Superpowers Notes
What are superpowers and how have they changed over time?
7.1 Geopolitical power stems from a range of human and physical of characteristics of superpowers
What is a Superpower:
‘Superpower refers to a nation with the means to project its power and influence anywhere in the world, and to be a dominant global force.’
● Hyperpowers: refer to unchallenged superpowers, that are dominant in all aspects of power - E.G Usa 1990-2010 and Britain: 1850:1910.
Emerging Superpowers:
An emerging power is recognition of the rising, primarily economic, influence of a nation - or union of nations - which has steadily increased their presence of global affairs.
Characteristics and Pillars of Key Factors and Examples
Power
● Larger countries usually have greater resources and influence.
● Like ol and gas; if the nation has means to exploit them, can help a nation develop their economy and therefore their
Physical Sizes and Geographical
economic power through trade.
Position
● if there is an interdependent relationship then countries dependent on the superpower for their natural resources then the
superpower will hold power over them, for example Russia providing gas to Europe.
Explain how
● Some emerging and superpower countries influence much of the global economy as they:
superpowers, emerging
○ Earn 65% of the global GDP - they have large consumer markets.
and regional powers can
○ They control investment as TNCs are likely to invest to make larger profits - for example ½ of global investment
be defined using
passed through London in 2015, creating jobs in the financial sector.
contrasting
Economic Power and Influence ○ They have the world's most powerful currencies - the EU and the US produce over 40% of the global GDP.
characteristics
○ They determine global economic policies, by joining political and economic organisations such as the G20, or
(economic, political,
trade blocs - they can control trade.
military, cultural,
● They may also own the debt of other nations and hold power over them, for example through bilateral agreements and
demographic and access
policies such as SAPs and HIPCs.
to natural resources)
● Population size can be key to economic success - providing a sufficient labour force to generate economic growth. They
Demographic Factors
also provide a market - the EU has a single market of 500 million people.
● A cohesive ideology such as THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)
has promoted global development by sharing common ideology and policies.
Political Factors
● G20 has become key in decision making, due to the global shift and in 2008 collectively organised a recovery plan to
tackle the global banking crisis.
● The USA dominants in terms of military budget and capability, with 37% of all global military spending - with a greater global
reach; due to research, development and testing.
Military Strength ● However, China has a large military spending, second, after the US, however the main control lies in the Asia region - as a
regional military power. Their focus is in the security of the South China Sea - so has a regional sphere of influence in
terms of its military power.
, ● Bollywood has a create cultural influence; therefore increased globalisation has led to a global culture, due to increased
Cultural Influence westernisation of the media.
● Countries may align their ideology with the superpower culture.
Mechanisms of Maintaining Power:
● These mechanisms of maintaining power sit on a spectrum from ‘hard’ to ‘soft’ power, and vary in their effectiveness.
● ‘Hard’ power is defined as power through force or coercion and is likely to involve military power or economic sanctions.
○ For example, Britain's expansionist policy in the imperial era would be considered ‘hard’ power, as would military actions taken in Iraq and Afghanistan.
○ Economic sanctions such as those taken against Iran to try to prevent it from developing its military nuclear capability would also be an example of ‘hard’ power.
● ‘Soft’ power, on the other hand, is exerting influence through favour and persuasion, and is therefore likely to be based on cultural power.
○ The global dominance of the USA through TNCs such as Coca Cola and McDonald’s, as well as media, TV, films, etc. would all be examples of ‘soft’ power.
● It is argued that true superpowers need to combine both a ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ power approach to become a SMART POWER.
Hard Power Economic Power Soft Power
Explain why
mechanisms of
maintaining power sit on
a spectrum from ‘hard’
to ‘soft’ power, which
vary in their ● Military action or the threat of it. ● Economic development aud from one nation ● The cultural attractiveness of some nations,
effectiveness. ● The creation of alliances, both economic and to another. making it more likely that others will follow their
military, to marginalise some nations - ● Signing favourable trade agreements to lead.
COLONIALISM. increase economic ties. ● The values and i deology of some nations are
● The use of economic sanctions to damage a seen as appealing.
nation's economy. ● The moral authority of a nation’s foreign
● Threat of trade r estrictions (embargos). policy.
The use of different types of power is necessary because:
● Invasions, war and conflict are very blunt instruments. They often do not go as planned and fail to achieve the aims of those exercising hard power, and is expensive in
terms of both the economy and socially.
