SUPERPOWERS- EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
Assess the extent to which China is a threat to the status of the USA as the
dominant superpower (12) intro + 3 points - ANSWER-intro- the current political
system is one of a unipolar world with the USA seemingly exerting main control and
being the dominant superpower. However is can be seen that in recent decades
China has become an increasing influential emerging power, with characteristics that
may or may not be a threat to the USA.
-One of main points of China is its recent rapid economic growth, mainly through its
manufacturing industry + impact of the global shift, since 1990s has experienced
GDP growth of up to 10%and now is 2nd largest economy in world, this can be seen
to be a threat to USA due to it enabling China to increase assets such as military and
technology. However when comparing to the USA is still far behind only accounting
for 13% global GDP compared to USA 24%, and is major income inequalities
throughout China despite decreasing poverty levels. it must though be said that
manufacturing growth is likely to continue to grow with the global shift impact and
Chinas part in the global production network, something that is large threat to USA
and so which may allow Chinas economy to continue to grow.
-A possible weakness of China could be when looking at its military spending
compared to USA and a lack of geopolitical/milarty influence. E.g. USA spends over
$500 billion compared to China that spends $130 billion. Also USA part of many
military alliances such as ANZUZ, NATO and military bases throughout world.
Although China is trying to expand its military e.g. south China sea this can be seen
to be mainly regional in Asia with still little globally. Also USA is globally seen as a
'global policeman' meaning many countries look for it for support, however this could
be said to be an advantage for China as may help its continuous economic growth
due to not having to deploy its military at high expense or give major aid/loan don
Referring to examples, assess the changing relationships between existing and
emerging powers (12) intro + 3 points - ANSWER-Intro- with emerging powers
having an increasing impact on the global system and many experiencing high
economic growth, a number of tensions are now arising between themselves, with
this seemingly having increase impact presently as well as into the future
-When assessing the global economic system it can be seen that with the increasing
economic centre of gravity shifting eastwards into south east Asia, mainly as a result
of the global shift of manufacturing, many of the emerging nations within the region
are increasing in economic power, resulting in a number of tensions that although
may have historical context, could be argued to be becoming more to the forefront as
a result of this shift. One of the key emerging nations in the region is that of China, a
country that is keen to maintain its economic growth and going to extreme measures
to gain this, leading to a number of conflicts to therefore ensue. One such conflict
can be seen with that of China and India, both key players within the emerging
nations with a tense relationship based mainly upon securing both territories +
resources to hold on to this level of power. The main conflict can be seen to be
arising from the border between them, the Himilayas, of which both hold strong
military presence in order to hold power over the area and the natural water
resources within in. This conflict has then lead to a number of flashpoint moments in
WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
Assess the extent to which China is a threat to the status of the USA as the
dominant superpower (12) intro + 3 points - ANSWER-intro- the current political
system is one of a unipolar world with the USA seemingly exerting main control and
being the dominant superpower. However is can be seen that in recent decades
China has become an increasing influential emerging power, with characteristics that
may or may not be a threat to the USA.
-One of main points of China is its recent rapid economic growth, mainly through its
manufacturing industry + impact of the global shift, since 1990s has experienced
GDP growth of up to 10%and now is 2nd largest economy in world, this can be seen
to be a threat to USA due to it enabling China to increase assets such as military and
technology. However when comparing to the USA is still far behind only accounting
for 13% global GDP compared to USA 24%, and is major income inequalities
throughout China despite decreasing poverty levels. it must though be said that
manufacturing growth is likely to continue to grow with the global shift impact and
Chinas part in the global production network, something that is large threat to USA
and so which may allow Chinas economy to continue to grow.
-A possible weakness of China could be when looking at its military spending
compared to USA and a lack of geopolitical/milarty influence. E.g. USA spends over
$500 billion compared to China that spends $130 billion. Also USA part of many
military alliances such as ANZUZ, NATO and military bases throughout world.
Although China is trying to expand its military e.g. south China sea this can be seen
to be mainly regional in Asia with still little globally. Also USA is globally seen as a
'global policeman' meaning many countries look for it for support, however this could
be said to be an advantage for China as may help its continuous economic growth
due to not having to deploy its military at high expense or give major aid/loan don
Referring to examples, assess the changing relationships between existing and
emerging powers (12) intro + 3 points - ANSWER-Intro- with emerging powers
having an increasing impact on the global system and many experiencing high
economic growth, a number of tensions are now arising between themselves, with
this seemingly having increase impact presently as well as into the future
-When assessing the global economic system it can be seen that with the increasing
economic centre of gravity shifting eastwards into south east Asia, mainly as a result
of the global shift of manufacturing, many of the emerging nations within the region
are increasing in economic power, resulting in a number of tensions that although
may have historical context, could be argued to be becoming more to the forefront as
a result of this shift. One of the key emerging nations in the region is that of China, a
country that is keen to maintain its economic growth and going to extreme measures
to gain this, leading to a number of conflicts to therefore ensue. One such conflict
can be seen with that of China and India, both key players within the emerging
nations with a tense relationship based mainly upon securing both territories +
resources to hold on to this level of power. The main conflict can be seen to be
arising from the border between them, the Himilayas, of which both hold strong
military presence in order to hold power over the area and the natural water
resources within in. This conflict has then lead to a number of flashpoint moments in
