Superpowers 10

Question 1

What is neo-colonialism?

Answer 1

Superpowers pulling the economic and political strings without direct rule

This concept highlights the influence of developed nations over developing countries.

Question 2

What are unfair terms of trade?

Answer 2

• Cheap commodity exports from developing nations
• Expensive imports from the developed world

This situation creates economic imbalances between developing and developed nations.

Question 3

What is meant by brain drain?

Answer 3

Skilled and educated workers leaving developing countries for developed ones

This phenomenon hinders the growth of developing countries’ economies.

Question 4

The world’s economic centre of gravity is shifting from the West to which region?

Answer 4

The East

Asian states are becoming influential players in the global economy.

Question 5

By 2050, what is the expected GDP of Asia?

Answer 5

174 trillion

This is projected to be higher than the combined GDP of the USA and Europe, which is expected to be 151 trillion.

Question 6

What recent trend has been observed regarding foreign direct investment (FDI)?

Answer 6

FDI is now originating from Asian countries like China and India

This marks a shift from the previously dominant flow of FDI from the developed West.

Question 8

What is a consequence of neo-colonial relationships between developing countries and LEDCs?

Answer 8

• Donor countries ‘gift’ money or infrastructure
• In return for natural resources

This relationship often involves the exchange of resources such as minerals and fishing rights.

Question 9

How are Asian influences on the global economy changing?

Answer 9

Increasing significantly

This shift has led to rising tensions among Asian states competing for resources and global status.

Question 10

What are the two opposing alliances in the Middle East conflict?

Answer 10

• West with Israel and Arab monarchies
• Iran, Syria, Russia, and China

These alliances reflect geopolitical tensions and military support dynamics.

Question 11

What was the aim of the US-led invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Answer 11

• Remove Hussain and Taliban
• Create stable governments
• Remove weapons of mass destruction

There are suspicions regarding the true motives, particularly concerning oil protection.

Question 12

What humanitarian issue has arisen from the conflict in Syria and Iraq?

Answer 12

A refugee crisis

Approximately 2 million people have fled to Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon, which are struggling to accommodate them.

Question 13

What ongoing conflict involves Israel and Palestine?

Answer 13

Israel has taken land from Palestinians and built settlements

This situation continues to cause tensions with Muslims globally.

Question 14

What are the three main reasons for the Middle East’s conflict?

Answer 14

• Religion
• Oil and gas
• History

These reasons contribute to ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region.

Question 15

Which two religious groups are primarily involved in conflicts in the Middle East?

Answer 15

• Sunni
• Shia

These groups often engage in proxy wars, such as in Yemen.

Question 16

What percentage of the world’s crude oil comes from the Middle East?

Answer 16

65%

Control over oil resources is a significant factor in regional conflicts.

Question 17

True or false: The borders in the Middle East were drawn by colonial powers, leading to conflicts.

Answer 17

TRUE

The borders often do not separate populations of distinct communities and cultures.

Question 18

What are two future demonstrations of power that states may utilize?

Answer 18

• Nuclear weapons
• Space exploration

These methods reflect a state’s economic ability and political influence.

Question 19

In 2016, the UK parliament voted to renew which nuclear weapons programme?

Answer 19

Trident

The renewal cost is estimated between £100-250 billion over 50 years.

Question 20

True or false: Changing attitudes towards nuclear deterrents may make them more favorable in the future.

Answer 20

FALSE

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to ICAN in 2017 reflects shifting perspectives on nuclear weapons.

Question 21

What is one potential benefit of space exploration for countries?

Answer 21

Access to natural resources and new energy sources

Countries are investing in space exploration programs with the hope of future profitability.

Question 22

List the amounts invested in space exploration by the following countries:
1. USA
2. EU
3. Russia
4. Japan
5. China
6. India

Answer 22

1. USA: $17.6 bn
2. EU: $5.5 bn
3. Russia: $5.6 bn
4. Japan: $2 bn
5. China: $1.3 bn
6. India: $1.1 bn

These investments reflect the varying priorities and capabilities of different nations.

Question 23

Why do governments value their intelligence services more after recent attacks in the West?

Answer 23

Increased need for espionage on other states

Incidents like Russian nerve agent poisonings in the UK have heightened the importance of intelligence.