Superpowers

• What is the main learning objective of Topic 7 – lesson 1 on Superpowers?

  To know what a superpower is and to suggest and justify criteria for becoming a superpower.
• How is power distributed among nations?

  Power, both economic and political, is not evenly distributed among nations.
• What happens to nations over time in terms of power?

  Some nations gain power over time, while others lose it.
• What is a superpower?

  A superpower is a nation that can project its power and influence anywhere in the world.
• What is a hyperpower?

  An unchallenged superpower that is dominant in all aspects of power is known as a hyperpower.
• Give an example of a hyperpower.

  British Empire (1850-1910) and the USA (1990-2010).
• What criteria define a superpower?

  • Size
  • Demographic
  • Resources
  • Military strength
  • Economic strength
  • Political influence
  • Cultural influence
• What are the different ways power can be obtained by countries?

  Power can be obtained through size, demographic, resources, military, economic, cultural, and political means.

  
• Why are countries with a large land area considered important?

  They tend to have greater natural resources and can extend influence over a larger number of neighbors.
• How does Russia's land area contribute to its power?

  Russia has a very large land area with enormous volumes of natural resources and 14 neighbors to influence.
• How did Britain maintain its empire despite its relatively small size?


  Britain maintained the British Empire through the use of naval power.
• What is meant by 'demographic weight' in terms of power?

  'Demographic weight' refers to the importance of a country's large population for economic growth and market size.
• Why is a large population important for economic growth?

  Economic growth cannot be sustained without a sufficient number of workers.
• How can cheap workers promote economic growth?

  Cheap workers can help to promote economic growth by reducing production costs.
• How do larger populations encourage economic growth?

  Larger populations encourage economic growth through larger markets.
• How is power distributed among nations?

  Power is not evenly distributed among nations.
• What does it mean when some nations have a disproportionate influence over decision making?

  It means that certain nations can affect decisions more than others, either regionally or globally.