Superpowers
Case Studies
,What is a Superpower
⭐ Superpower - a nation with the means to project its power and influence anywhere in the world, and to be a
dominant global force
⭐ Hyperpower – an unchallenged superpower that is dominant in all aspects of power (USA 1990-2010 and Britain
1850-1910)
⭐ Emerging powers - countries whose power is increasing, however, typically they have some areas of weakness in
comparison with a superpower which stops them from reaching their full potential
⭐ Geopolitical - the influence of geographical factors (economy, population size, military strength) on the actions
of countries towards others: their foreign policy, agreements/alliances and conflicts
• Countries with the largest economies have a significant influence over global economies
• The threat of military force can be used to exert pressure and achieve geopolitical goals.
o Countries with a large military may be viewed to be more powerful e.g. India
o Type of weapons owned is representative of power i.e. possession of nuclear weapons: USA, Russia, UK, France,
China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, (Israel).
o Ability to project power round the world – bases, aircraft carriers, drones, a blue water navy
• Countries with resources necessary for economic development should hold significant power (Russian gas and Middle
Eastern oil), however, these countries are not necessarily powerful because:
- Exporting raw materials adds little value e.g. Australia – iron ore
- TNCs control large volumes of resources e.g. BP - Nigeria
• Diplomacy (negotiation and decision making between nations) can be used to influence the decisions of others. Often
they will forge military alliances (NATO) or trade blocs (EU, ASEAN, NAFTA)
- Superpowers have disproportionate weight in international bodies e.g. in the IMF (USA has >16% of votes) and
the WTO (Quad countries – US, Japan, Canada, EU). Only 5 countries have a permanent seat on the UN Security
Council – which is the key decision making body.
,⭐ Cultural Power - This is how appealing a nation’s way of life, values and ideology are to others. It is often exercised
through film, the arts and food.
⭐ Economic Power – Gives the country the wealth needed to be a global player. China is gaining on the USA in terms of
the size of its GDP – but per capita income in the USA is four times higher.
⭐ Military power – at the turn of the 21st century the USA did exercise its military power in Iraq and Afghanistan (Project
for New American Century) – but the consequences of their actions left the USA with damaged reputation and less
likely to intervene militarily – especially to put ‘boots on the ground’.
⭐ Ideology - a set of beliefs. Superpowers seek to project their beliefs onto others. E.g. the USA – ‘western values’ of
free speech, individual liberty, free-market capitalist economics and consumerism
Capitalism is the system by which land, labour and capital are owned privately and are used to generate profit. Whilst
not everyone agrees with capitalism, it’s influence reaches most of the world, aided by globalisation. China is technically
communist but there has been growth and increased influence since it embraced free market.
• Superpowers use hard power mechanisms because these are the most obvious and threatening - NATO military
alliance - providing USA with allies in North America, Europe and the Middle East – high value during the Cold War.
• Countries have a number of tools at their disposal in terms of extending their global influence and maintaining power.
These mechanisms of maintaining power sit on a spectrum from ‘hard’ to ‘soft’ power, and vary in effectiveness.
→ ‘Hard’ power is through force and is likely to involve military power or economic sanctions. Examples:
o Britain's expansionist policy in the imperial era
o 1991 & 2003 – USA and its allies invaded Iraq, partly to secure oil supplies
o Russia’s invasion in Ukraine/Crimea in 2014 – claiming to protect ethnic Russians
o Economic sanctions such as those taken against Iran to try to prevent it from developing its military nuclear
capability
, → ‘Soft’ power or ‘cultural hegemony’ is exerting influence through favour and persuasion, and is therefore likely to
be based on cultural power. The global dominance of the USA through TNCs such as Coca Cola and McDonald’s,
as well as media, TV, films, etc. would all be examples of ‘soft’ power.
• Soft power has become more important over time. In the 19th century colonial powers maintained power through
force but due to international trading, physical resources are not required domestically and also modern military
technology means size is no protection.
• Joseph Nye - true superpowers need to combine both a ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ power approach to become a smart power.
Military presence and force Economic power - Aid and trade Culture & Ideology
• Military action, or the threat of it • Favouring certain trade partners • Using the media to promote a
• Military alliances such as NATO • Trade blocs and alliances particular image and message
• Diplomatic threats to use force if • Giving allies economic and • The values and ideology of some
negotiation fails technical help nations are seen as appealing
• Using economic sanctions against • Using aid to influence policy • Exporting culture in the form of
countries film and TV, or globally recognised
brands
