EQ3 Superpowers 4.3.19
EQ3: what spheres of influence are contested by superpowers what are the implication of
this?
Contested geography
Tensions over resources
Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) = the area of the ocean extending 200 nautical miles beyond
the coastline (or to the edge of the continental shelf), over which nation controls the sea
and sub-sea resources. EEZ borders are decided by the UN in the event of a dispute.
Artic oil and gas
- US geological survey estimates that 30% of the worlds undiscovered gas, and 13% of
oil resources are in the Artic.
- Much of the dispute centres around whether an area of ocean bed known as
Lomonosov ridge is an extension of Russia’s continental shelf. (and therefore part of
their EEZ or not)
o 3 of the parties in dispute have nuclear weapons (Russia, USA, and EU).
o In 2007, the Russians used a submarine to place Russian flag on the seabed at
the North Pole, which inflamed tensions.
o Since then the number of ‘scientific’ expeditions have increased as countries
seek to have a greater presence in the area.
o Both Russia and Canada have created dedicated ‘Artic Forces’ to protect their
interests.
- Tensions are likely to rise further as global warming makes the artic increasingly
accessible to shipping for longer periods of the year, and oil and mineral exploration
becomes easier.
- As oil reserves elsewhere run out, Artic oil will look increasingly tempting.
- In theory the UN will decide whose claims stand and whose do not.
- But will the powerful countries respect these decisions?
- Countries that are laying a claim: Russia, Canada, USA, Denmark, Norway.
Economic tensions
Intellectual property rights (IPR).
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is part of the UN.
Part of international trade agreements is the protection of brand names.
Countries must reach agreement on intellectual rights – to protect those who have
researched, designed, trialled and manufactured successful branded products in
international markets. = Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.
Rip-off and fake items can create tensions.
Tensions over territory
Russia’s western border
- There are areas beyond Russia where Russian is spoken. Possibly because of the
break of the Soviet Union.
EQ3: what spheres of influence are contested by superpowers what are the implication of
this?
Contested geography
Tensions over resources
Exclusive economic zone (EEZ) = the area of the ocean extending 200 nautical miles beyond
the coastline (or to the edge of the continental shelf), over which nation controls the sea
and sub-sea resources. EEZ borders are decided by the UN in the event of a dispute.
Artic oil and gas
- US geological survey estimates that 30% of the worlds undiscovered gas, and 13% of
oil resources are in the Artic.
- Much of the dispute centres around whether an area of ocean bed known as
Lomonosov ridge is an extension of Russia’s continental shelf. (and therefore part of
their EEZ or not)
o 3 of the parties in dispute have nuclear weapons (Russia, USA, and EU).
o In 2007, the Russians used a submarine to place Russian flag on the seabed at
the North Pole, which inflamed tensions.
o Since then the number of ‘scientific’ expeditions have increased as countries
seek to have a greater presence in the area.
o Both Russia and Canada have created dedicated ‘Artic Forces’ to protect their
interests.
- Tensions are likely to rise further as global warming makes the artic increasingly
accessible to shipping for longer periods of the year, and oil and mineral exploration
becomes easier.
- As oil reserves elsewhere run out, Artic oil will look increasingly tempting.
- In theory the UN will decide whose claims stand and whose do not.
- But will the powerful countries respect these decisions?
- Countries that are laying a claim: Russia, Canada, USA, Denmark, Norway.
Economic tensions
Intellectual property rights (IPR).
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is part of the UN.
Part of international trade agreements is the protection of brand names.
Countries must reach agreement on intellectual rights – to protect those who have
researched, designed, trialled and manufactured successful branded products in
international markets. = Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.
Rip-off and fake items can create tensions.
Tensions over territory
Russia’s western border
- There are areas beyond Russia where Russian is spoken. Possibly because of the
break of the Soviet Union.
