superpowers Flashcards

Question

what are the methods of colonialism

Answer 1

Colonialism meant direct control of other countries in the interests of the colonial power – achieved through: Use of military force Imposing government systems, usually run by administrators from the colonial power – eg District Commissioners in Kenya Imposing the laws and language of the colonial power Creating a different legal and social status between the colonisers and colonised Divide and rule – use of Asian middle classes in East Africa, setting one ethnic or religious group as being superior

Answer 2

Neocolonialism is a form of indirect control over developing countries. Means 'new' colonialism, where countries remain under control from overseas -even though they are supposedly independent. It is a form of economic imperialism rather than political. Direct political control decreased whilst economic control increased

Answer 3

-Strategic Alliances: The USA and USSR formed alliances with developing countries to spread their global influence via foreign aid. -Aid: Aid can be given with conditions forcing developing countries to spend it in a particular way. -TNCs: FDI (foreign direct investment) creates big profits for TNCs and low wages and little skills for the developing world. -Terms of Trade - Developing countries export raw materials and commodities cheaply, but Developed countries sell the manufactured goods made from these exports at a far higher price. -Global Finance and Debt: Many Developing nations pay huge sums to the Developed world annually in debt interest, often exceeding aid receipts. -Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs) - Countries wishing to have their debt relieved must apply Western Economic Policies devised by the World Bank and the IMF, resulting in a loss of some of their Economic Sovereignty.

Answer 4

-Size of the economy= The USSR’s economy was about half the size of the USA – and this is probably an over-estimate. Plus the Western European economies of UK, France, Germany etc dwarfed that of Eastern Europe. -Cold War = arms race. Competition between the two led to an arms race – post Cuban missile 1962 the USSR resolved to outpace the U.S. in nuclear USA spent 9% of its economy on ‘defence’. -Cold War = proxy wars and supporting your allies. This cost – possibly worthwhile in Cuba but many African states flirted with the USSR – military advisers and aid sapped USSR’s budget. -Star Wars - Early 1980s and USA proposed Strategic Defense Initiative (popularly called Star Wars) costings hundreds of billions of dollars. It was the weaponization of outer space - a shield to intercept a Soviet ‘first strike’. Would have meant the end of ‘deterrence’. But the Soviet's flagging economy couldn't match this escalation in defence spending. -Invasion of Afghanistan - In 1979, the Soviets invaded and occupied the country. The Truman Doctrine had clearly stipulated that American policy was to contain the spread of communism throughout the world, so the U.S. responded by secretly supporting and training the Mujahedeen, insurgent rebels who rallied against Soviets in Afghanistan. (including a young Osama Bin Laden)

Answer 5

the dominance of a superpower over other countries.

Answer 6

-chinese influence over global affairs became economic, changed in 2010 -no intention of abandoning tibet or taiwan -created military bases in spratly islands including a 3km long aircraft runway on fiery cross reef, countries are worried -takes part in un peacekeeping but has military ambitions eg anti piracy measures on worlds shipping lanes

Answer 7

-wto, un, world bank, world bank-igo membership and roles -media and cultural americanisation -nuclear weapon state -oecd membership -nato membership -climate -population and geographical location

Answer 8

- Resources -Military dominance -Space -Outsourcing -Ageing populations

Answer 9

Navy-Recent expenditure by China on Naval ships that can carry larger aircrafts. Drills are regularly practised in preparation for war. More modern ships used than previous years. Africa Investment-Investing in many African countries resources- oil, copper and iron ore. Chinese manufacturing plants-3,171 companies in total now in Africa. Energy trade-China has become one of the leading countries in the world in renewable energy. 45 million spent recently to improve solar energy major chinese cities. New Silk Road-New trade route between China and Europe. More accessible than previous routes. Chinese exports have increased as a result. Trade with Brazil- China is Brazil's largest trading partner, This strengthens China's position in South America. China has invested in Brazil's agriculture because they have a population of 1.3 billion to feed. Nicaragua Canal- Established to help China gain better access to countries in the Caribbean Sea. However this project has currently been stopped due to financing problems.

Answer 10

-navy= us spent $732b on natural defense, more than the next 10 countries combined -african investment=us have overtaken china as africa's largesrt investor, to compete and keep control -energy trade=renewable energy is the fastest growing energy source in the us, increasing 100% from 2000-18 -new silk road=us are still a major partner with europe due to shared defences and close proximity -trade with brazil=us still invest heavily in argentina- who has the comparative advantage in agriculture and natural resources -nicaragua canal= us still has major control over the panama canal,

Answer 11

-world systems theory, dependency theory, modernisation theory and the north-south divide

Answer 12

America promoted economic development through this theory and it dominated global economic development. Rostow believed the economies of developed countries moved through 5 stages of economic development and that all countries would follow the same pathway. The IMF and World Bank helped achieve this. Rostow was a strong believer in free trade and in a Western model of democracy and capitalism. Socialist and communist countries, such as the USSR, Cuba and China, could not expect to develop unless they adopted this model. Rostow’s model was influential and led to many developing countries attempting to create the preconditions for take-off by investing in key infrastructure and industries. Some of these countries such as the Asian Tigers, succeeded, while others failed and found themselves burdened by debt.

Answer 13

Stage 1 Traditional Society subsistence, barter, agriculture Stage 2 Transitional Stage specialization, surpluses, infrastructure Stage 3 Take Off trialisation, growing investment, regional growth, political change Stage 4 Drive to Maturity diversification, innovation, less reliance on imports, investment Stage 5 High Mass Consumption consumer oriented, durable goods flourish, service sector becomes dominant as so influential that eloping countries wanting to ate the preconditions for take by investing in key astructure and industries.

Answer 14

Poverty is a trap Family values in poorer countries hold back economies Capitalism was THE solution to poverty

Answer 15

Many countries borrowed heavily and invested money into projects to meet pre-conditions Failed to develop so in debt

Answer 16

A. G Frank (1967) – based on Marxist view ‘rich vs poor’. Reliant on capitalist core and underdeveloped periphery. Capitalist core keeps the periphery in a state of underdevelopment by exploiting its cheap resources, taking its most skilled workers and selling it its manufactured goods. The developing world helps to keep the developed world to become wealthier. ‘development of underdevelopment’ Aid is then needed to prevent the periphery from becoming restless.

Answer 17

Three key points 1. An international division of labour between countries. (Core countries dominate) 2. There is also a class distinction (who work together to keep the distinction) 3. Global capitalism keeps the system going (ie World Bank, global media) These do not promote development or equal systems.

Answer 18

NICs have broken out of North-South divide mould since 1960s. Theory does not allow for developing countries to have say in their own development. Which countries have adopted Rostow’s model and broken the dependency theory? The Asian Tigers Why? USA funding! Both economic support and aid. Why did they do this? – think back to how superpowers can exert and extend their influence. Strong capitalist economies in Asia would contain Communist China.

Answer 19

I. Wallerstein, 1974 To counter the periphery/core theory Three tier world. World is divided into core, semi-periphery and periphery Semi-periphery nations are broadly equivalent to NICs that developed in 1970s. Wallerstein recognised that some countries could develop and gain power, showing that wealth and power were fluid, not static.

Answer 20

Core Developed as the world’s first industries during the 18th and 19th centuries. Invested capital from a wealthy farming economy during the Industrial Revolution. Owns, produces and consumes over 80% of global goods and services. Periphery Lack capital from a prosperous farming sector. Rely on core regions to exploit, explore and export their raw materials. Unequal trade patterns develop. Cheap labour from peripheral regions is used by the core.

