs, and improve infrastructure.
2. Trade - China has provided a market for African products and has helped African countries increase their exports.
3. Technology - China has provided products and technologies to African countries.

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12
Q

Reasons for reduction/lack of growth in EU, Japan and USA leaving space for other countries to rise?

A

Stagnating wages
Rising interest rates
Increased/higher borrowing rates

  1. Slower productivity growth
  2. Demographic shifts
  3. Increased trade tensions
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13
Q

Why is Japan unlikely to develop and grow to become a superpower?

A

Key Reasons:
1. Aging Population
* Japan’s population is getting older, which slows economic growth due to a shrinking workforce and rising healthcare costs.

2.	Past Economic Crises
*	A property bubble burst in 1989–90, leading to a major stock market collapse.
*	The economy stagnated in what is now known as the “lost decades”.

3.	High Savings, Low Spending
*	High interest rates (4–6%) encouraged saving instead of spending, which slowed down economic demand.

4.	Competition from Other Asian Nations
*	Countries like South Korea and China became more competitive, overtaking Japan in tech and manufacturing.

Conclusion:
Japan serves as a cautionary tale that rapid economic growth does not guarantee long-term superpower status, and future predictions about global powers are often uncertain.

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14
Q

Who are the top three most valuable brands in 2023/largest TNC’s?

A
  1. Amazon
  2. Apple
  3. Google
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15
Q

USA/UK Alliance

A

The USA/UK “Special relationship” was a term first coined by Winston Churchill.

The two countries have similar ideals.

Although the relationship has had ups and downs

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16
Q

Resources/conflict in the Arctic

A

no international treaty to protect the environment

number of territorial claims over the Arctic (claims over - potentially 30% of the world’s undiscovered gas and 13% of oil resources).

  • Involvement of nations with nuclear capabilities
  • Scientific exploration has increased – again, nations extending their sphere of influence
  • Russia and Canada have military force dedicated to protecting their territorial claims
  • Other nations with patrols over the Arctic include Norway, the UK, Canada and the USA

As the Artic becomes more accessible to shipping (global climate changes), this situation is likely to become more tense

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17
Q

What does the Belt and Road consist of?

A
  1. Overland silk road (based on the historic route from China through to Europe) including rail and road links
  2. Maritime silk road - ports and shipping routes
  3. Polar silk road – opening of the North Sea through the Arctic to Europe.
  4. Also – road, rail and pipeline construction in E. Africa (incl 2Africa..)
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18
Q

Importance of the South China Sea?

A

The South China Sea and associated territories is another very complex example of contested sphere of influence.

In short – China is actively attempting to gain control over the South China Sea using a variety of strategies including:

  1. Since 2012, launching and strategic positioning of aircraft carriers, including the potential for nuclear capabilities..
  2. Occupying islands (some deserted) and reclaiming land on Firey Cross Reef
  3. Since 2015, constructing a new port and airport on Mischief Reef
  4. Developing a military base on the Subi Reef.

During the COVID pandemic, China announce two new administrative districts in the SCS (both of which are claimed by Vietnam) this increased tension and pressure in an already ‘heated’ area. (Xisha in the Paracel Is. And Nansha in the Spratley Is.

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19
Q

Consider China as PLAYERS in Africa.. Can we make comparisons to Colonial/imperial exploitation of the 19th and 20th Centuries?

A
  • China - reliance on oil from Angola, Nigeria and Sudan (as well as other minerals), able to sustain growth through new raw materials
  • African countries – importing manufactured goods from China as well as FDI in roads/rail networks, 1million Chinese labourers moved to Africa

China = $60bn FDI in Africa 2015
China Africa trade = $200bn in 2016

Causes undercutting of domestic companies, Chinese workers taking local jobs, not a holistic approach (China only want resources), environmental degradation

Neo-colonial (exploitative) or mutually beneficial?

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20
Q

What are the sources of instability and the importance of the Middle East?

