An in depth description on Geography ALevel Edexcel Superpowers EQ1 > "What are superpowers and how have they changed over time?"
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EQ1: What are superpowers and how have they changed over time?
Superpower: a nation with the ability to project its influence anywhere in the world an dbe
a dominant global force.
Hyperpower: an unchallenged superpower that is dominant in all aspects of power
(political, economic, cultural, military) USA 1990-2010, Britain 1850-1910.
Blue water Navy: one which can deploy into the open ocean-going ships. Many smaller
nations only have a green water navy designed to patrol littoral waters eg close to the
coastline.
Diplomacy: the negotiation and decision making that takes place between nations as part of
international relations, leading to international agreements and treaties.
Pillars of power
- Economic power.
o Large GDP means greater control over the global economy.
o They control investments.
o They have the strongest currencies; US Dollar being the most powerful, Euro,
British Pound. US$ and the Euro produce over 40% of the global GDP.
o Economic policies: by joining political or economic organisations like G20 or
trading blocs – their strength determines what happens to global trade or
interest rates.
- Military power.
o Historically military power has been a major influence determining power.
o Most countries use military forces to protect themselves against challengers.
o The USA dominates in terms of the military spending budget.
o As well as their technology is ahead of both China and Russia.
o It also has a greater global reach with bases all over the world.
- Access to natural resources.
o Some resources are essential to economic development: oil, gas, coal,
metals.
o However, possession of natural resources does not guarantee development.
o Many natural resources are managed by TNC’s like Shell and BP. Developing
many of Nigeria’s oilfields.
- Physical size and geographical position.
o Important because each one determines the area over which a country has
potential influence. Larger countries usually have larger influence.
o Russia; largest country, access to both Asia and Europe, vast sea access; from
the Baltic to the Atlantic, as well as the artic region which is untouched,
accessed only by Russia and Canada.
o Russia exerts influence over its neighbours in different ways. Direct
neighbours that it potentially influences: 14 countries.
o China is the 4th largest country and it has direct borders with 16 countries.
o Contrasts to Australia which is the 6th largest country and borders no one.
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