● Soft power alone may not persuade one nation to do as another says, especially if they are culturally and ideologically very different.
Maintaining Power:
● International influence has to be maintained.
Explain the relative ● Superpowers do this by using different mechanisms, some are hard (overt) while some are soft or more subtle (covert).
importance of these ● Superpowers use hard power mechanisms because these are the most obvious and threatening. For example the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a
characteristics and military alliance providing the USA with allies in North America, Europe and the Middle East. NATO had considerable value during the Cold War.
mechanisms for Mechanisms of Power are Changing
maintaining power has ● Mackinder classified a region of Eurasia as the ‘Heartland’ - this region stretches from Russia to China and from the Arctic to the Himalayas.
changed over time ● He argued that the Heartland was a geo-strategic location because whoever controlled it would control a large amount of the human and physical resources.
(Mackinder’s ● He believed that whoever controlled Europe and Asia, would control the world. He identified a heartland called the world island, from Eastern Europe into Russia, at the
geo-strategic location centre of which was a pivot.
theory) ● Mackinder believed that 3 things determined power in this region:
○ Whoever ruled the most strategic part of Europe would command the heartland.
○ Whoever ruled the heartland would command the world island i.e. Europe and Russia
, ○ Whoever controlled the world island ruled the world.
● The further away from the heartland a country was, the less influence it would have.
● The theory was influential as it contributed to the POLICIES OF CONTAINMENT:
○ After WWI, attempts were made to limit Germany’s expansion into this strategic are.
○ After WWII, NATO allies tried to contain the Soviets from expanding into the south and west Europe.
Different Types of Polarity:
7.2 Patterns of power
● As patterns of power change over time, there may be one, two or multiple superpowers extending their power globally.
change over time and
○ A uni-polar world is one dominated by one superpower, e.g. The British Empire.
can be uni-, bi- or
○ A bi-polar world is one in which two superpowers, with differing ideologies, compete for power. E.g. the Cold War (USA and USSR).
multi-polar
○ A multi-polar world is more complex: many superpowers and emerging powers compete for power in different regions.
What is Colonial Rule?
● This refers to the direct control exerted over territories conquered by mainly European powers in the period 1600 – 1900. They were ruled by force, with almost no power
or influence being given to the original population.
● Imperialism – a relationship of political, economic or cultural control between geographical areas.
● Colonization – the physical settling of people from a colonial power within their colony.
The Importance of the Navy and Military (Hard Power)
● Britain ruled ¼ of the world’s land and ⅓ of the world’s population.
● The Royal Navy dominated the world’s oceans and was double the size of Germany’s - and aimed to protect trading routes.
● The Navy provided a link between the home country and overseas colonies. The Navy was also a symbol of military power.
Successes of Colonial Power Negative Impacts of Colonial Power
Explain the maintenance ● Railway lines were built throughout the country and were used to transport ● The majority of crops grown were brought by the British at very low prices
of power during the goods and the army quickly between places and colonies. and then sold for large amounts by the British - NEO-COLONIAL THEORY. -
imperial era by direct ● The english language spread throughout the Empire, which has allowed this meant manufacturers were left with little profits.
colonial control (British Commonwealth countries to become outsourcing services and take part in ● Many colonial states did not have their own governments, which caused
Empire, multipolar world business. severe protests for independence and unstable countries when made
1919–1939). ● Education for all colonial states was improved, schools were set up and a independent.
curriculum was established; this led to increased international migration to ● Discriminating policies were established to segregate the British migrants
fill skills shortages in other countries after WWII. from the natives; which have still remained in some countries, until recent
years.
Collapse of the Empire in the 20th Century
● After the war, many colonial powers were bankrupt as they had to spend vast amounts during the war, so they could not afford to control and maintain their colonies -
showing signs of ‘economic slowdown.’
● after the wars, colonial powers focussed mainly in rebuilding their home countries, and so were less focused on the colonies.
● Anti-colonial movements gained popularity, and increasing demand for independence forced colonial armies out. Many colonies fought for the allies with their own
independent armies. One by one after the war most of the colonies became independent. National liberation movements arose.
Explain how The Cold War Superpowers
multi-faceted, indirect
control (political, ● During the Cold War era (1945-1990), it was a bi-polar world, with two superpowers: the USA and the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)
economic, military, ● These two superpowers acted in different ways and the world was known as multi-faceted (to have different sides).
cultural), including ○ The USA followed a policy to globalise its sphere of influence and become a stronger player in the world system.
