CONTESTED PLANETCONTESTED PLANET

SUPERPOWER GEOGRAPHIES SUPERPOWER GEOGRAPHIES

Edexcel Unit 3 Topic 4 Edexcel Unit 3 Topic 4

AIMS

•To know what a superpower is

•To understand what makes a superpower

WHAT IS NEEDED TO BECOME A WHAT IS NEEDED TO BECOME A SUPERPOWER?SUPERPOWER?

COMMON COMMON INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS

NEEDEDNEEDED

Geographical influenceGeographical influence

Large land/ sea area

Enough resources to be self sustaining if necessary.

Large population.

Military influenceMilitary influence

Large ability to project power over the world.

Large land, sea and air army which can be easily deployed.

Possession of nuclear power advantageous.

Economic influenceEconomic influence

Large national economy (high GDP)

High economic growth.

Large number of companies (MNC’s)

Economic self suffiency

Cultural influenceCultural influence

.Strong cultural influence over other nations.

Superpower societies

IMPERIALIST SYSTEMS – E.g. The British EmpireThe culture, economy and politics of Britain dominated its subordinate colonies. Democracy in a very limited form existed within Britain not in the colonies.

CAPITALIST SYSTEMS – E.g. USAThis is a democratic system. It means that there is a division between people who own businesses and make profit and those who work for them.

COMMUNIST SYSTEMS – E.g. USSRPrivate ownership of the means of production (businesses and property is not allowed. Karl Marx developed this theory that private ownership of business meant that the rich would seek to maximise profits at the expense of workers creating an elite. He argued that means of production should be owned in common to create an equal society.

Changing patterns of power

• Superpowers shift over time; the Uni-polar world of the British Empire gave way to the Bi-polar cold war world

• In 1990, as the USSR collapsed, a new USA dominated Uni-polar world was ushered in; the EU has grown to be increasingly powerful also

• Many people think the future will be a more complex, fragmented and regional multi-polar world• It is important to recognise that power can decline as well as grow

Are superpowers invincible?

British empire

Soviet Union

Ottoman Empire

Roman Empire

The above were once giant empires with vast areas of land under their control, huge armies and thriving economies. So what made them decline?

China

India

European Union

USA?

The above are emerging and current superpowers. So what is it that is making them develop such power?

The rise and fall of superpowers

Extent of the British empire at its height.

The British empire is the largest physical empire that has ever existed.

How many of these countries can you identify?

The rise and fall of superpowers

WW2 WW2

British Empire – The fallBritish Empire – The fall

Economic declineEconomic decline

Britain had overspent on war efforts and after WW2 was showing serious signs of economic ‘slowdown’

Loss of military influenceLoss of military influence

Heavy losses after the war.

Loss of land controlLoss of land control

Many colonies fought for the allies with their own independent armies. One by one after the war, for a range of reasons most of the colonies became independent.

The USA and the Soviet The USA and the Soviet Union –The riseUnion –The rise

Economic prosperity for Economic prosperity for the USAthe USA

The USA emerged from the war as the worlds leading economic power. Their economy had grown during the war as they had supplied ships and weapons to the allies.

Largest land army Soviet Largest land army Soviet UnionUnion

The Soviet Union emerged with the largest land army after many European losses.

Superpowers and the rest of the worldTheoretical framework

Dependency theoryDependency theoryDependence Dependence The reliance on something or someone for support or survival.

Dependency Theory Dependency Theory • The existence of a capitalist world system

• Countries become reliant on the more powerful countries as these countries exploit the resources of the weaker countries.

• In this system exists a core, a periphery and semi-periphery.

CoreCore PeripheryPeriphery Semi peripherySemi periphery

Rich, industrialised countries of the West including existing superpower USA, emerging superpower Europe and also Japan.

Poorer, primary product producing countries with low GDP and growth rate including many African and Latin American nations.

Newly industrialising countries who have role as both core and periphery.

CORECORE

PERIPHERYPERIPHERY

Low value primary products (raw materials and food)

High value added products (industrial, processed goods)

Superpowers and the rest of the worldTheoretical framework

Dependency theory also stresses that the only way out of this unequal relationship for less developed nations is to be self reliant and to control national resources (import substitution)

MODERNISATION THEORYMODERNISATION THEORY

2. THE ROLE OF SUPERPOWERS

What impacts and influence do superpowers have?