Answer 21

More a description of the world than an explanation of it. Was written during the Cold War (bi-polar era)

Answer 22

View North-South Divide. The North-South Divide (or Rich-Poor Divide) is the socio-economic and political division that exists between the wealthy developed countries, known collectively as “the North,” and the poorer developing countries (least developed countries), or “the South.” The Brandt Line is a visual depiction of the north–south divide, proposed by West German Chancellor Willy Brandt in the 1980s. It encircles the world at a latitude of approximately 30° North, passing between North and Central America, north of Africa and the Middle East, climbing north over China and Mongolia, but dipping south so as to include Australia and New Zealand in the "Rich North".

Answer 23

World bank, imf, wto

Answer 24

The World Bank was founded at Bretton Woods, USA in 1944. Its role is to finance development and its first loan was to France for post-war reconstruction. It also focuses on addressing the effects of natural disasters as well as humanitarian crisis. Its main role is to help capitalism function particularly by making loans to developing countries for developing projects. The WB got a bad reputation in the 1970’s and 1980’s for financing projects that were environmentally damaging e.g. deforestation or so costly that borrowing countries were unable to pay. Now it aims to eliminate poverty and implement sustainable goals. Its decision-making structure is like that of the IMF. The USA controls a lot of the World Bank.

Answer 25

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organisation headquartered in Washington, D.C., of "189 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world." Formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference primarily by the ideas of Harry Dexter White and John Maynard Keynes, it came into formal existence in 1945 with 29 member countries and the goal of reconstructing the international payment system. It now plays a central role in the management of balance of payments difficulties and international financial crises. Countries contribute funds to a pool through a quota system from which countries experiencing balance of payments problems can borrow money

Answer 26

The WTO has the same rational as the World Bank and the IMF, except that it’s focus is on trade and its rules. It aims to free up global trade and reduce trade barriers, by negotiating free-trade agreements and ensuring that it’s members maintain its rules. The WTO is currently focussed on programmes of poverty reduction, by removing farm subsidies, in developing countries to stimulate efficient production. But the result has been that, in many developing countries, cheaper imports than undercut local farmers, who are forced out of business. A combination of globalisation and WTO agreements has led to an explosion in global trade since 1950.

Answer 27

The World Economic Forum is a Swiss non-for-profit organisation, working across national borders (therefore an IGO). It promotes public-private co-operation, with its aim ‘to improve the state of the world by bringing together business, political, academic, and leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.’ The WEF was founded in 1971 to help resolve disputes and promote global thinking. TNCs gain a lot from government policies (such as low taxation), so networking with world leaders is useful for them. But the WEF is not problem free. It has been argued that national voters’ instincts can sometimes conflict with the WEF’s globalised ideas. For example, in 2016 the UK electorate voted to leave the EU; pro-nationalist views are also growing in other countries.

Answer 28

between 1700 and 1900 much of India was run by the East India Company. It controlled trade routes and ruled 20% of the world's population. By 2022, there were over 77 000 TNCs; the top 200 produced 25% of the world's economic output by value. The Covid-19 pandemic caused rapid change between 2020 and 2022 (see Figure 6). Of the top ten TNCs by revenue, six were American, three of which showed spectacular growth: • Amazon benefited from stay-at-home online shopping during lockdown periods. • Apple benefited as more people worked from home, increasing demand for home computers. • UnitedHealth Group grew rapidly from demand for health services. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 caused a rapid rise in oil prices, increasing revenues among energy companies. Most TNCs are publicly owned corporations, with shareholders who receive dividends based on company profits each year. Their desire for profit drives everything. However, Chinese-owned TNCs operate differently. They are state-led and operate commercially, but all profits return to the state. Either way, TNCs are dominant economic forces in the global economy. Each year, the Forbes 2000 ranking lists the world's biggest 2000 companies. When analysing list, it becomes clear that some countries dominate the world economy and maintai power as well as wealth:

Answer 29

TNCs as players in global trade TNCs have had huge impacts on global trade. The increases in global trade in Figure 5 show that between 1960 and 2010 trade increased by at least 46% per decade. In the 2000s, global trade increased in value by over 85%! Part of the reason for this is the global shift in manufacturing to Asia by TNCs. Since 1990, the shift has led to rapid increases in exports from developing countries, a process which speeded up during the 2000s. This has not only shifted economic power away from Western economies into emerging economies, but has also made TNCS extremely powerful. Instead of trade occurring between different companies, much of the increase in global trade is intra-company - i.e. between different branches or activities of the same company. Much trade now consists of flows of parts or components of goods and services moving between one country and another before a final product is completed. As a result, UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) estimated in 2013 that TNCs now account for 80% of all global trade - which in 2023 was over US$25 trillion!

Answer 30

In 1995, the WTO introduced its agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). It requires all WTO members to protect and enforce their intellectual property rights - that is, to register any new technology or process under patent law. A patent is the granting of the exclusive right of ownership and possession of intellectual property by a state to an inventor for a fixed period of time. A patent means that anyone else wishing to use this must pay a royalty for doing so. TRIPS undoubtedly favour TNCs. They spend money on research Rank and innovation think how much companies, such as Microsoft or Apple, must spend in developing new smart phones, or watches. Part of the high cost of such items lies in the research and development that goes into it, so TNCs feel justified in registering any new technology as theirs. As a result, Figure 9 shows a close link between the number of new patents in 2015 and the location of TNCs throughout the world. Two issues illustrate the importance of patents: • Patents developed by pharmaceutical (drug) companies make many medicines unaffordable to poorer countries. For example, many new treatments for HIV (known as antiretrovirals or ARV) are very expensive. Early ARVs tended to be toxic, so later and less-damaging versions were more desirable - but also more expensive. This has provided a widespread barrier to HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa, the worst affected area in the world for HIV/AIDS. • Genetically Modified (GM) crops are controlled by TNCs, e.g. Monsanto in the USA. Using patent laws, they 'own' every GM plant grown from their seed (like those plants in Figure 10). Some TNCs force farmers to sign contracts to use only their chemicals, or prevent them from saving seed to plant the following year. GM engineers can even stop seeds produced by their crops from germinating - so every year farmers must buy new seed. Over 1 billion of the world's poorest people rely on saved seed, but instead they have to buy new seed every year. Again, TNCs benefit most.

Answer 31

Global cultural influences Whether it's Strictly Come Dancing (UK) or Game of Thrones (USA), Western culture is global, bringing arts of different forms via the media into homes, theatres The Simpsons or Poldark are available in almost every country on every airline and on every streaming channel, such as Amazon Prime. or aircraft flying around the world. In October 2022, Taylor Swift's tenth studio album, Midnights, was released globally. Such is media technology and the permeation of TNCs like Apple Music into people's lives, that a release in one country means that it must occur in all countries simultaneously. Extracts from the album were tantalisingly your taste, the supermarkets have it and TV companies broadcast in 30-second clips before its release date on global TV channels and YouTube. Programmes such as The same globalisation applies with food. As people return from holidays or work trips overseas, wanting the same flavour or experience to remind them of their visit, the influence of international foods in supermarkets in the UK has spread. Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Indian ... whateve feature chefs cooking it. TV chefs, such as Rick Stein or Madhur Jaffrey, have become global foodie celebrities.