What are superpowers and how have they changed over time?
7.1 Geopolitical power stems from a range of human and physical of characteristics of superpowers
What is a Superpower:
‘Superpower refers to a nation with the means to project its power and influence anywhere in the world, and to be a dominant global force.’
● Hyperpowers: refer to unchallenged superpowers, that are dominant in all aspects of power - E.G Usa 1990-2010 and Britain: 1850:1910.
Emerging Superpowers:
An emerging power is recognition of the rising, primarily economic, influence of a nation - or union of nations - which has steadily increased their presence of global affairs.
Characteristics and Pillars of Key Factors and Examples
Power
● Larger countries usually have greater resources and influence.
● Like ol and gas; if the nation has means to exploit them, can help a nation develop their economy and therefore their
Physical Sizes and Geographical
economic power through trade.
Position
● if there is an interdependent relationship then countries dependent on the superpower for their natural resources then the
superpower will hold power over them, for example Russia providing gas to Europe.
Explain how
● Some emerging and superpower countries influence much of the global economy as they:
superpowers, emerging
○ Earn 65% of the global GDP - they have large consumer markets.
and regional powers can
○ They control investment as TNCs are likely to invest to make larger profits - for example ½ of global investment
be defined using
passed through London in 2015, creating jobs in the financial sector.
contrasting
Economic Power and Influence ○ They have the world's most powerful currencies - the EU and the US produce over 40% of the global GDP.
characteristics
○ They determine global economic policies, by joining political and economic organisations such as the G20, or
(economic, political,
trade blocs - they can control trade.
military, cultural,
● They may also own the debt of other nations and hold power over them, for example through bilateral agreements and
demographic and access
policies such as SAPs and HIPCs.
to natural resources)
● Population size can be key to economic success - providing a sufficient labour force to generate economic growth. They
Demographic Factors
also provide a market - the EU has a single market of 500 million people.
● A cohesive ideology such as THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)
has promoted global development by sharing common ideology and policies.
Political Factors
● G20 has become key in decision making, due to the global shift and in 2008 collectively organised a recovery plan to
tackle the global banking crisis.
● The USA dominants in terms of military budget and capability, with 37% of all global military spending - with a greater global
reach; due to research, development and testing.
Military Strength ● However, China has a large military spending, second, after the US, however the main control lies in the Asia region - as a
regional military power. Their focus is in the security of the South China Sea - so has a regional sphere of influence in
terms of its military power.
, ● Bollywood has a create cultural influence; therefore increased globalisation has led to a global culture, due to increased
Cultural Influence westernisation of the media.
● Countries may align their ideology with the superpower culture.
Mechanisms of Maintaining Power:
● These mechanisms of maintaining power sit on a spectrum from ‘hard’ to ‘soft’ power, and vary in their effectiveness.
● ‘Hard’ power is defined as power through force or coercion and is likely to involve military power or economic sanctions.
○ For example, Britain's expansionist policy in the imperial era would be considered ‘hard’ power, as would military actions taken in Iraq and Afghanistan.
○ Economic sanctions such as those taken against Iran to try to prevent it from developing its military nuclear capability would also be an example of ‘hard’ power.
● ‘Soft’ power, on the other hand, is exerting influence through favour and persuasion, and is therefore likely to be based on cultural power.
○ The global dominance of the USA through TNCs such as Coca Cola and McDonald’s, as well as media, TV, films, etc. would all be examples of ‘soft’ power.
● It is argued that true superpowers need to combine both a ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ power approach to become a SMART POWER.
Hard Power Economic Power Soft Power
Explain why
mechanisms of
maintaining power sit on
a spectrum from ‘hard’
to ‘soft’ power, which
vary in their ● Military action or the threat of it. ● Economic development aud from one nation ● The cultural attractiveness of some nations,
effectiveness. ● The creation of alliances, both economic and to another. making it more likely that others will follow their
military, to marginalise some nations - ● Signing favourable trade agreements to lead.
COLONIALISM. increase economic ties. ● The values and i deology of some nations are
● The use of economic sanctions to damage a seen as appealing.
nation's economy. ● The moral authority of a nation’s foreign
● Threat of trade r estrictions (embargos). policy.
The use of different types of power is necessary because:
● Invasions, war and conflict are very blunt instruments. They often do not go as planned and fail to achieve the aims of those exercising hard power, and is expensive in
terms of both the economy and socially.