Superpowers and the rest of the worldSuperpowers and the rest of the world

COLONIALISMCOLONIALISM

Colonialism is when one state has political control over other territories.

It began in the 15th C when rich and powerful European countries such as Spain, Portugal, France and Britain began to search the globe for territories with more wealth and resources.

Britain gained its empire in this way thus earning its status as the largest superpower (in terms of land area) in history. Colonial leaders acted as the rich core and colonies were the poor periphery.

Britain as a colonial superpower

British coloniesBritish colonies

Many European countries claimed colonies in other lands to make profits, find new resources and convert indigenous tribes to certain religions and cultures. In terms of land area, Britain had the largest of any superpower in history,

Britain’s colonial rule in KenyaBritain’s colonial rule in Kenya

• Britain took political control of Kenya in 1895.

• The colony was established only after large numbers of indigenous people were killed.

• British exploited Kenya for both land and labour.

• They established taxes which Kenyans were forced to pay yet received no benefit from the money.

• Kenyans were restricted in what they could grow and sell and where they could live

• In 1964 Kenya finally gained its independence.

Superpowers and the rest of the worldSuperpowers and the rest of the world

NEO-COLONIALISMNEO-COLONIALISM

Neo-colonialism is a term used by critics of MEDC’s over their ‘involvement’ in the developing world.

Colonialism = political control = direct powerColonialism = political control = direct power

Neo-colonialism = economic control = indirect powerNeo-colonialism = economic control = indirect power

Dependency theorists argue that superpowers actively perpetuate a state of dependency through various policies and initiatives including…

Tied AidTied Aid (Aid which comes from powerful countries but has conditions)

LoansLoans (Offered with high interest from organisations such as World Bank)

InvestmentInvestment (Often in the form of MNC’s who benefit few in host countries)

TradeTrade (Trade patterns remain unfair with LEDC’s providing primary goods, MEDC’s manufacturing them and then selling them back at a higher price)

IS NIGERIA A NEO COLONY?IS NIGERIA A NEO COLONY?

•Nigeria is the world’s 6th largest oil exporter.

•Yet, the Niger Delta (the source of the countries $20billion industry) is one of Africa’s poorest regions.

•In 1992, Nigerias debt was $33 billion. As a result it has had a long relationship with the IMF as a loans institution.

•The IMF pressured the government to privatise public assets and promote free trade. This led to assets being sold to MNC’s and little of the money going to local people. Poverty therefore persists.

Superpowers as international decision makersSuperpowers as international decision makers

Superpowers have both DIRECT and INDIRECT influence as policy and decision makers. Indirect influence often occurs through involvement in many intergovernmental organisations.

SomeIntergovernmental

Organisations

The United Nations (UN) aims to facilitate cooperation in international law, security, economic development, social progress, human rights and world peace.

HQ = New York. 192 countries involved

The G8 is a group of 8 wealthy and powerful countries whose leaders meet at an annual summit to discuss issues such as development and social security.

HQ = None, members meet each year.

The OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) includes 30 high income, powerful countries. They promote a free market economy.

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) contains 28 wealthy countries. It is a political and defense organisation whose members agree to be military allies. HQ = Belgium.

Can you identify which map belongs to which IGO? Can you identify which map belongs to which IGO?

NATONATO UNITED NATIONSUNITED NATIONS G8G8 OECDOECD

A

DC

B

World Trade patternsWorld Trade patterns

InternationalInternational trade has been and continues to be a determinant of inequality around the world.

TRADE FACTSTRADE FACTS • 75% of world exports from LEDC’s.• 25% of world exports from MEDC’s.• 63% of world manufacturing export from MEDC’s.

Map of trade flows from and to the USA.

Trade patternsTrade patterns

Share of world trade over time

AS Recap: TRADING BLOCSAS Recap: TRADING BLOCS

• What is a trading bloc?

• Can you identify the following trading blocs?

NAFTANAFTA

EUEU

MERCOSURMERCOSUR

ASEANASEAN

• Can you name any others?

• What are the advantages of trading blocs?

• What are the disadvantages of trading blocs?

• How do trading blocs affect countries on the outside?

On the USA and Europe’s quest for world power, traditional ethnic, religious and kinship and cultural ties could be seen as largely irrelevant.

