Superpowers Enquiry Question 3 - A Level Geography

Superpowers
Enquiry Question 3: What spheres of influence are contested
by superpowers and what are the implications of this?

, 7.7 Global influence is contested in a number of different economic, environmental and
political spheres
Superpowers are great consumers of resources. Physical resources are important, eg: fossil
fuels, ores and minerals. Securing access to these resources is vital for both governments
and TNC's. Some resources are contested, due to:
 Land (Russia/Ukraine over Crimea)
 Oil and gas (Arctic Ocean)
 Oceans (South China Sea)
 Intellectual Property Rights
 Environmental issues (increased global warming and deforestation)
 Water resources
Oil and Gas in the Arctic




What are the reasons for tensions over the Arctic?
 90 billion barrels of oil
 13% on undiscovered, untapped oil
 30% of undiscovered natural gas
 8 countries border the Arctic
 Disputed Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
 Lomonosov Ridge is part of Russia's continental shelf
 Military presence is increasing, eg: 2007, Russia started Arctic Bomber Patrols