What are superpowers?
A superpower is a nation with a leading position in international politics
The UK was a superpower in the 20th century
The intervention of the US in wars, made them emerge as a superpower.
There are regional powers including Saudi & Germany
Characteristics of a superpower
Economic = high GDP / home to many TNCs
Poltiical = multi lateral agreements
Military = large number & nuclear weapons
Cultural = long standing traditions
Demographic = large population
Soft Power
History = relationships established in British Empire
Culture = 2012 Olympics showcased many contributions of the UK to the world
Diplomacy = UK has largest network of embassies
Hard power
Military power = USA used hard power bringing about death of Bin Laden
Economic power = USA remains largest trading partner for many countries
Heartland Theory
The heartland extending from Europe to Russia, if it could be controlled it would ultimately lead to global power
However Russia has poor governance and many borders so they are considered weak
Patterns of power
Unipolar world = one superpower has complete dominance (British Empire)
Bipolar world = 2 superpowers with opposite ideologies compete for dominance.
Multi polar world = many superpowers and emerging powers compete for dominance
Colonialism
Mercantile Phase
Imperical Phase
Post-colonial era
Small colonies are conquered on coastal fringes
Forts and the navy protect trade in materials
Economic interests of private trading companies
Coastal colonies extend inland,conquest of vast territories
Religion, sport & language spread to colonies
Complex trade develops
Post-war bankruptcy
Focus of post-war construction
Anti-colonial movements
The change in power
USA & USSR both grew in power as a result of defeating Nazi Germany
Both countries used military strength to boast their power
Conflict in ideologies, USSR being communist & USA being capitalist
Cold war came to an end as a result of declining economies in the USSR
Emergence of China
Economic base
Military
Culture
Ideology
Geography
Huge supplies of natural resources
Large coastline
Fate of USSR haunts China
Determined to tighten control of society
Support peacekeeping and humanitarian missions
Opened first military base in Djibouti
Hosted 2008 Olympics
Largest stockpile of foreign currency
Most successful at poverty reduction
Anti-corruption campaigns.
Modernisation Theory
Used to explain dominance of British Empire
Conditions
Exports of raw materials
Development of infastructure
Technology
Banking& financial systems
Dependency Theory
TNC investment led to exploitation of labour
Superpowers that control developing nations gain power
Keeping these countries underdeveloped = less superpowers
Wealthy local elite
World Systems Theory
Core regions
Semi-periphery
Periphery
OECD countries, use semi as cheap labour
Gets large returns on investment
The NICS of Latin America.
Rest of the developing world
Provide the raw materials