Superpowers- Exam style questions

from: https://quizlet.com/gb/360646197/superpowers-exam-style-questions-flash-cards/

Describe the key points that question the USAs position as a uni-polar superpower (4-5 points)

-Global shift of manufacturing towards Asia has caused economic restructuring meaning many areas in the USA face high unemployment levels that have huge social costs

-The amount of money needed to maintain military power and intelligence services, such as combat and space exploration

-Emerging countries are investing more into advanced technological defences (such as drones) questioning the USAs need to maintain its conventional military assets (such as naval ships)

-The 2007 debt crisis questioned how well US banks managed money and increased the governments debt

-Possible demise of NATO due to questions over member funding that could threaten its military influence

Explain 2 issues with TNCs and the use of IPRs (6)

-IPRs were created by the WTO that force all members to register and process any new technology under patent law, granting that company the exclusive right/ownership over their product for fixed time. One of the problems with them is that in order for anyone to use them they have to pay high royalty payments, therefore often impacting upon the poorest who often cannot afford to use them. For example within the drugs trade, drug companies often patent drugs such as HIV making them very expensive to use and so creating a large barrier to lower developed regions such as within Africa to access this treatment that they need.

-another problem can be seen when looking at the use of patents within the Agricultural industry, again often negatively impacting upon poorer farmers. This can be seen with the example of Monsanto use of patents upon GM crops seeds, resulting in farmers having to buy new seeds every year due to the company 'owning' each seed.

-also it could be said that with an increasing number of countries + so TNCs such as within China not adhering to these patented laws, often the counterfeit products they produce are much less safe for consumers to use, therefore perhaps then putting the consumers that use them at clear risk.

Explain how IPRs play a role within superpower status/power (6)

-IPRs were created by the WTO that force all members to register and process any new technology under patent law, granting that company the exclusive right/ownership over their product for fixed time. Is then governed within international trade agreement, known as TRIPS. The main way they play a role in superpower power is through the royalty payments that they ensue if any other company wants to use it, as often these products/technology cost a very high amount for TNCs to develop therefore by having these patents it allows TNCs to largely increase profits as a result, as well as guaranteeing TNCs access to a specific consumer market and not having to compete with others due to them having the right over their own specific product/design. Also by having patents this can help smaller businesses attract investment from larger TNCs that may want to invest in a product no one else has access too.

-another way they can act as a source of power can be seen in the fact that they can also be used for things such as military weapon designs, clearly helping with a countries hard power due to the fact that a country has access to a deterrent that other countries do not have. Clearly the fact the USA as the largest superpower as well as the largest economic player registers the highest number of patents a year (over 50,000) + has the largest earning TNC shows just how key they can be to help maintain a countries power.

( However is perhaps becoming undermined due to the impact of China, a country that has long standing problems with Counterfeiting, therefore threatening the power for these western TNCs (and so western countries such as the USA that relies heavily on these profits) that use them due to the fact consumers are more likely to choose to go for the cheaper but very convincing like products, with this then perhaps having the effect of impacting other countries/companies doing similar)

Explain why defence spending is seen as crucial to superpower status (4) 2 points

-defence spending mainly includes investments in military weapons and military personnel, such as military bases around the world and powerful weapons such as nuclear, with the majority of powerful nations spending huge amounts such as the USA who's budget is over $600 billion

-main reason as to why this is deemed as so crucial is to act as part of a nations hard power, acting as a deterrent to other countries and so protect their territory, which in turn can enable a country to gain control of things such as natural resources and trade routes, bringing wealth and so increasing overall power.

Explain what is meant by contested spheres of influence (4) 2 points

-describes how the geopolitical activities of different countries and superpowers focus on the same territory or issue. This can then lead to large disagreements such as economically with rights to national resources, as in the Arctic, politically through disputed borders as in India and China, and military such as China in the south china sea.

-the degree of actual contest varies between these different spheres depending on the situation and what/who is involved, as well as how valuable it is that is being contested over. It may lead to outright conflict or just large tensions between countries/groups.

Assess the extent to which the Brics have become an increasing influence globally on people and the physical environment (12)- 4 points

intro- the BRICS nations are a group of nations deemed to be of similar newly advanced economic development, including China, Russia, India and Brazil. Due to this economic growth, it can be seen that they are having an increasing affect globally, both on people and the environment.