Answer 32

brazil swot Strengths -has 13% of all known species-huge flora and fauna, UN Conference on Climate Change, leader in using ethanol -young population- 33.2 -huge natural resources and self sufficient in food and energy -agricultural superpower, third largest producer of iron ore, second in biofuel, fifteenth in oil, third in HEP -reputation as a footballing nation Opportunities -important regionally in south america due to producing half of total gdp -acting to protect the amazon forest by Lula -tourism due to football -tourism due to ecotourism and conservation Weaknesses -relies on primary products for exports -politically unstable-protests and corruption -despite spending over 60% of SA's total military budget, they are still the least significant in the BRICS Threats -major environmental issues concerning deforestation in the Amazon due to illegal poaching, pollution from mining -falling fertility rate 4.25

Answer 33

Strengths= Biggest land area State owned Gazprom controls 30% of worlds reserves Huge military investment, nuclear capability and a history of being a military superpower European and military frontiers Permanant seat on UN security council Space programme and state owned companies 7% growth rate and positive net exports Goverment and President have high levels of popularity in Russia Weaknesses= Economic sanctions from US after invasion of Crimea High levels of corruption (political and economic) Ageing population and high immigration levels Social issues of alcoholism and drug abuse (AIDS) Few multinational companies/ reliance on small businesses Poor environmental and human rights record Disparities of wealth and low brand recognition High tensions with the west, reliance of EU demand of gas Opportunities= Unknown Arctic resources Member of the WTO and IMF Stable population and growth (compared to other BRICS) Pro Russian populations in EU (ex soviet states - Latvia) Nationalism is emerging and member of BRICS forum Gazprom diversifying (sponsoring UK football) World cup 2014/ Sochi winter olympics Popular with Trump? Threats= Expansion of EU and NATO into eastern Europe (ex soviet states) Little spending on modern military (Cold war equipment) Ageing population Regional conflicts (Crimea) Inflation and trade sanctions Human rights backlash and Islamic terrorism Falling energy prices (Fracking in USA, China slowing down in growth, big gas fields discovered in south Caucasus)

Answer 34

Strengths= Their economy averaged 7% annual growth and quadrupled between 1997-2015. India is the worlds largest democracy, with 672 million voters It was a founding member of the UN Global Fire Power ranks India as the world's fourth largest military power (due to their weaponry). Bollywood is the world's largest film industry, producing around 1200 films a year. India has the worlds richest biodiversity India has a large and youthful working population. Its major universities have global reputations. India has the world's second largest population. Their culture is popular around the world, which will increase tourists who want to experience their culture. Their military is shown to have many assets like their aircraft carriers. Weaknesses= Manufacturing peaked in 1995 and has slightly lowered since. It had 7% annual growth between 1997-2015 and it peaked at 17% of their GDP in 1995, however it is now only at 14%. Indian infrastructure is poor in water and energy supply, as well as in transport. Power cuts are frequent. One in 2012 affected roughly 620 million people. 20% of Indians live in severe poverty- people may not want to migrate/ move there due to the level of poverty. Bollywood doesn't have the same global reach as Hollywood- they cannot reach the same level of popularity or amounts of money. Opportunities= Large amount of films produced by Bollywood could earn the country large amounts of money, it just needs to reach a wider audience in order to reach the success of Hollywood If they regulated their building codes to a higher level, or produced more housing to fit with the population growth, the amount of slums may reduce. Their military's assets will strengthen their bid to superpower status. Their large population can mean that they have a larger amount of working population which may help to boost their economy. Threats= The government is facing large debt, which led to a reduction in the value of the rupee. Population and economic growth threaten their rich biodiversity India has the world's worst environmental problems with its severe pollution They are the world's third largest emitter of carbon dioxide They have some of the worst slums

Answer 35

strengths-It's a major player in global investment. Their banks invest in a lot of companies overseas, which could make them a large profit. They have the world's largest army and their military have strengths such as their large amount of submarines or combat aircrafts. They are second only to the America. Their culture interests tourists and makes them want to visit the country to experience it, as the ideology is different to other countries. -weaknesses-In 2009, only 2% of China's adult population had graduated from university. Their military has little global reach, showing its ineffectiveness. China has few global brands, especially compared to countries like America, who has many global brands. They are isolated in terms of migration They have an ageing population due to their previous one child policy Many Chinese people retire early Their large population means that wealth has not spread amond the population They do not often get involved in world crises. It has large amounts of debt. -opportunities-If they got more involved in world crises, more people may be more willing to help them in times of need. They are a powerful country, though they could be more powerful if they produced more brands that reached a global scale or offer incentives so that people do not retire too early. They could offer incentives to improve migration They could improve their military to give it higher global reach. Provide university at a cheaper price so that more people have the opportunity to go. -threats-They are the world's largest carbon dioxide emitter, producing 33% of global emissions, which could reduce peoples view on the country because of the harm they are causing. Lower amount of people graduating from university mean that their knowledge economy is limited. It limits its skills in designs and research. Early retirement means more support is needed for those who have retired

Answer 36

Publicly traded TNCs whose shares are owned by numerous stakeholders (Usually other TNCs banks and large financial institutions such as pension funds) around the world. State-owned TNCs that are majority or wholly owned by the government.

Answer 37

1. Publicly traded as global brands so well known. 2. State owned 3. Free market 4. Economies of scales – then can outcompete smaller companies 5. They are a driver of globalisation and put stakeholder profit above all else 6.Transnational corporations allow superpowers and emerging powers to spread their influence globally, both in terms of economics and culture. Through mergers and acquisitions, TNCs have been growing rapidly and some of the largest TNCs now have annual profits that exceed the GDPs of many lower and middle income countries.

Answer 38

The UN Security Council is the primary global mechanism for maintaining international peace and security. It strives to maintain international law by: • Applying sanctions to countries that are deemed to be a security risk, harbouring terrorism, threatening or invading another state or breaching human rights. Authorising the use of military force against a country. Authorising a UN peacekeeping force: troops occupy a country or region under the UN flag to keep the peace in a conflict but do not 'take sides'.

Answer 39

The aim is to force or persuade a country back to the negotiating table without using military force. Sanctions can be diplomatic, economic, military or even sporting.

Answer 40

A striking feature of the last 40 years is the number of times the US has intervened militarily in foreign countries. It has done this in three ways: 1. A part of the UN Security Council 2. Together with allied countries as a coalition, but outside an UN remit. 3. Unilaterally, that is, with no support from other countries. In many cases, the UK and/or France has also been involved, but very rarely China or Russia. This reflects the fact that the USA and European countries tend to have similar geopolitical concerns and goals that are not shared by Russia and China.

Answer 41

As if Haiti needed another major disaster, Hurricane Matthew - a devastating Category 4 storm - swept across the country in October 2016. Its impacts were nothing like those of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake of 2010, but Haiti is one of the world's poorest countries, so it has little resilience to disaster. Among many regular donor countries, 'aid fatigue' had begun to set in, so Haiti's appeals for assistance brought in only 25% of the money it needed. It was left to the USA and France to provide 550 personnel, as well as humanitarian aid. NGOs (e.g. the Red Cross) also launched appeals for US$7 million, while IGOs such as UNICEF sought US$5 million from UN funds to provide aid for 500 000 Haitian children. One way in which superpowers and emerging nations play a key role in global affairs is through crisis response. Poor nations, such as Haiti, look to other countries for help. However, that help can vary - for example, the Nepal earthquake of April 2015 attracted aid from 48 countries, ranging from finance, personnel, emergency supplies and shelter equipment, to materials for rebuilding. • Countries involved here include: • USA • France • Nations that are members of the UN (aid given though UNICEF) ii Ways in which they might be involved could include: • Humanitarian aid (healthcare, shelter, medical support, food aid, etc.). • Advice and technical assistance with monitoring of events (in the event o neteorological events, weather organisations and satellite companie: often provide assistance). • Military support to assist with relief efforts and helping to prevent civil unrest • Monetary donations to support the rebuilding/resilience of the nation in the Tuture ill Reasons for giving assistance could include: • Philanthropic desire/the we want to help' mentality. • Emergency relief responses and military operations require regular testing and practice. Putting skills to the test helps build the quality of assistance given over time. • By giving assistance, countries might forge new relationships, politically, develop future cooperation/deals

