Cultural Tensions & Conflict

Arising from New SuperpowersHarrison Leavey

Historic Cultural Tensions – Superpower Conflict

Cold War:• USA and USSR Superpowers - cultural conflict

through politics, 1950-1990s• Capitalism vs Communism• Bipolar World

North Atlantic Divide:• USA and Europe - societal differences:• e.g Welfare State vs Laissez Faire, • Family Meal Traditions vs Fast Food

Current Situation (Uni-Polar World)• Following collapse of USSR: USA dominates

(uni-polar world)• USA recognized as the single superpower,

therefore US culture is widespread with minimal* rejection (This forms part of USA’s soft power)

Increasingly Multi-Polar World?*USA (Cultural) Power Rejections…

• Asian ideals differ from those in the USA e.g Individualism vs Communal Objectives/China Confucianism

• Support for USA’s Iraq war is limited e.g Opposed by France & Germany• Lack of attempt to restore peace by USA eroded their international

status

• Terrorism: 21st Century rise in global terrorism. Conflicts between Western religions with Islamist groups e.g Al-Qaeda. Such terrorism is usually directed at USA - 9/11 attacks

• Climate: Copengagen, 2009 showed differing goals between USA, China and EU

• Politics: US political controversy providing opportunity for a multi-polar global society

The FutureSuperpower tensions are likely to rise:• 4 Conflicting World Views: • Chinese Confucianism • Islamic World• American Capitalism• European Liberalism

Future Sources of Culture Clash – Emerging Superpowers & Religion

The FutureFuture Scenarios – (2050 US Predictions):• Rise of China, India and other Emerging Powers – USA power reduced,

yet remains. Resulting in Multi-Polar World.• Nuclear arms race: Middle East & East Asia tensions unresolved• Increased Resource tensions: As BRICs desperate for growth, Russia’s

grasp over resources• Decline of Europe and Japan: Economic and Demographic issues

Energy Powers

Traditional Powers

Emerging Powers

TENSIONS BETWEEN CULUTRES

Multi-Polar WorldUni-Polar World

Assess the extent to which China is a threat to the USA’s status as the only current superpower (15 marks)

China Threatens USA’s Power China is Not a Threat to USA’s PowerCultural Threats:• China has invested in pop culture e.g ‘Earth’s Music’, 2011

(Government funded record label)• Asian ideals differ from US values: Confucianism • 2008 Olympics – Focus to China: Cultural potential• Chinese is the most Language (Although due to large

population size rather than cultural influence globally)

Lack of Cultural Threats:• Chinese culture does not appear to threaten the dominance of

US soft power e.g Chinese government investing in music failed to generate popularity

• Unpopular political objectives of China: China’s 12 biggest TNCs are state owned

• Few widespread TNCs in China when compared to USA

Economic Threats: • Chinese investment in Africa: Infrastructure e.g Reopened ex-

British copper line – Neo-colonial power• Manufacturing powerhouse of the World: $2.5tr value of

exports/year

Lack of Economic Threats:• Neo-colonialism viewed as ‘Power without Responsibility’

within African continent• Recent slow-down in Chinese growth: unsustainable growth

past 20 years? Whereas US TNCs, Currency… sustained growth• Chinese inequality: East vs West• 70% Chinese Rivers polluted – Unsustainable economic growth

Military Threats: • Ranked 3rd most powerful (2.3m size)

Lack of Military Threats:• US Military Largest in World• $597m budget

Essay Plan