The dominance of the USA as an unrivalled superpower since 1990, plus the growing power of the EU has led some people to identify a global culture. It is difficult to define what it is but some characteristics linked to it are:

1. A culture of consumerism

2. A culture of capitalism and importance of attaining wealth

3. A white Anglo Saxon culture with English as dominant language

4. A culture that cheery picks and adapts the best part of other world cultures.

Americanisation/ WesternisationAmericanisation/ Westernisation

Superpower culturesSuperpower cultures

AMERICANISATION = WESTERNISATION = MCDONALDISATION!AMERICANISATION = WESTERNISATION = MCDONALDISATION!

AmericanisationAmericanisation is the term used to describe the influence that superpower USA has on other cultures.

Fast food companies such as coca cola and McDonalds are symbols of the USA cultural power and dominance and so we often hear the term Mcdonaldisation used to mean the same thing.

Westernisation – good or bad?Westernisation – good or bad?

Pro westernisationPro westernisation Anti WesternisationAnti Westernisation

Globalisation and the associated spread of Western culture is enhancing other nations.

Globalisation creates wealth in poorer nations and wealth increases ability to watch films, listen to music, buy clothes etc…

Are countries choosing to become Westernized. Its not imposed on them by force.

English is now a global language which brings people together.

Westernisation inhibits the growth of local cultures in the third world.

The spread of chain stores and the same foods, music, T.V. etc… means that everywhere becomes similar. E.g. Every city centre in Britain has the same shops. Loss of identity.

Many cultures are even losing their language. Youngsters in South Korea speak English as much as Korean.

What is your opinion?What is your opinion?

3. SUPERPOWER FUTURES

What are the implications of the future rise of superpowers?

The rise of the BRIC’sThe rise of the BRIC’s

Goldman Sachs argued that, since they are developing rapidly, by 2050 the combined economies of the BRIC’s could eclipse the combined economies of the current richest countries of the world. Who are the BRIC’s?

BRAZILBRAZIL INDIAINDIA CHINACHINA

RUSSIARUSSIA

Visions of the futureThe rise of the BRIC’s.

• In 2007, China overtook the UK as the world’s 4th largest economy and by the end of 2010 will be third to Japan and USA.

• By 2050, it is likely that the BRIC’s (Brazil, Russia, India and China) will be in the G8 along with Germany, USA and Japan. This means Italy, France and the UK will not longer be a part of this IGO.

• The balance of trade and power is likely to shift from East to West.

• Can there be more than one superpower or does the rise of China and India mean the fall of the USA?

• Brazil and Russia are two of the worlds largest suppliers of raw materials.

• Russia controls massive reserves of oil and natural gas, which it supplies to Europe.

• Chinese, Indian and Russian companies are acquiring European businesses and opening plants in the USA

Visions of the futureThe rise of the BRIC’s.

The rise of ‘Chindia’The rise of ‘Chindia’

China and India, because of their size (a combined population of over 2.5 billion) and rapid economic growth (6-10% a year), have a critical role to play as emerging superpowers.

The rise of ‘Chindia’

2000 2005 2007

Life expectancyLife expectancy 62 64 65

GDP growth rate (%)GDP growth rate (%) 4 9 9

Trade (as a % of GDP)Trade (as a % of GDP) 20 29 31

China statisticsChina statistics

2000 2005 2007

Life expectancyLife expectancy 71 71 73

GDP growth rate (%)GDP growth rate (%) 8.4 10.4 13.0

Trade (as a % of GDP)Trade (as a % of GDP) 39 63 67

India statisticsIndia statistics

The environmental impacts of the rise of ‘Chindia’

At current rates…• India’s greenhouse emissions will have risen by 70% in 2025.• Between 2000 and 2030, China’s emissions increases will have

surpassed that of the entire industrialised world.• India's energy consumption increased by 280% between 1980 and

2001 and half the population still lacks access to electricity.• China builds a new coal fired powers station every week.

Some consequences of China’s growth

ENVIRONMENTALENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICECONOMIC SOCIALSOCIAL

++

China has pursued HEP China has pursued HEP as a power source as a power source which is renewable and which is renewable and involves no emissions.involves no emissions.

The country had a GDP The country had a GDP growth rate of 13% in growth rate of 13% in 2007.2007.

High Investment in High Investment in roads and power roads and power supplies.supplies.

Standards of living Standards of living are increasing on are increasing on the whole.the whole.

More money spent More money spent on health and on health and education.education.

--

China has 16 of the 20 China has 16 of the 20 dirtiest cities in the dirtiest cities in the world.world.

70% of Chinas rivers 70% of Chinas rivers are polluted.are polluted.