Answer 42

-Afghanistan is among the world's poorest countries. -Decades of conflict have deterred investment. 35% of people live below the poverty line, and although agriculture accounts for 31% of formal GDP, this excludes illicit opium, the most valuable crop. In the 1970s, Afghanistan's young king, Zahir Shah, wanted to develop the economy, and allow women greater freedom than traditional Islamic society allowed. This took hold in Kabul, the capital, but failed to reach -Since the break-up of the USSR, Russia no longer has a direct border with Afghanistan, although Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan (all part of the USSR until 1991) do. -All four states fear Islamist uprisings within their own borders (eg. Chechnya, within Russia), so they are always concerned about the rise of any Islamist groups in neighbouring countries. -China is less concerned about Afghanistan than many of its neighbours, but there is a large Muslim population in western China, so it fears any potential destabilising Islamist threats within Asia. -Frustrated by slow economic growth, the Afghan Communist Party seized power in 1978, which in 1979 was supported by invading troops and tanks from the USSR. These troops were resisted by Afghan guerrillas, known as the mujahideen ('Islamic warriors'), provoking conflict between the USSR and USA. -The USA supported the mujahideen with weapons and by recruiting Muslim fighters. With American funding, they resisted Soviet troops, which withdrew by 1989. a) By 1995, the Taliban, a militant group among the mujahideen, India fears incursions and gained control of much of the country. They enforced programmes of radical Islamic law, or Sharia, including restrictions on women, such Since 1979, Iran has been ruled by a traditionalist Islamic Shia government, and is opposed to the Western-backed Sunni government in Afghanistan. Iran is also regarded with suspicion by many Western governments, who fear its recent attempts to develop nuclear weapons technology. destabilisation from fundamental Islamists based in Afghanistan and Pakistan - particularly after previous Islamist attacks, such as on a major Mumbai hotel in 2008. India wants a Western-supported stable government in Afghanistan. as denying them education. b) The Taliban - hitherto supported by the west - gave protection to Saudi militant of Afghanistan, and the length of its Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden had established training camps in Afghanistan borders with its six neighbours with western backing; now he organized attacks against US interests. The most sensational occurred on September I| 2001 (9/1I), when two passenger planes were hi-jacked and flown into New York's World Trade Towers, killing nearly 3000 people. The response post 9/11 In response to 9/1l, the US led an international military coalition against the Taliban, with forces seeking to destroy training camps, and kill militant leaders, particularly bin Laden. Coalition troops captured Afghan cities, and supported the Northern Alliance, a group of Afghan resistance fighters. A new Afghan president. Hamid Karzai, was installed, easing rules on women's dress and schooling, training an Afghan army, and introducing democratic elections. The continued presence of overseas troops antagonises many supporters of reform. Although bin Laden was killed in 2011, Taliban militants continued to attack forces and government targets. Neighbouring countries to Afghanistan (Figure 3 on page 125 of the student book) • The USA and its allies in the conflict • Russia ii Ways in which they might be involved could include: • Military opposition to radical groups and military factions. • Applying political pressure through diplomatic means (through discussions and government policies - e.g., trying to stabilise the region/prevent nuclear armament/political persuasion, etc. • Military support for groups within the country that wish to maintain stability and promote positive ideologies. • Trying to prevent military groups from crossing borders and infiltrating neighbouring countries. ill Reasons for giving assistance could include: • To maintain global and regional stability (preventing the spread of radical groups and ideologies that do not promote peace, etc.). • To prevent future wars and uprisings. • To promote western values and equality for all. • USA military intervention might be seen as the flexing of their 'political muscle' on former USSR states and neighbouring countries.

Answer 43

As well as responding to crises, superpowers and emerging nations also play a key role in military conflicts - and act as global police. For nearly 40 years Afghanistan has suffered almost constant conflict - from foreign invasion to civil war. Geopolitics - that is, political conflict in geographical space - lies at the heart of this. Afghanistan's geopolitical location and physical landscape is significant. Historically, it linked into the trans-Asian 'silk road'; more recently it has strategic importance for overland trade routes between India and Pakistan into central Asia and Russia. However, its largely mountainous terrain within the high Hindu Kush and Himalayan mountain ranges (see Figures 2 and 3) makes travel difficult, particularly in times of conflict, and strategically its 5500 km mountainous borders with six other countries are hard to defend. Most areas of conflict are challenging to access via mountain routes and passes (often impassable in winter), and opposing forces may be concealed within deep valleys and small isolated communities. Central government control is difficult to maintain. Afghanistan is also a deeply religious Muslim state, with a 99% Muslim population. However, different Sunni and Shia factions have led to conflict both internally and with some of Afghanistan's neighbours

Answer 44

Kiribati consists of low-lying sand and mangrove islands or atolls, mostly one metre or less above sea level (see Figure 5). It covers 2.5 million square miles of ocean, but its land area is tiny - just 720 km?, one quarter the size of London, with a population of 102 000 in 2016. However, Kiribati is now disappearing. Most of its population lives on Tarawa (shown in Figure 4). Its beaches are flat, and have now become so eroded by storms that sand has to be imported from Australia to maintain them. Many Tarawan families have moved away Sea from the coast, dismantling their wooden homes and rebuilding them further inland. Increasingly, the people are being squeezed into a thin strip of higher ground. However, many are also leaving the island completely - becoming the world's first environmental refugees. Tebua's disappearance is the result of a global rise in sea level, brought about by climate change. Since 1920, temperatures in the southwest Pacific have risen about 1°C. Five Pacific nations, including Australia and New Zealand, have warmed by more than 1°C since 1900. In Micronesia, of which Kiribati is a part, sea levels rose by 12 cm in the first five years of the twenty-first century. In addition, increasing tropical storm activity now threatens the region, together with tsunami caused by earthquakes in countries such as japan. -Australia and New Zealand, The USA, Australia, China and India (as the biggest and fastest growing emitters of carbon dioxide globally) • Nations that offer financial commitments to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) i Ways in which they might be involved could include: • Global greenhouse gas reduction policies/strategies (eg. the COP climate change meetings, UNEP, past and future carbon reduction policies, etc.). • The GCF helps support nations most affected by climate change impacts. • Australia - support given to help their neighbours manage the situation and adapt to sea level rise (sand banks, flood barriers, etc.). • Australia and New Zealand have offered citizenship to Kiribati citizens as environmental refugees. ili Reasons for giving assistance could include: • Nations that support global climate initiatives do so in order that fewer nations and peoples of SIDS (Small Island Developing States) face similar consequences in the future. • Philanthropic support and genuine support to assist neighbouring nations (Australia and New Zealand in this case). [ • The global commitment to reducing the effects of climatic change.

Answer 45

Military alliances are key element of superpower status. As far as the West is concerned, the most important alliance is NATO. Interdependence between nations is further strengthened by economic alliances. Those countries that are members of military alliances are also often involved in economic alliances. For example, many NATO members are EU countries.

Answer 46

Strengths • An 'all in' approach means that the deterrent against attack, as well as strength of attack, is huge. • Due to allied support, individual member nations do not require such large independent armies and militaries. • Shared reconnaissance and surveillance efforts mean that global efforts are more Weaknesses The cost of maintaining NATO is high and subject to review and questioning in some countries.

