based on spec points that have not been touched on in previous exams. used as main source of revision for my a levels. detailed and contains case studies which can be swapped on based on preference.
predicted a level exam questions that may come up in upcoming alevel exams.
Superpowers
( 4,11,20,7,5 can be linked - points go across all questions) ignore missing question numbers,
removed as they made an appearance in last years paper
1. Assess the extent to which geopolitical power stems from a range of countries’
human and physical characteristics (12)
Large landmass
= larger territory = controlling more physical resources + influence over neighbours
So more control
Russia - owns own natural resources as well as bordering areas such as Arctic again meaning
has large influence resources found within there too, acts as key tool of economic growth as
well as for influencing other nations that rely upon these resources enabling russia exert
large amount hard power and so deterrent, showing the importance physical land/resources
could be said to have,
However - not the only factor contributing
Middle east - is resource rich ,
Conflict and political and economic tensions means power is not held.
Globalisations makes it less important for countries to hold their own access to natural
resources - many countries accessing them elsewhere, with east transport routes.
Human factors more significant?
Economic growth
Countries such as china able to access resources via investment.
Economic power = more influence over other countries
USA controls 24% of global GDP
Control over investments
Key tool in alliances and trade blocs like IMF (US highest votes) again allowing more control
resources
or the EU which plays large role in trade patterns, showing how economic power more
influential regardless of physical size/resources especially considering small countries such
as Singapore now play such large role in economic system despite compared to Russia being
so much smaller
Miliary
Economic power influences this
USA - spends highest amount = hard power
Countries global military influence more important than size of actual military
China’s military big, not as much global influence as USA’s
China uses military for benefits - navy around south china sea
However usa acts as the global police, and helps alliances, greater allies, greater power
Shows importance of soft power being more important than hard power
Linked to spreading culture and often then links to all other factors, attractive political
system enables greater trade and involvement within international decision making, TNCs
help further economic growth and therefore further shows a countries global sphere,
something
China lacks in soft power so less influence
, 2. Assess the what extent china claims to be a superpower
Yes - military
Largest military globally
Nuclear threat
Imposes hard power
The expanding military capability of China means China can increasingly expand its sphere of
influence. For example, China's military expenditure rises by 7% annually.
Yes - economy , downfalls
World’s second largest economy 2018
Educated population, skilled workforce
The economic growth of China following industrialisation means China can increasingly
project economic views on a global scale. For example, China established the Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with 87 member-states.
No - demographic
Ageing population, limit to economic growth
No - political
Global influence limited by its communist ideology
American democratic values have become globally appealing .
Political conflicts over neighbours due to south china sea claims, neighbours look to the USA
for protection and stability.
Issues with it’s human rights record - limits it’s soft power - genocide against muslim
population
But
the growing involvement in political IGOs by China means China can increasingly project its
political views on a global scale. For example, China funds 10% of the UN peacekeeping
budget - and possesses a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
, 3) assess the extent to which the rise of the BRIC’s is both a threat and an opportunity for
the rest of the developing world
1. Opportunity
Regional stability for development - less reliance on the US
For example Brazil has been increasing trade within South America. This is resulting in a 25%
decrease in reliance on The USA and EU for global imports and has helped to stabilise some
of the weaker economies in South America
help to provide developing countries with better outcomes that don't exploit the nations.
The increase in influence in IGOs such as the International Monetary Fund will help to
reduce the exploitation of developing nations as China and Brazil will stand up for regional
countries
China and russia - two permanent member in the UN security council
Can veto negative impacts against developing nations
Alternative to USA’s influence
2. Threat
Rise of brics due to rapid industrialisation
Pollution = rapid increase in global warming
China responsible for a quarter of global co2 emissions 2015
Global warming devastating for many LEDC’s
Africa - 25% sahel region suffering from desertification
Maldives at risk of rising sea levels submerging whole land mass
These LEDC’s contribute very little to global warming but suffer consequences
Also in developing regions
Bangladesh contaminated water supplies affecting crops and income
Part of silk road initiative - making china a player in the arctic, russia as a key ally
3. Threat
Brics increasing neo colonial ties d FDI in africa
Hindering it’s development
China invested $160 bil into angolia 2014-2016 spent on developing infrastructure in cities
Increased rail coverage by 80% in Angola
Increased jobs in construction and mining
Most jobs taken up by chinese immigrants who send money back to china as remittances
Money earned is not being invested into angolian economy
Ethnic tensions arise
China and Russia have also been investing in corrupt regimes such as Zimbabwe and Nigeria
for their resources.
$100bn provided by Russia in return for Nigerian Oil has been given to the militia who run
Nigeria which has funded arms dealings instead of developing the national infrastructure.
Chinese investment into Mugabe's corrupt regime has seen an increase in arms dealings in
Zimbabwe by 60% most of which are used on the locals. Many of the BRICs don't care about
the politics of a region and instead focus on the natural resources they can exploit from
them.
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