-One of the most powerful can be seen to be China, with its rapidly growing economy it now accounts for 60% of all of the BRICs wealth. It can be seen to be having a large influence globally on people both in the developed and developing world. For example many western TNCs now offshore into China due to cheaper manufacturing and labour costs etc and in developing as in Africa, both negative and positive e.g. better infrastructure but undercutting locals + poor human rights. Similarly India is also growing economically, with this having an influence on people as can be seen in growing knowledge economy + IT sector, with many companies outsourcing there and Universities having global reach.

-Also although more negatively, the impact of many of these countries on trade is also impacting western countries and their job sectors. For example the movement of manufacturing to China and much of the knowledge economy into India, although benefiting western TNCs, many previous industrilised cities such as the rust belt region and north of UK have now become deprived etc.

-These rising economies of BRICs such as China are also influencing the environment greatly, however in a more negative way. For example as they choose to grow manufacturing industries and demand more westernised commodities due to rising incomes is leading to rising emissions, (with china now accounting for over 30% all global emissions, having an impact on climate change. Also over consumption of resources is impacting on global ecosystems, for example in Brazil and the amazon rain forest, and although negative, it cannot be denied their influence is having an increasing impact.

-However it must not be ignored that their global influence is still much less than the current superpower of the US, for example China still only accounts for 10% of global GDP compared to the US 23%. Also the BRIC nations still lack much cultural global influence, with China still being very cut of from western media etc and India only really having Bollywood again with little global influence, questioning their impact on people.

Conclusion- in conclusion, it cannot be denied that the BRIC nations are having an incresing influence, as although none of them are yet up to the power of a country such as the US, with how rapidly each of them has and continues to grow this may change in the future.

Explain 2 ways in which nations have maintained power and influence over other countries (6)- 2/3 ways

-one way is through strong military, especially globally through military alliances, example seen with USA, has largest military spending, members alliances e.g. NATO and ANZUS, allows protection territory + deterrence nuclear + tecnology, also seen China, emerging blue water navy, e.g. south china sea, extending territory allowing more power over region + threat to others in asian region, bulding artificial islands etc

- also culturally, global brands + TNCS, both seen histrorically e.g. USSR through use propeganda exert influence as well as now through TNCS such as USA mcdonalds or media corporations such as Disney, exerts power over other governments, further promotes that nations ideas/heritage, spread one global culture, americanisation

-also through investments/aid, China and Africa- China has invested large amounts of money into transport and infrastructure in Africa which has allowed them to exploit natural resources and gain power over African people

Assess the extent to which geopolitical power stems from a range of countries human and physical characteristics (12) Intro + 4 points

Intro- Geopolitical power describes the amount of power a country has in terms of their physical geography and how this then links to their political power on the global stage. This can be seen to link to both human and physical characteristics of a region.

- it could still be argued that physical characteristics remain key. By having both a physical large landmass a country therefore has a larger territory, often controlling more physical resources as well as influence over neighbors therefore further exerting control and gaining allies/protection over borders, example Russia, largest landmass, Geo-strategic power, 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 Russia cannot be said to be a major power within the global system, therefore indicating how other factors also play role, with this then also being similar to other natural resource rich nations such as within the middle east that due to human factors such as the fact much of the region is in conlfict/poor political regime power is not held, is then also no longer as important for countries harness own natural resources with many countries accessing them elsewhere (china + Africa) as well as fact the majority are owned by overseas TNCs, therefore further indicating other human factors play role

-This is therefore largely linked to a countries economic growth/influence, enabling countries such as China to access resources from others through investment, economic power then further enables countries to exert power number other ways clearly important as shown fact main superpower USA remains control 24% global GDP, this then allows countries greater control over investment due to other companies wanting to invest upon a country they believe will gain greater profits as well as often being a key tool within trade blocs and alliances, such as the 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

-This economic power then further be seen play role in other elements country power, notably that of Military influence, USA spends highest amount, hard power + again deterrent/territory, however what could said now more important a countries global military influence regardless actual physical military size, both russia + china large military army but not as much global influence compared to US, china mainly spreading blue water navy around Asia whereas US more global with alliances globally therefore deemed more global police and again means greater allies..

-therefore this links to how important a countries soft power must also be said to be, something that the US has most of in comparison to any other and of which could said to be key reason maintains power, not only linked to spreading global culture but 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 largely lacks + therefore could be said to be its main downfall as compared to the power of the US has increasingly become a threat economically + in a way militarily, yet is this global outreach mainly through human factors that means it has this level of influence

Conclusion- It therefore can be seen that when looking at geopolitical power, it could be argued that although where previously physical characteristics were the key, human factors are now just as or arguably more important, especially when looking the current main superpower the US.