Answer 47

Strengths= • Major benefits to member states who • Freedom to live, travel and work anywhere in the EU for its citizens. • Strong political dominance globally. • Stable system of laws and rules. Weaknesses= • Brexit, as well as the rise in more gain access to the common market and free trade agreements nationalistic political groups across Europe, have perhaps made the EU look weaker. • The Euro could be seen as an issue to some nations, as a currency value drop affects all (Greece and Ireland could be drawn upon here as examples).

Answer 48

Strengths= • Wide-ranging remit to promote peace, development, human rights and governance. • 193/196 countries are members, so truly global. • Membership is made up of countries of all development levels. Weaknesses= • Some of its ideas are only set out by mutual agreement, rather than being legally binding. (Although 'peer-pressure' from other nations normally works rather well!). • Dominance of the USA and other permanent members means that a western ideology tends to prevail, in favour of their own interests.

Answer 49

Strengths= • Military coverage is maintained across the Pacific > some SIDS and developing nations favour this as they cannot maintain their own militaries as effectively. • USA military strength has been expanded in the region. Weaknesses= • USA dominates the alliance overall.

Answer 50

S=Mexico and Canada have seen an increase in trade and GDP as a result of the group's formation. • Free trade between nations. W=• The USA gains more from this than Mexico and Canada. • President Trump's election has brought NAFTA's future into question.

Answer 51

ASEAN • Increased cooperation and trade between member nations > economic development. • Cultural cooperation and legal framework have been established to • The diversity of languages, bring stability to the region. • The majority of the 10 member nations are not large global payers, so the group still lacks political clout on the world stage to a degree. governments, ethnicities and cultures means that each country looks at things differently > makes agreements difficult to achieve. • Different interpretations of human rights.

Answer 52

IPCC / UNFCCC • A collaborative group of scientists ( from a wide range of disciplines > of the global climatic system. • Advises governments on a wide range of issues relating to climate change (causes, projections, mitigation/adaptation techniques, etc.). • Uses peer-reviewed journals and reports to formulate its judgements> rigorous research underpins their work. leads to an integrated understanding • Many climate change agreements • Some nations refuse to accept the work and conclusions of the IPCC. are not legally binding, or lack impact if major emitters are not committed to them.

Answer 53

TNCs bring to the countries in which they operate influences from their country of origin. They can have a cultural impact on their global consumers. The dominance of the the USA since 1990, and the economic power of the EU, have led some people to identify the spread of cultural globalisation, (commonly referred to as Westernisation). It’s characteristics include: ● A culture of consumerism ● A culture of capitalism and the importance attached to attaining wealth ● A white, Anglo-Saxon culture with English as the dominant language. ● A culture that ‘cherry picks’ and adapts selective parts of other world cultures and absorbs them.

Answer 54

India The Maharaja Mac: a Big Mac made of lamb or chicken McAloo Tikki: a vegetarian burger Japan Gracoro Burger: korokke (a type of potato croquette, cabbage and katsu sauce Ebi-Chili: shrimp nuggets Green tea-flavoured milkshake Israel Over a quarter of its restaurants are kosher Burgers are grilled over charcoal, not fried The McKebab, with eastern seasoning, is served in pitta bread

Answer 55

Comcast 68b NBC, Universal Studios, Universal Parks and Resorts Google 66b Google Play, Google Search, YouTube, Android Disney 48b Disney Pictures, Pixar, Marvel Studios, ESPN* News Corp/21st Century Fox 41b Fox Broadcasting, 20th Century Fox, National Geographic Time Warner 23b CNN, HBO, Warner Bros Viacom 14b MTV, Paramount Pictures, Comedy Central

Answer 56

Political= UN Security Council & UN peacekeeper forces 1945 New York USA Global Economic International Monetary Fund 1945 Washington DC, USA Social UN agencies World Health Organization 1948 Geneva Food & Agriculture Organization 1945 Rome Judicial International Court of Justice & International Criminal Court 1945 The Hague, Netherlands

Answer 57

The leaders, the USA, the UK and France - are not as economically or militarily as powerful as they were. There is a strong case for emerging powers - India and Brazil especially - to have more of a say in global security. 3. Currently, neither Africa or Latin America have a say. 4. The global financial crisis of 2007-2008 strained the IMF and global financial system to the limit and made many economists wonder whether there was a 'better' way. The ongoing threat of global terrorism from al-Qaeda, Islamic State and the Taliban, among others, might suggest that global security cooperation is not all it could be.

Answer 58

Here are recent events and involvements from late January and February 2026: ● Gaza Crisis & Rafah Crossing (February 2026): UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees) reported on the limited reopening of the Rafah crossing, providing necessary, albeit limited, humanitarian access. The UN has been working to manage the "catastrophic" food security conditions for civilians. ● Lebanon-Israel Border Security (February 2, 2026): The UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) temporarily suspended patrols along the "Blue Line" in southern Lebanon after the Israeli military indicated it would release a non-toxic chemical substance in that area. ● Extension of UN Missions (January 31, 2026): The Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2814, extending the mandate of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) for another year. Additionally, they extended the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) in Yemen for a final two-month period until March 31, 2026. ● Financial Crisis (January 30, 2026): Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the UN is facing "imminent financial collapse" due to unpaid dues from member states, which threatens to disrupt operations, including in Sudan. ● Middle East Peace Advocacy (January 28, 2026): The Security Council held an open debate on the need to consolidate the tenuous Gaza ceasefire, while raising alarms about the escalation of violence and settlement activities in the occupied Wes

Answer 59

Maintaining a large economy, a military machine with global reach and a wealthy population requires energy, mineral, land and water resources. China accounts for nearly half of the world’s coal consumption but only has 19% of the world’s population. The high resource consumption of superpowers and emerging powers generates a range of environmental issues, such as food, minerals and fossil fuels Threatened water resources The World Bank believes that economic growth is pushing China towards a water crisis. China has average renewable freshwater resources of 2000 tonnes per capita, which is double the UN definition of water scarcity. However, its water resources are not evenly distributed. 70% of China's water goes to farming and 20% to the coal industry. Each of these industries is located in northern China - an area of water scarcity - where average water availability per capita is just 200 tonnes. Meanwhile, in Beijing, total consumption exceeded supply by 70% in 2012, as more residents installed showers and flush toilets.

Answer 60

Food • Increased demand for water supplies (overabstraction of groundwater and aquiter depletion). • Contamination of water supplies as a result of increased fertiliser and pesticide usage. • Soil quality deterioration due to intensive farming. • GM crops and cross-contamination of non-GM varieties could cause ecosystem imbalance. • Loss of biodiversity due to monocultures and intensive farming system. • Increased methane emissions from meat and rice production. Minerals • Extraction processes scar the landscape (due to mining operations and increased infrastructure requirements - transports, etc.). • Disposal of electronic goods and mineral products can contaminate groundwater and soils. • Increased transportation of minerals from source area to consumption location has an increased carbon footprint. • Minerals require processing to become usable (e.g. from ores to product) which has a huge carbon footprint. • Industrial cooling processes often utilise vast quantities of water. Fossil fuels • Sea-level rise and climate change issues as a result of increased GHG emissions. • Mining operations in less conventional locations will create environmental problems (e.g. Arctic drilling, fracking, deep water drilling). • Contamination of groundwater supplies in mining and extraction zones. • Increased smog and air quality issues due to burning of fossil fuels. • Plastic production uses vast quantities of oil.