A

Religion – Sunni and Shia Muslim groups

Conflict, 2011 ISIS, 2015 Syrian civil war

Resources – land

60% of Oil supplies - 76% of Japan, 21% USA

Youth – young populations facing the prospect of high unemployment

Governance – weak political systems/new democracies

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21
Q

Top 5 countries by GDP

A
  1. USA
  2. China
  3. Russia
  4. India
  5. Brazil
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22
Q

Cold War

A

A period of tension between ideologically rival superpowers, capitalist the USA and the communist USSR 1945-1990

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23
Q

Unipolar world

A

British Empire = 1926

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24
Bipolar world
Cold War
25
Multipolar world
Now
26
Global police
The USA has intervened in foreign conflict many times over the past 40 years As part of UN security, in coalition with other countries (but outside UN) and unilaterally (on its own). UK = "official development assistance" and "Arab partnership programme" to help MENA regions E.g Britain contributed over $1.5bn to Syria in 2015/16 and focused aid on humanitarian projects Military action was used in 2014-15 by Britain in coalition against the Islamic state in Iraq Can argue Uk create relations for oil deals - real goal
27
'Special alliance"
The USA/UK “Special relationship” was a term first coined by Winston Churchill. The two countries have similar ideals. Although the relationship has had ups and downs
28
Military alliances
NATO = A military alliance of 30 countries from Europe and North America ANZUS Treaty – set up in 1951 and includes Australia, New Zealand, US. Namely to protect the Pacific region. Also includes defense pacts with Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. SCO –Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – strategic partnership in Asia – covers a large geographical area..significant bloc
29
Agreements to reduce emissions
Reducing emissions – 1997 Kyoto Protocol: an international agreement set up to reduce carbon emissions. Superseded by the Paris Agreement agreed at COP21 (2015) which came into force in 2016, a legally binding international treaty.
30
Conflict in the Arctic
no international treaty to protect the environment number of territorial claims over the Arctic (claims over - potentially 30% of the world's undiscovered gas and 13% of oil resources). - Involvement of nations with nuclear capabilities - Scientific exploration has increased – again, nations extending their sphere of influence - Russia and Canada have military force dedicated to protecting their territorial claims - Other nations with patrols over the Arctic include Norway, the UK, Canada and the USA As the Artic becomes more accessible to shipping (global climate changes), this situation is likely to become more tense
31
Belt and Road
1. Overland silk road (based on the historic route from China through to Europe) including rail and road links 2. Maritime silk road - ports and shipping routes 3. Polar silk road – opening of the North Sea through the Arctic to Europe. 4. Also – road, rail and pipeline construction in E. Africa (incl 2Africa..)
32
South China Sea
China is actively attempting to gain control over the South China Sea using a variety of strategies including: 1. Since 2012, launching and strategic positioning of aircraft carriers, including the potential for nuclear capabilities.. 2. Occupying islands (some deserted) and reclaiming land on Firey Cross Reef 3. Since 2015, constructing a new port and airport on Mischief Reef 4. Developing a military base on the Subi Reef.
33
Western Political alliances
G7 (Group of 7) A group of the world’s 7 largest advanced economies (USA, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, Italy). Focus on global economic policy, development, and democracy. Five Eyes Intelligence-sharing alliance between USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Shows deep political and security ties.
34
Eastern political alliances
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) An economic alliance of emerging powers that challenge Western dominance. Recently expanded (e.g. Saudi Arabia & UAE invited). SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) Led by China and Russia. Focus on political, economic, and security cooperation. Members include Central Asian states, India, and Pakistan. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – led by China Infrastructure and investment projects across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Seen as China’s way to build influence and counter the West. Russia-China Axis Growing political, military, and economic cooperation, especially since Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s tensions with the US.
35
Who came up with Hard power, Soft power and Smart power?
It was introduced by Joseph Nye (political scientist) = he also came up with the idea of "smart power" which uses a combination of hard and soft factors to get their own way
36
At the height of the British empire in 1922 the UK ruled what percentage of the worlds land area and how many people?
25% and 458 million people
37
Who took over after the fall of the British Empire
The period after WWII saw the rise of the USA and USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) to form a bi-polar world The result of this was the 'cold war'
38
Why did the British Empire fall
The role of the UK in WWI and WWII, together with the Great Depression led to the collapse of the UK as a superpower
39
Why is China not a superpower