Assess to what extent the superpowers rising demand for physical resources has led to both environmental and political challenges (12) 4 points

Intro- with an increasing amount of countries gaining economic growth and so becoming increasingly powerful, this has included increasing populations with an increasing demand for physical resources including things such as mineral resources for energy production and manufacturing, as well as agricultural needs. This therefore can be seen to be leading to a number of challenges, both environmental and politically

-The main political challenges can be seen to be in the demand for resources and territories to gain minerals and so meet energy demand. Many countries, such as China, rely heavily on energy resources to fuel their manufacturing industry and so ensure economic growth. This has led to a variety of political challenges around gaining resources such as oil and gas, an example being in the South China Sea, where china is trying to expand its territory (EEZ) in order to gain natural resources in that area. This is then further seen in the Artic, an area with huge reserves of natural resources and with no one dominant state having control over it. Countries such as China, Russia and Canada have now place military bases surrounding it in order to gain this territory, which although has not yet lead to military action, this may well occur in the future.

-Further political tensions can be seen with other resources such as gas and oil, as the majority of countries not being self-sufficient in energy so having to rely on others for this imported oil. An example can be seen in the reliance of resources from countries such as Russia, with the disruption in things such as energy pathways as seen in ukraine where tensions are arising out of the gas pipeline, leading to tensions with other countries such as the UK. Also seen in Syria and the gas pipeline, with both the US and Russia attempting to gain control of the area, leading to huge conflict within syria and the Shias/sunnies

-This rising demand is then also having a huge impact on the environment, both on the global environment as well as environments within individual countries. As countries are growing economically and so demanding more western goods/lifestyles, this is leading to huge rises in emissions and impacting on things such as water pollution and habitat destruction. An example can clearly be seen with China, who now produces over 30% of global carbon emissions and where 70% of all rivers/lakes are polluted. this is having an impact on the risks of climate change and so also leading to tensions surrounding political agreements, e.g. paris agreement

-Also as mentioned above the demand for energy resources is not only leading to political problems but also environmental, as the majority of resources involved are fossil fuels and so contribute a large amount to greenhouse gas emissions. for example within countries such as Canada, the extraction of tsar sands has led to huge deforestation of the Alberta Taiga forest as well as impacting on the natural habitat and ecosystem.

Conclusion- It can therefore be seen that the rising demand for physical resources is leading to both environmental and political tensions, with these often being closely linked as often the disputes surrounding gaining resources can just lead to further environmental damage.

Explain how the worlds systems theory can be used to explain changing patterns of power (6) 2 points

-world systems theory looks at the world as a global system, made up of periphery countries that provide raw materials and cheap labour to the core countries, that exploit periphery for profits, then also the semi periphery in between

-these semi periphery show why emerging countries are becoming more powerful, e.g China provides goods to boost economy but also exploits countries like Africa

Describe the key points of the role of TNCs as global players 4 points- How they operate, Global trade, Technology, Cultural influence

-Most are public owned (Apple), operate in many countries with factories in LEDCs etc, dominant in global economy however 75% worlds largest companies based in 10 countries, can operate differently e.g. China were state owned by governments who control who's in charge + employ large proportion of population, still operate commercially but all profits go to state

-Operate global production chains, uses outsourcing + offshoring, containerisation helped, increase in intra-trade between TNCs + within the TNCs (flows of parts of goods between countries), led global shift with economic power now moving to emerging countries giving TNCs large profit, 2013 estimated TNCs had 80% global trade

-1995 WTO introduced IPRs, these patents favour TNCs as have money to invest in new technologies then charge high royalty fees e.g. pharmaceutical companies/GM crops, USA has highest no. patents a year + highest value TNC (Walmart)

-large global influence e.g. westernisation, media influence such as apple music or amazon prime video, large audience, TNCs can then exert power + gain profits e.g. by spreading idea of consumerism/capitalism, USA has worlds top 10 global brands, desire to access these brands therefore drives westernisation/profit

To what extent have the actions of IGOs been influence by their own attitudes/agendas intro + 3 points + brief conclusion

Intro- the main aim of IGOs is to promote global peace and security, increasing interconnections between countries and so representing the attitudes of a wide range of players. However it could be argued that this is not the case, with many being dominated by a certain few countries instead.

-The main way it can be seen that IGOS may use their own attitudes to influence their actions can be seen how many are dominated by western nations. For example when looking at the WTO and IMF, there main aim is to promote free trade + economic development, very much inline with capitalist values, often aiding the most prominate members in their own economic development. E.g. the IMF has 189 member countries, yet due to the voting system being based on the amount of money each country invests, this means wealthier western countries such as the US have much more say in decisions being made. This can clearly be seen in the IMF, where the top 10 wealthy nations control over 60% of votes, meaning it is often the case that less developed are taken advantage of with the wealthier nations main aim being to gain profit. This can often also be seen in the WTO too, where trade deals often end up meaning poorer countries end up in worse situations, such as the Ghana cocoa trade or mean countries have to cut back on health spending etc..