Answer 61

-Any global reduction agreement would be meaningless without China. In 2014 China agreed to work towards an emissions peak in 2030, but only committed to any actual targets in 2016. Its current dominance in emissions means that it decides the success or otherwise of any treaties on climate change. • The USA has shown global leadership, and since 2005, has reduced its total emissions most of all. From 2005-15. US wind power tripled in output, and solar energy by ten times. President Obama introduced measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through greater energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and carbon pollution standards for electricity generation. But attitudes have altered. and President Trump (elected in 2016) disputes the scientific evidence behind climate change. • Russia - like China - supported the 2015 Paris Agreement, to the surprise of many, since it had been sceptical. However, most believe that Russia's attitude towards climate change is unchanged. Its agreement to reduce CO, emissions by 30% below 1990 levels could actually allow it to increase emissions! In 2015, these were 35% below 1990 levels (because of Russia's economic collapse after the fall of the Soviet Union in 199l). • Meanwhile, the EU refects the belief of the majority of Europeans that climate change is the most serious problem. The EU has been at the forefront of climate initiatives, e.g. carbon trading. emissions reductions (working with manufacturers of motor vehicles) and grants to encourage renewable energy. In 1997, it agreed renewable energy policies that cut 12% of total EU energy consumption by 2010, and intends cuts of 20% by 2020.

Answer 62

A significant future concern related to the growth of the BRICS and other emerging powers is that rising affluence (wealth) will rapidly increase the numbers of middle class consumers. The global middle class can be defined as people with an annual income of over $10,000 USD. They are significant consumer spenders who will spend these on various goods and perhaps holidays.

Answer 63

Electricity -USA=23% -china=16% -Japan=6% Corn -32%=usa -20%=china -Brazil=6 Coal= 39%=china 16%=usa 8%=india Wheat=17%-china, 12%=india Natural gas=22%=usa, 16%=russia Cotton=41%=china, 15%=india, 10%=pakistan Oil=24%=usa, 9%=india, 9%=indonesia

Answer 64

Superpowers are great consumers of resources. Physical resources are important, especially fossil fuels, ores and minerals. Securing access to these resources is vital for both governments and TNCs.

Answer 65

Some resources are contested. This could be because: The land border between two countries is in dispute, such as the border between India and Pakistan - controlled Kashmir. The ownership of a landmass is in dispute, such as Argentina’s claim to the UK-governed Falkland Islands. The extent of a nation’s offshore exclusive economic zone is in dispute or claimed by another nation.

Answer 66

The area of ocean extending over 200 nautical miles beyond the coastline, over which a nation controls the sea and sub-sea resources. EEZ borders are decided by the UN in the event of a dispute. This is the case in the Arctic, where several nations claim ownership of areas of the Arctic Ocean, which may contain valuable oil and gas reserves - Key Example.

Answer 67

A last great unprotected wilderness, safe haven for endangered species and home to native people whose subsistence lifestyle has survived in harmony with nature for thousands of years. It is here that Shell plans to drill for oil, pulling the detonator on a carbon bomb which eventually could spray 150bn tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The irony is that the drilling is only possible because manmade climate change is already causing this region to grow warmer twice as fast as the rest of the planet. The melting ice makes these huge reserves of oil and gas more accessible. It could set major oil companies against each other but also superpower against superpower as they scramble to exploit the last untapped giant reserves in a part of the world where territorial boundaries remain unclear. No wonder some fear a new cold war.

Answer 68

In 2007, a Russian submarine sailed beneath the North Pole and planted a titanium Russian flag on the seabed - staking a claim to ownership of resources there. In 2014, Denmark claimed a section of the Arctic - using the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which says that a country can control the seabed (and its resources) within 200 nautical miles of its coastline (called the Exclusive Economic Zone or EEZ). Although Denmark has no coastline bordering the Arctic, Greenland is Bering Sea. several Pacific Ocean national claims to large parts of the Arctic - Canada some of them overlapping. However EEZs are disputed, which has led to political and military tensions in the region. Since 2002, Canada has carried out military exercises in the Arctic, Norway has expanded its navy, Russia carries out Arctic bomber patrols, and Denmark is creating an Arctic military command and The recent political and military tension is due to the increasingly accessible mineral wealth beneath the Arctic, together with the opening up of important new transport routes. Because climate change is thawing more of the Arctic Ocean each summer: • the melting summer sea ice now allows shipping to travel over the top of the world", via the routes shown in Figure 2. In 2014, 7l cargo ships sailed these passages, compared to 46 in 2012. The reduced distance - and time - involved in going 'over the top' is considerable. • drilling for oil and gas is increasingly possible further into the Arctic. The USGS estimates that the Arctic contains one-eighth of the world's untapped oil and a quarter of its gas. But drilling in the Arctic is expensive and needs high global oil and gas prices to be profitable.

Answer 69

The importance of intellectual property rights has grown significantly since the 1990s, with the globalisation of technology as well as rapid breakthroughs in new technologies. In addition, the rise of emerging nations has provided a key market for counterfeit goods, one of the most prevalent ways to violate international property rights. Some commentators have argued that these countries have a weak ability to protect intellectual property rights, and little or no interest in doing so. An estimated 5–10% of world trade is in counterfeit goods.

Answer 70

A possible source of tension is over intellectual property (IP) rights. A global system of IP has been run since 1967 by the World Bank Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), a part of the UN. It ensures that TNCs, government agencies, businesses and individuals can protect new inventions, trademarks, artistic works and trade secrets from use by others.

Answer 71

Intellectual property is intangible property that is a result of a person’s creativity, such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, etc.

Answer 72

The quality of the workmanship ranges from excellent to poor; some of the best are hard to distinguish from their real counterparts. Of course, faking brands is illegal and constitutes an international crime against intellectual property rights (IPR) under WTO rules. Part of international trade agreements is the protection of brand names. Countries must reach agreement on intellectual rights - to protect those who have researched, designed, trialled and manufactured successful branded products in international markets. The agreement is known as Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (known for ease as TRIPS), and is part of long-standing attempts to negotiate international rights for companies. The TRIPS agreement incorporates IPR law into international trade. It means that WTO members guarantee copyright protection covering everything from performance rights and designs and trademarks, to confidential information (e.g. recipes for commercially produced drinks and foodstuffs). By protecting patents (the legal recognition that a product belongs intellectually to its developer), new innovations | cannot be copied and pirated. As Figure 5 shows, the global system of IPR protection is undermined by counterfeiting, which strains trade relations and threatens TNC investment. Widespread counterfeiting and piracy plague IPR owners in Thailand. Lack of enforcement remains a problem. Counterfeit and pirated products are still readily accessible in retail marketplaces. Although the International Trade Court in Bangkok provides specialised judges to handle IP cases, few recent criminal cases have led to sentencing. The Thai enforcement system remains slow, with lack of consistency and deterrence, creating challenges for rights holders to enforce their rights. Law enforcement authorities are riddled with corruption. Despite assurances by the Thai government that it will improve, progress on protection and enforcement has not been effectively implemented.

Answer 73

A physical region over which a country believes it has economic, military, cultural or political rights. Spheres of influence extend beyond the borders of the country and represent a region where the country believes it has a right to influence the policies of other countries.

