7.1A Intro to superpowers

• Superpower = nation which is able to project its influence and be dominant on a global scale 
• Uni-polar world = there is only one superpower

  -> Great British empire
• Bi-polar world = exists when there are two superpowers

  -> Cold War (Russia and USA)
• multi-polar world =  multiple superpowers

  -> Current world
• Emerging superpowers:

  • There are a number of nations which are regarded as emerging superpowers including the BRIC nations:
  • Brazil
  • Russia
  • India
  • China
• Regional powers = nations which exert power and influence over other countries in the region including:

  -> South Africa in Africa

  -> France, Germany and the UK in Europe
• Factors affecting superpower status:

  • Resources
  • size and geographical location
  • economic factors
  • demographic factors
  • political power
  • military strength
  • cultural influences
• Factors affecting superpower status:

  • Resources
  • size and geographical location
  • economic factors
  • demographic factors
  • political power
  • military strength
  • cultural influences

  
• How resources affect superpower status:

  • Access to resources such as minerals and metals 
  • Control of resources
  • These can be sold and exported which supports economic growth ->Discovery of oil and gas in the Middle East has given OPEC countries economic power
• How size and geographical location affect superpower status:

  • This links to resources, the larger a country the more resources it may have -> Russia has significant reserves of coal, oil and gas
  • The geographical position of a country impacts its links and influence over other countries
• Economic factors influencing super power status:

  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) -> US GDP per capita in 2022 is US$68,615 compared to China US$21,804
  • High levels of international trade
  • The currency is used as a reserve currency and is regarded as 'safe' for investment
  • High levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
• How demographic factors influence superpower status:

  • The size and structure of the population
  • Large populations provide a large workforce which can support economic growth -> China and India's large populations have been key to their economic growth
  • Populations with a large working age population supports economic growth
• How political power affects superpower status:

  • A country's ability to affect the decisions of other countries
  • This can be the result of economic (e.g OPEC countries) or military power which gives countries more influence over other countries
  • Superpowers and emerging superpowers have key roles in international organisations such as NATO, UN, The World Bank and IMF
• How military strength affects superpower status:

  • The reach of a country's military is key to the level of power they have:
  • Superpowers and emerging powers have:
  • Large military forces
  • Nuclear weapons
  • A global reach means that the military can be used to achieve geopolitical goals
• How cultural influence affects superpower status:

  • The ability of a country to influence the beliefs, values, customs, lifestyle and ideologies of other countries
  • Influence can be achieved through:
  • The media - films, tv, music, radio, internet, art
  • Transnational companies introducing foods
  • Migrant populations who bring food, dress, religious beliefs, music