7.7C Contesting spheres of influence

• • The sphere of influence is the area over which a country feels it has influence outside its own borders.
  • The country has no legal or formal authority in the area.
  • This can lead to tensions and conflict as countries compete to have control over land and/or resources.
• Eastern Europe:

  • In 1991 the dissolution of the USSR led to the independence of 15 nations including Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Moldova
  • The expansion of the EU and NATO has led Russia to be concerned about its influence in the region
  • Russia's concerns about Ukraine and Georgia stating their aspirations to join NATO and Ukraine and Moldova wanting to join the EU escalated tensions in the area
  • In 2014 Russia annexed Crimea an area of Ukraine 
  • Tensions culminated with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 and the ongoing conflict 
• South China Sea:

  • One of the most contested ocean regions in the world
  • There are a number of islands in the South China Sea which are claimed by different nations including China and the Philippines
  • The area is essential for trade as it forms the link between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, it is estimated that each year:
  • Over 30% of global trade passes through the South China Sea -> US$5.3 trillion 
  • Approximately 40% of the world's petroleum products pass through the area