Answer 74

Russia western border and south and east china seas-political spheres of influence can be contested, leading to tensions over territory and physical resources

Answer 75

Until recently, Chinese influence over global affairs tended to be economic, although that is now changing. China has no intention of abandoning its long-held territorial claims over Tibet or Taiwan, and it also seeks to exert wider influence within Asia. For example, using the argument of the extent of its EEZ, China maintains contentious territorial claims in the South China Sea that conflict with the claims of several neighbouring countries. China's claims are based on assertions that the disputed islands are Chinese territory, because they re sitting on an extension of its continental shelf. clearly overlaps with the claims of five other countries. China has responded to the dispute by creating military bases in the Spratly Islands, including a 3 km-long aircraft runway on Fiery Cross Reef. Many countries are worried by this development - including India and US allies such as Japan, Taiwan and Australia. However, China's ambitions should not be overestimated. Unlike Russia, it is not involved in military conflicts in Syria or elsewhere. It does take part in UN peacekeeping missions, but its military ambitions are focused on supporting its economy, e.g. through anti-piracy measures in 'chokepoints' in the world's shipping lanes

Answer 76

Political influence can lead to tensions over territory and resources. Recent years have seen growing tensions between Russia and several Eastern European countries (e.g. Poland), including former states of the USSR (e.g. the Baltic states). After the USSR collapsed in 1991, many former members sought independence an chose to break away from Russia's influence. Many Eastern European states increasingly look westwards for economic assistance; eight joined the EU in 2004. In 2022, Finland - with Russia's longest European border - became a member of NATO. Former Soviet states such as Ukraine are seeking membership of NATO and the EU, rather than maintaining strong links with Russia. EU aid, together with human rights guarantees (through the European Convention on Human Rights) are attractive influences. Russia has felt keenly its loss of influence since 1991. Ukraine's intended links with the EU and NATO contrast sharply with neighbouring Belarus, which remains strongly influenced by Russia economically (e.g. trade, energy supplies), culturally (language and customs), politically(customs) Since 2014, the Russian government has flexed its muscles to re-establish authority beyond its immediate borders. • Its armies carried out combat exercises in the Arctic for the first time since 1991. Its submarines and ships frequently sail through the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, and within Swedish territorial waters, illustrating a desire to exhibit its "hard power As Ukraine's government has sought closer relationships with the EU and NATO, so Russia's has opted for direct influence over Ukraine to re-balance power in its favour. • In 2014, Russia annexed (took control of) Crimea and supported separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine. • Russian policies towards Ukraine reached critical levels in 2022 when the Russian army invaded Ukraine, its aim being to regain territory and replace the Ukrainian government.

Answer 77

Mackinder's geostrategic location theory, also known as Heartland Theory, was introduced in the early twentieth century. The theory is based on the idea of a ‘pivot area’ or ‘Heartland’ covering a large portion of the Eurasian continent. Mackinder theorised that whichever country held political control over this Heartland region would in turn exert dominance over the rest of the world. This theory is based on the key premise that control over land equates to political power and so is essentially geographical in its outlook.

Answer 78

China Benefits: Has many African countries political vote Cheap Labour Military bases Raw materials Supply of energy China Costs: Economic Loses as a result of investment No strings attached loans Rising middle class in China so factory workers have to be paid more Employment Less investment in infrastructure in China Africa Benefits: Faster transport-Kenya & Ethiopia New labour market More freedom from old colonial countries and the US Private companies increase profits Huge influence on global scale More investment, better quality of life, higher GDPs in some countries Africa Costs: Political ties in to China, neo colonialism Cheap labour Exploitation Strains relationship with european countries Many of the construction jobs are given to Chinese workers and so the profits end up benefiting the Chinese

Answer 79

China’s investment into the African continent has grown exponentially in recent times. In order to fuel its rapid economic development, China needs to secure a reliable supply of raw materials and a growing market for its manufactured goods. China is now Africa’s largest trade partner, buying about one-third of its oil from the continent. In 1980, trade between China and Africa totalled around $1 billion. In 2015, it totalled over $160 billion. This can generate both opportunities and challenges within Africa and China. China’s involvement in Africa has created deeper interdependence: China relies on African Oil - from Angola, Nigeria and Sudan - as well as minerals such as Zambian copper, and even sugar and biofuels grown in Africa, to fuel its growing economy. Africa increasingly imports Chinese-manufactured goods and relies on Chinese investment in infrastructure like roads, rail and ports. A key question is what sort of relationship China and African developing countries have. Is it: A neo-colonial one, where China exploits Africa for its cheap raw materials but Africa gets little in return? A developmental relationship where Africa benefits and can progress through trade and deeper connections to the global economy?

Answer 80

-Infrastructure investments ensure China can export raw materials as cheaply and efficiently as possible =China has invested heavily in roads, railways and ports to export raw materials - infrastructure that can be used by Africans themselves -Skilled and technical jobs are often filled by Chinese migrant workers, estimated to number 200,000 in 2014 =Vital jobs are created, especially by large industrial, transport and energy projects, which also modernise the economy -Cheap Chinese imports (clothes, shoes, etc.) have undercut local producers and forced them out of business =Chinese factories and mines bring modern working practices, and technology, to Africa -Much of the FDI brings only temporary construction jobs; there are few long-term jobs in mechanised mines and oil fields =Chinese finance has funded seventeen major HEP projects since 2000, adding 6780 MW of electricity to the continent by 2013 -Aid from China is tied to FDI: allow investment and China provides some aid=Investment deals are often accompanied by aid, so the benefits of Chinese money are more widely spread

Answer 81

Chinese imports of tropical timber have been linked to widespread illegal logging in Mozambique. Oil spills linked to Chinese-funded oil wells have reported in Chad, Sudan and Angola. The extraction of the metallic ore coltan in the Democratic Republic of Congo had led to the widespread forest loss and river pollution, but is vital to Chinese mobile phone and computer manufacturers. Note: The environmental issues are not new, of course, not are they wholly Chinese in origin. Shell and other Western oil TNCs have been accused of polluting the Niger Delta in Nigeria for decades.

Answer 82

shows China's 'One Belt, One Road' strategy, developed in 2013, a proposal by China's government to develop connectivity between China, Eurasia, and Africa. The strategy has two components: 'One Belt' - countries extending from Russia and Mongolia, through Central Asia, to Western Europe. 'One Road' - extending influence into Southeast Asia and India, then to the Middle East and East Africa. The aim is to form a cohesive economic area by building infrastructure to increase trade and enhance cultural exchanges. This initiative places China firmly on the world stage, and should not be under-estimated - China plans US$46 billion investment in Pakistan alone!

Answer 83

China & India (their economies) https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/09/can-i ndia-join-china-as-an-economic-superpower/ India's growth rate is higher Both have stock market presence India is on better terms with western countries and receives lots of investment Both upcoming world economies India lagging behind China in terms of education, health care is still one of the poorest in the world

Answer 84

Highly critical of India's foreign policy because they have close links to western countries in particular the US Political tensions, problems with their borders (Pakistan/Himalayas) Opposite ideologies China's Military presence in Indian Ocean - India not happy about this

Answer 85

Conflict over Nepal China supported Pakistan in terms of military China also having issues with Australia China's new silk road however India have been caught off guard by this India worries about China's increasing presence in the Indian Ocean - especially since China started funding and building several ports on the coasts of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. There is uneasiness in India regarding these ports, railways, and economic corridors, and uncertainty about the geopolitical implications of China's new infrastructure

Answer 86

China and Japan: a Origins of the conflict: US military presence in Japan after WWII, during the Chinese Civil War. Japan's closer ties to the USA (and capitalist economy) conflicted with the Chinese government's communist regime. b Contested territories / ideologies: Historically the conflict between capitalist/communist ideologies, although the two have adopted good trade relations recently. c Flashpoints: Recent emerging conflicts have occurred over contested territorial claims in the South China Sea (see section 3.8 in the student book), as well as over Japan's concern over North Korea and China's apparent apprehension to support Japan and the USA. d Likely future: With trade relations looking positive it is unlikely that conflict will ensue militarily, although Japan's close relations with the USA could create a rise in tensions. Japan will likely seek to form greater links politically with China over North Korea.

