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