● Soft power alone may not persuade one nation to do as another says, especially if they are culturally and ideologically very different.
Maintaining Power:
● International influence has to be maintained.
Explain the relative ● Superpowers do this by using different mechanisms, some are hard (overt) while some are soft or more subtle (covert).
importance of these ● Superpowers use hard power mechanisms because these are the most obvious and threatening. For example the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a
characteristics and military alliance providing the USA with allies in North America, Europe and the Middle East. NATO had considerable value during the Cold War.
mechanisms for Mechanisms of Power are Changing
maintaining power has ● Mackinder classified a region of Eurasia as the ‘Heartland’ - this region stretches from Russia to China and from the Arctic to the Himalayas.
changed over time ● He argued that the Heartland was a geo-strategic location because whoever controlled it would control a large amount of the human and physical resources.
(Mackinder’s ● He believed that whoever controlled Europe and Asia, would control the world. He identified a heartland called the world island, from Eastern Europe into Russia, at the
geo-strategic location centre of which was a pivot.
theory) ● Mackinder believed that 3 things determined power in this region:
○ Whoever ruled the most strategic part of Europe would command the heartland.
○ Whoever ruled the heartland would command the world island i.e. Europe and Russia
, ○ Whoever controlled the world island ruled the world.
● The further away from the heartland a country was, the less influence it would have.
● The theory was influential as it contributed to the POLICIES OF CONTAINMENT:
○ After WWI, attempts were made to limit Germany’s expansion into this strategic are.
○ After WWII, NATO allies tried to contain the Soviets from expanding into the south and west Europe.
Different Types of Polarity:
7.2 Patterns of power
● As patterns of power change over time, there may be one, two or multiple superpowers extending their power globally.
change over time and
○ A uni-polar world is one dominated by one superpower, e.g. The British Empire.
can be uni-, bi- or
○ A bi-polar world is one in which two superpowers, with differing ideologies, compete for power. E.g. the Cold War (USA and USSR).
multi-polar
○ A multi-polar world is more complex: many superpowers and emerging powers compete for power in different regions.
What is Colonial Rule?
● This refers to the direct control exerted over territories conquered by mainly European powers in the period 1600 – 1900. They were ruled by force, with almost no power
or influence being given to the original population.
● Imperialism – a relationship of political, economic or cultural control between geographical areas.
● Colonization – the physical settling of people from a colonial power within their colony.
The Importance of the Navy and Military (Hard Power)
● Britain ruled ¼ of the world’s land and ⅓ of the world’s population.
● The Royal Navy dominated the world’s oceans and was double the size of Germany’s - and aimed to protect trading routes.
● The Navy provided a link between the home country and overseas colonies. The Navy was also a symbol of military power.
Successes of Colonial Power Negative Impacts of Colonial Power
Explain the maintenance ● Railway lines were built throughout the country and were used to transport ● The majority of crops grown were brought by the British at very low prices
of power during the goods and the army quickly between places and colonies. and then sold for large amounts by the British - NEO-COLONIAL THEORY. -
imperial era by direct ● The english language spread throughout the Empire, which has allowed this meant manufacturers were left with little profits.
colonial control (British Commonwealth countries to become outsourcing services and take part in ● Many colonial states did not have their own governments, which caused
Empire, multipolar world business. severe protests for independence and unstable countries when made
1919–1939). ● Education for all colonial states was improved, schools were set up and a independent.
curriculum was established; this led to increased international migration to ● Discriminating policies were established to segregate the British migrants
fill skills shortages in other countries after WWII. from the natives; which have still remained in some countries, until recent
years.
Collapse of the Empire in the 20th Century
● After the war, many colonial powers were bankrupt as they had to spend vast amounts during the war, so they could not afford to control and maintain their colonies -
showing signs of ‘economic slowdown.’
● after the wars, colonial powers focussed mainly in rebuilding their home countries, and so were less focused on the colonies.
● Anti-colonial movements gained popularity, and increasing demand for independence forced colonial armies out. Many colonies fought for the allies with their own
independent armies. One by one after the war most of the colonies became independent. National liberation movements arose.
Explain how The Cold War Superpowers
multi-faceted, indirect
control (political, ● During the Cold War era (1945-1990), it was a bi-polar world, with two superpowers: the USA and the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)
economic, military, ● These two superpowers acted in different ways and the world was known as multi-faceted (to have different sides).
cultural), including ○ The USA followed a policy to globalise its sphere of influence and become a stronger player in the world system.
