Based on spec points that have yet to come up in previous a level geography edexcel exam papers. detailed essay plans with case studies. used as my main revision technique and proved very helpful.
a level superpowers prediction questions. a level essay plans superpowers.
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.
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