Answer 87

Religion= Most of the region is Muslim, but Sunni (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) and Shia (Iran) sects are in conflict with each other, both within and between countries Oil & Gas= 65% of the world's crude oil exports originate in the region; the oil and gas reserves have long been a prize worth fighting over Governance= Most of the countries are relatively new states, at least in their current form; democracy is either weak or non-existent: religious and ethnic allegiances are often stronger than national identity ones Resources= Although rich in fossil fuels, the region is short of water and farmland, meaning territorial conflict over resources is more likely Youth= Many countries have young populations with high unemployment and relatively low education levels: the potential for young adults to become disaffected is high History= Many international borders in the region are arbitrary; they were drawn on a map by colonial powers and do not reflect the actual geography of religious or cultural groups

Answer 88

There are many Islamic terrorist organisations fighting jihad (holy war) against the non-Islamic West. Their motives are complex and include the religious and ideological belief that war should be fought against all non-Muslims (called Wahhabism or Salafism). In addition, many are fighting against what they see as long-term interference by the West in the Middle East. Poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity also play a role.

Answer 89

-July 2005: the London underground and bus bombings. which killed 52 and injured 700 -November 2008: 166 people were killed in a series of co- ordinated attacks in Mumbel -November 2009: thirteen people were killed and 33 injured at Fort Hood, Texas -December 2014: three killed and four injured during a hostage attack in Sydney -November 2015: a series of attacks in Paris on cafes and a concert hall that killed 137 people and injured 368. These incidents range from lange-scale, co-ordinated bombings to lone gurmen, and even bombing airiners. Action to prevent them relies on the inteligence services (MIS. CIA) Intercepting plots and direct military action against the temorist bases - hence the Western alliance bombings against IS in Syria and Iraq.

Answer 90

shift from primary activities to secondary industry towards tertiary and quaternary industry as a result of industrialisation. It has large economic and social costs.

Answer 91

Causes: • Uncertainty over future markets and industries> the need t o make radical shifts in economic policy t o allow for future economic growth i n a n area. • Collapse / decline of industry in a location that would have significant impact on the local economy. Impacts: • Job losses in 'old' industries (in the case of the student book, miners and associated mine industries). • Decline i n local morale, sense o f community, etc. • Loss o f traditional local crafts / industry

Answer 92

Causes: • Those employed in 'old' industries would not have the necessary skills t o get jobs in other sectors (unless training i s provided). • As one industry collapses, associated ones are also affected ('spiral o f decline' / 'negative multiplier' ideas, etc.). Students could link ideas from 'Rust belt work here. Impacts: • Fall in incomes for those affected > less consumer spending > negative multiplier effect in local economy. • Loss o f traditional skills / crafts. • Increased pressure on the welfare state to provide benefits and support

Answer 93

Causes: • Fall in employment and loss of industry. • Loss of community and social cohesion. • Loss o f work can result i n depression / anxiety / healthcare issues for those affected. • People have to commute further to find work. Impacts: • Increased commuting time/distance has an impact on work/life balance and family. Those with anxiety / depression may find it more difficult to work > can put additional pressure on people's incomes. • Impacts o n healthcare / welfare systems to support those with health problems

Answer 94

Causes: • Loss o f employment / falling income forces people to take out loans, etc. • National debt - sub-prime lending with high risk levels. • Bank / national economic shocks can have a 'ripple effect' on other nations (due to the global nature of financial systems). • National debt increases i f the government 'bails out' financial organisations. Impacts: • Personal debt and a lack o f financial security may trigger further crises (healthcare / increased family and marriage breakdown / depression / increased suicides). • Debt a t a national level affects currency exchange levels, making countries less lesirable to invest in, in certain situations. • Quantitative easing and the need for greater levels o f austerity may b e required t o reduce debt levels > affects other public services / investment a t a national level

Answer 95

Unemployment , debt, social costs and economic restructuring

Answer 96

The USA spends more than US$900 billion annually on maintaining its global supremacy. This includes all military spending and intelligence services, as well as foreign aid and NASA. China spends around US$200 billion by comparison. Emerging powers have lower labour costs and lower salaries, and to some extent, can increase their military power by copying technologies that were initially developed (at huge cost) by the USA.

Answer 97

Benefits • Can b e highly strategic - e.g. aircraft carriers allow for 'mobile airbases' t o b e established in close proximity to most locations. • Provides a moveable deterrent - overt form of hard power. • Multi-use vessels allow for the military to adapt to situations as they arise > tackling drugs, humanitarian aid, anti- piracy operations, etc. • Reputation o f the Royal Navy i s high and well respected globally. Costs • Commissioning time is long for vessels - technology can be out o f date by the time they are launched. • High costs t o build large quantities o f vessels. • Larger vessels have the disadvantage o f requiring deep-water ports and access channels > may require infrastructure upgrades. • We have lost a number of our ship- building companies / associated skills in the past> means they have t o sometimes b e built overseas

Answer 98

Costs • Costs of maintaining Trident is considerable (vessels to carry missiles, ensuring safety and decommissioning). • Many would argue that money could be spent on other things > reduces investment in areas such as healthcare, social care, welfare system, etc. Benefits • A huge military deterrent to other nations. • Overt sign of 'hard power' - exclusive to a small number of countries, relatively speaking.

Answer 99

Costs • Significant costs of purchasing and maintaining aircraft - second to nuclear. • Requires additional infrastructure to support missions (airfields, aircraft carriers, etc.) Benefits • Allows for a quick response to situations (defence, attack, reconnaissance, etc.). •In-air refuelling now means that everywhere is easily accessible. • Reputation of the RAF is high and well respected globally.

Answer 100

Costs • Labour and time intensive > monetary costs are high. • Trying to keep 'one step ahead' can be difficult - especially with cyber and technological attacks. • Some might see the intelligence services as inadequate (plots that have not been stopped, etc.). Benefits • Advance intelligence hopefully prevents incidents from occurring in the first place- more 'proactive' than 'reactive' to situations. • Many intelligence services share information, making those nations even more robust when it comes to tackling terrorism, cyber-attacks, etc. (e.g. FBI, Interpol, MI5, GCHQ, etc.). • GCHQ and MI5 provide a deterrent to other countries / hackers / terrorists/ etc. - reduced likelihood of attacks.

Answer 101

• costs= Costs can be extremely high, and might • Research carried out on board the ISS be considered unnecessary by some ('money could be spent on dealing with problems on earth' type of ideas. has allowed for many technological and health advancements on Earth. Benefit • Research in to atmospheric systems and climate change are advanced by space technology. • GIS, global communications, meteorological systems all rely on space infrastructure. • Jobs created in space industries is high in the UK - particularly satellite development and GIS services.

Answer 102

Us hegemony/unipolar=US dominance, and economic and military alliances, continue in a unipolar world. China faces an economic crisis, similar to Japan's in the early 1990s, and ceases to grow rapidly. Regional mosaic/multipolar=Emerging powers continue to grow while the EU and USA decline in relative terms, creating a muti-polar world of broadly equal powers with regional but not global influence. New Cold War=China rises to become equal in power to the USA. and many nations align themselves with one or other ideology, creating a bipolar world similar to the 1945-90 Cold War period. Asian century/unipolar=Economic, social and political problems reduce the power of the EU and USA; economic and political power shifts to the emerging powers in Asia, led by China.e

Answer 103

Future gdp predications = Projecting future GDP is one of the most important determinants of superpower status. It is hard to do, however, because small differences in GDP annual growth rate - for example 2% versus 3.5% - compound over a number of years, leading to large deviations from projections. Figure 9.13 shows three future GDP projections all made in 2015 but differing in significant ways.

superpowers Flashcards

(128 cards)