The limited reach of its military: - It only has one overseas base - The navy rarely leaves the Indo-Pacific region Approximately 25% of China's population live in poverty (less than US$5.50 a day) Many people = no access to good healthcare, education or clean drinking water Lack of democracy Censorship of media Human rights abuses
40
What is China doing to become a superpower
China has sought to extend its influence investing in its navy and is looking to increase military bases overseas It has launched initiatives such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to increase its political influence
41
What is the WEF
World Economic Forum (WEF) - Founded in 1971 - Swiss non-for-profit organisation - promotes free trade and is in favour of TNCs - aims = bring businesses and governments together, encouraging public and private co-operation - Meetings of the WEF take place each year = to discuss global issues such as ongoing conflicts, climate change and economic systems - intended that this will promote global links and provide ambitious solutions to global issues
42
The 500 largest TNCs account for what percentage of world trade
70%
43
In 1942 President Roosevelt proposed the global strategy of 'Four policeman', what did this strategy involve?
The strategy involved the USA, UK, China and Russia being the only armed nations The four would work together to maintain global peace Although this did not happen the four nations would become the the permanent members of the UN along with France
44
When was the UN founded
The end of WWII by 51 countries
45
How many members does the UN have?
193
46
Who are the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council?
China France Russia UK US
47
Willow project
The US has recently approved the Willow project in the north of Alaska This will allow drilling for an estimated 600 million barrels of oil
48
What economic challenges do the EU and USA face?
DEBT = 2008 global recession/financial crisis UNEMPLOYMENT = Loss of manufacturing jobs due to the global shift of industry SOCIAL COSTS = Rising life expectancy and low fertility rates - ageing population, care home costs have increase by 3.1% in UK 2022 ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING = Dedindustrialisation in the EU, high costs in regenerating former industrial areas, retraining of workforce in tertiary sector
49
How much of the worlds population do India and China account for?
40%
50
How many nuclear powers are there?
9
51
US defence budget is what percentage of total government spending?
10% = $584bn Costs are high and could reinvest elsewhere = 13% of Americans live in poverty (less than $12,000 a year)
52
In 2050 what might the balance of powers be?
In 2050 there may be significant changes in the balance of powers The world may be bi-polar with the US and China as the opposing superpowers Alternatively it may be a multi-polar world with other emerging powers such as India and the EU achieving similar levels of power It is not possible to accurately predict the changes as world events are unpredictable - recent events that may impact on the balance of power include; - Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict - Brexit - the UK leaving the EU may weaken the power and influence of the union
53
How did the British empire maintain their rule?
Trans oceanic cables = efficient communication and trade Military garrisons = military posts in different continents to protect against/deter invasions Controlling trade routes = control large amounts of Africa which meant they had access to the Suez Canal giving access to Asia
54
Forms of neo colonialsim
Debt = polarising inequalities - by causing a power difference superpowers gain control of the vulnerable Aid = given to allies who want good relations, can force countries into debt - superpowers in control Trade = "western free trade ideology" - dominated by USA and EU, use TNC's to manipulate countries to follow trade agreements
55
The rise of China
1950 = shift from Marxist to a socialist economy - helped increase economic growth 1978 = open door policy allowed for investment - 10% average growth annually for the last 25 years China exports over $200bn more products and services to the US than it imports $216.4bn budgeted for military in 2015 Leading role in G-20 nations to respond to financial crises 1.4bn population in 2020 However GDP = 10% of USA Uneven wealth spread State run ownership = debt levels for the government Ageing population
56
Strengths of India and Brazil (BRICS)
India: - youthful population - demographic dividend = large working age population in the future - global leader in IT - 7th largest GDP - widespread poverty - poor energy and transport infrastructure - lack of water resources Brazil - huge natural resources and farming potential - modern economic structure - economy has bust and boom cycles - limited military strength
57
Energy demands in emerging economies
Projected to increase by 40-50% between 2010 and 2040 Introduction of cars = oil exploration - oil spills - 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico (100million gallons) Industrial chimneys emit pollutants high into the atmosphere causing acid rain = $13.3bn damage in 250 Chinese cities in 2003 Open cast mining = remove vegetation and scarring landscapes Forests cleared for land and converted to croplands etc
58
Climate change actions
US = attitudes change quickly - pulled out of Paris agreement Trump EU = implemented policies - nations must achieve climate neutrality by 2050 (legally binding) China = reluctant to sign climate deals due to limiting economic growth, since slowdown they have now invested in renewables 44% in 2021
59
Counterfeiting
estimated 5-8% if China's GDP Worldwide losses = $400-600bn annually TNC's unlikely to investment if they fear counterfeiting
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