3.2

• What is a superpower?

  A superpower is a country with the capacity to project dominating power and influence globally, across multiple domains.
• Which country remained the only global superpower after the Cold War?

  The United States.
• How does physical size and geographical position contribute to superpower status?

  Larger countries typically have more resources and greater influence, like Russia, which has vast territory and controls major Arctic resources.
• Why does Russia have strategic geographical influence?

  Russia is the world's largest country and has significant influence in the resource-rich Arctic region.
• How does economic power contribute to being a superpower?

  It enables control over investment flows, attracts TNCs, and allows influence over global economic policy through IGOs and trading blocs.
• What are examples of powerful global currencies?

  The US dollar, the euro, the British pound, the Swiss franc, and the Singapore dollar.
• How do demographic factors affect superpower status?

  A large population can support economic growth and create a big domestic market, as seen in China and India.
• Can smaller populations still yield global influence?

  Yes, countries like Singapore have small populations but major economic impact in their regions.
• What is the G20 and why is it important?

  The G20 includes G8 nations, BRICs, and the EU, representing half the world’s population and increasing political and economic influence
• What is the UN Security Council and why is it significant?

  It is the top international body for military decisions, with five permanent members (USA, UK, Russia, China, France) who approve interventions.
• Is military size still as important in the 21st century?

  Possibly less so, as many countries are cutting defence budgets and shifting toward soft power.
• Which US TNCs dominate global culture?

  Disney, News Corporation, and Time-Warner.
• How can cultural influence have political effects?

  Media companies can shape political opinion and even support specific political parties.
• How does OPEC influence global power?

  By controlling oil prices through coordinated production among member countries.
• What is geopolitics?

  The influence of geography on politics, especially international relations and global power dynamics.
• What is Mackinder’s Heartland Theory?

  A theory from 1904 proposing that the country controlling central Europe and Asia (the heartland) would control the world.
• What did Mackinder believe could shift control of the heartland?

  Factors such as military strength at sea and changing political or economic dynamics.