Deforestation rates are Deforestation rates are high.high.

20$ of China’s 20$ of China’s population live on less population live on less than $1 a day so the than $1 a day so the wealth is not evenly wealth is not evenly spread.spread.

There is a There is a widening gap widening gap between rich and between rich and poor and rural and poor and rural and urban.urban.

Implications of a global power shift

• With China and India’s size, growth rate and dynamism it is highly likely that they are going to transform the 21st C global economy.

• Neither country however can assume its place as a superpower as currently these countries still fall short of Japan and the USA.

• In future (if growth continues) then the USA and EU will need to make room for China and India.

• It is likely that the balance of power and technologies will shift from West to East as education, innovation and consumer numbers increase with economic growth.

• The USA has a lot to do to maintain its role as global superpower.

But remember, history has shown that superpowers always rise and fall?

InvestigateScenarios of the global future

Investigate and evaluate the following scenarios.

1) Full scale globalisation and co-operation between countries.

2) Power sharing between a multiplicity of global players.

3) A world without the West (USA loses dominance to China and India)

4) Increased potential for conflict between the BRIC’s.

5) Expansion of regional blocs for power purposes. E.g. European Union.

What other scenarios might there be?

EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

What makes a top level answer for contested planet What makes a top level answer for contested planet questions?questions?

To reach the top level with your answers candidates must make To reach the top level with your answers candidates must make sure that they do the following…sure that they do the following…

1. Structure the answer well by using clear paragraphs and putting points in a logical order.

2. Use real world examples and good data to exemplify points made.

3. Understand the command word and apply it appropriately. E.g. Assess the view calls for a 2 sided argument. Explain requires clear reasons behind something.

4. Use geographical terminology wherever possible and with accuracy.

5. Ensure good use of grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Examination question 1Examination question 1Question breakdownQuestion breakdown

Explore the view Explore the view that thethat the relationship relationship betweenbetween superpowers superpowers and theand the periphery periphery is ais a neo colonial one. neo colonial one.

(15 marks)(15 marks)

Command word: Explore the view requires you to examine the subject thoroughly and consider it from a variety of viewpoints.

Structure

So you need to structure question looking at to what extent IS the relationship neo colonial and to what extent IS IT NOT.

Key words

Superpowers, periphery and neo colonial are all key concepts that you should define and show clear understanding of.

Examination question 1Examination question 1

To what extentTo what extent do you agreedo you agree that the relationship between that the relationship between superpowerssuperpowers and the and the peripheryperiphery is is neo colonial.neo colonial. (15 marks)(15 marks)

• First break down any definitions in the question and query any controversial points. Define superpower, periphery and neo colonial.

• Would be useful here to briefly outline colonial rule and the political relationship between ‘superpower’ and ‘periphery’. Could use the British empire as a good example. Then compare this to concept of neo colonial (possibly link in theory with dependency theory).

• Arguments for = African debt, terms of trade, tied aid, economic polices applied by IMF (structural adjustment policies)

• Arguments against = relief aid, debt being written off by G8, fair trade being encouraged.

• Exemplify your points with good clear examples wherever possible.

Examination question 2Examination question 2Question breakdownQuestion breakdown

DiscussDiscuss the the economic economic and and environmental impactsenvironmental impacts that the that the rise of rise of emerging superpowersemerging superpowers can have on the can have on the world.world.

(15 marks)(15 marks)

Command word: Examine means to investigate in detail, offering evidence for and against something.

Sometimes a question will specify the type of impacts. If it does make sure you focus only on these. If it does not then bear them all in mind (cultural, social, economic, environmental and political)

Impacts: These can be either positive or negative as it does not specify. Economic tends to be positive and environmental more negative.

Examination question 2Examination question 2

DiscussDiscuss the the economic economic and and environmental impactsenvironmental impacts that the rise that the rise of of emerging superpowersemerging superpowers can have on the can have on the world.world. (15 marks)(15 marks)

• Define superpower and explore briefly who the emerging superpowers are.

• Include a balanced discussion between economic and environmental impacts.

• Environmental impacts are likely to be more negative including issues such as resource implications for energy, water and land, increased C02 production leading to global warming and possible shortages of water for those in marginal areas.

• Economic impacts are likely to be positive for the superpower but could have negative implications. Positive impacts include poverty reduction and increased standards of living. Negative implications may be on peripheral countries who are influenced by or under the control from the superpowers.