Topic 7 - Superpowers

Question 1

Define superpower?

Answer 1

A nation with the ability to protect its influence anywhere in the world and be a dominant global force - used to describe dominant world powers like British empire, USA and USSR

Question 2

Explain the role of size and population for superpowers?

Answer 2

Size
- larger land areas have greater natural resources
- extend influence over a large number of neighbours

Population
- economic growth can not be sustained without sufficient number of workers and large pops encourage economic growth through markets
- cheap workers can help promote growth (China and India)
- attracts skilled migrants and other workers

Question 3

Explain the role of resources and military power for superpowers?

Answer 3

Resources
- countries with resources necessary for economic development should hold power - eg oil and gas
- not guaranteed power from exporting material as this add little value and TNCs control large volumes of resources (BP - Nigeria)

Military power
- military force can be used to exert pressure for achieving geopolitical goals (toppling saddam Hussain)
- type of weapons owned are sign of power (eg nuclear weapons)
- bases, aircraft carriers, drones and a blue water navy allow the deployment of military anywhere in the world

Question 4

Explain the role of economic power and political for superpowers?

Answer 4

Economic power
- Countries with the largest economies have a significant influence over global
economies these countries have (around 2/3 of world GDP)
- Control investment and use the world’s most powerful currencies ($, € and £) and determine economic policies which affect the globe

Finnish political

Question 5

Explain the role of cultural power (soft power) for superpowers?

Question 6

Finnish notes

Question 7

What are the 4 pillars of superpower status - briefly explain each one?

Answer 7

• military - can be used to achieve goals through reach and strength
• political - ability to influence others through diplomacy
• cultural - how appealing a nations way of life is and its values/ideology’s attractiveness
• resources - physicals resources (oil,minerals, land ext) and human (population, skill or education)

Economic base - gives the national wealth to maintain military power, exploit natural resources and develop resources

Question 8

Explain soft power?

Answer 8

The power of persuasion - contrast with hard power which is getting your way by force

Question 9

Explain how soft powers maintain power?

Answer 9

Soft power co-opts the views and agreement of other countries – they exert influence without force - due to history, culture and diplomacy

• eg the UK

Question 10

Explain how hard powers maintain power?

Answer 10

Hard power incorporates military and economic powers - USA confronts other nations with force and dominates the
worlds economy

Question 11

Explain why the uk is a the top of the ‘soft power’ index?

Answer 11

• foreign aid commitments
• democracy and personal freedoms
• high quality education
• popular media and shows
• relations with countries and diplomatic ties
• military aid and training

Question 12

Explain why the uk is a the top of the ‘soft power’ index?

Answer 12

• foreign aid commitments
• democracy and personal freedoms
• high quality education
• popular media and shows
• relations with countries and diplomatic ties
• military aid and training

Question 13

Finnish 7.2

Question 14

Which countries will be the largest by population and GDP by 2030?

Answer 14

Population
- India (1,520 mil)
- China (1,390 mil)
- USA (360 mil)

GDP
- USA (25 trillion)
- China (22 trillion)
- India (7 trillion)

Question 15

Outline how global powers are changing and will differ in the future?

Answer 15

• EU and Japan have ageing populations with little demographic growth - economies will slow down
• USA has less ageing problems but economic and population growth expected to be moderate rather than rapid
• China and Brazil have an ageing population - with a slow growing middle class - but manufacturing based economy has huge potential

Question 16

Explain where future super-powers are likely to emerge from?

Answer 16

BRIC - Brazil, Russia, India and China - identified as emerging powers with significant economic potential

G20 major economies - made up of 19 countries and includes potential emerging powers like Mexico, Indonesia South Korea and Saudi Arabia
- accounts for 85% global GDB, 85% of world trade and 65% of world population

Question 17

Explain where super future powers are likely to emerge from?

Answer 17

BRIC - Brazil, Russia, India and China - identified as emerging powers with significant economic potential

G20 major economies - made up of 19 countries and includes potential emerging powers like Mexico, Indonesia South Korea and Saudi Arabia
- accounts for 85% global GDB, 85% of world trade and 65% of world population

Question 18

What are the BRIC countries - why are they interested in working together?

Answer 18

Formal association of 4 large and fast growing economies that were likely to have increasingly global influence in the future (Brazil, Russia, India and China - sometimes SA is included)

• India and China both worlds largest population - set to become worlds powerhouses
• China ad Russia share communist political views
• Brazil is Chinas main supplier of raw materials

allows for a strong partnership

Question 19

Explain BRICS development bank?

Answer 19

Launched a development bank and a currency reserve pool to reshape the western-dominated international financial system

• will fund infrastructure projects in developing countries
• will compete with the IMF to finance infrastructure and development projects - with a budge of 50 bn

Question 20

Explain the contingent reserve arrangement (CRA) of BRICS?

Answer 20

• developed to act as a rival to the world bank
• will make 100 bn available - which will strengthen global financial stability
• decreasing western significance in global economics

Question 21

Explain what G20 is?

Answer 21

Developed in 1999 - involving 19 countries and some groups (EU and African Union)

• accounts for 85% of global GDP and 65% of worlds population