-A further different IGO that can be seen to be influenced by western nations is that of the UN, particularly that of the UN security council, with 5 permanent members all from well developed or rapidly developing regions that often influence decisions based on heir own agendas. An example of where it could again be seen that western ideas prevailed over others could be that of the Bosnia conflict in the 1990s where.....The UN tried to promote peace, taking a peaceful approach despite the clear facts that the region was in such a great deal of conflict. Many therefore believe this is a prime example of where the western ideology of peace and often not wanting to intervene in areas of little value to the countries (such as economically/trade etc) ignores such serious problems until it is too late.

-One last way IGOs

Assess the influence of TNCs over the global economy (12) intro + 3 main points

intro- TNCs are worlds largest corporations, very large influence mainly due to sheer size, e.g. in 2015 top 200 TNCs produced 25% worlds economic output and largest TNC Walmart produces average revenue same as Sweden, playing a role both global trade as well as through intra-company trade, influencing companies + consumers.

-One of the main ways TNCs play large role can be seen in global trade, mainly via operating in different locations as can be seen in role in global shift. many now have manufacturing in Asia due to cheaper costs and so increases profits, this also then influences that developing countries economy, increase job opportunities + training for locals helping become higher skilled workers, shows stance in helping global economies expand, can be seen in many emerging countries such as China where as a result of outsourcing into SEZs within china + making manufacturing bases within region economy has rapidly increased now 13% global GDP with annual growth of up to 10%, with this similar within India with as a result of many western TNCs such as BT outsourcing their branches into the region India has also similarly seen rapid economic growth at up to 7%., with this then having a knock on effect upon these populations who can now benefit from having higher skills, developing own businesses etc and so helping grow these economies. This then also links to role between companies + intra-trade meaning trade based on components before final product, e.g. HP laptops where they're assembled in china but circuit board made in malaysia, transactions are made between each part and country. Although this influence can be seen to have some key negative impacts, for example the impact upon many western industrial cities that as a result of this global shift, have become deindustrilied with high levels of unemployment, the key role of TNCs in this just further shows how influential they are, even in more negative impacts.

-Another influence of TNCs can be their role in technology and through the development of IPRs, set up by the WTO to ensure that members could protect and have ownership over their products. However these also seem to favour TNCs, allowing them to register new technologies as their own and can play a large role in a countries economy as ensures that that own country has protection over that good and so market. The clear fact that the worlds top highest earning TNC Walmart comes from the USA a country that then also registers the highest number of patents shows jsut how significant this is upon the role of TNCs. A further example of this can then also be seen when looking at how TNCs use patents to further expand profits, such as the use within GM crops that means farmers are forced to buy new seeds every year due to the TNC Monsanto owning every plant, again showing their influence, especially in a more negative impact upon these poorer regions suffereing from these expenses.

-one further way that TNCs influence the global economy can be seen inregard to their global cultural influence and therefore impact upon consumer habits. For example due to the fact much of the worlds largest TNCs originate from the USA it can be seen this plays a large role upon what people buy and consume, much of which can be said to be americanised, with this both in terms of media such as media TNCs such as disney or Apple that influence what people buy, as well as through TNCs such as Mcdonalds that now have stores in over 160 countries therefore influencing upon food consumption habits and the buying of such goods. It must though be said that this is mainly in regard to public TNCs, as state owned such as the bank of china cannot be said to have as much global influence.

conclusion- overall as they're influential in global trade, expanding developing countries economies, and encouraging countries to westernise + consume goods all increasing the economy, they clearly have large influence. It could be said most signficantly is that upon the global trade patterns, with this impacting not only these individual companies and countries both negatively + positively, but then also the consumers in each.

global trade estimated worth over $20 trillion with TNCs accounting 80%, as its worth so much of global economy + TNCS account for so much shows their global influence.

Using examples, asses the wats in which global influence may be contested politically (12) intro + 3 points

Intro- global influence often involves the domination of a nation in many parts of world via physical territory, access to resources and ownership of influential global brands. However these are often politically contested by different nations, with this often linking to wars both in the past as well as tensions into the future.

-One of the key reasons that territories can be contested politically is due to natural desirable resources that are held within them, leading to many countries wanting access and control over these, especially resources such as oil and gas which can be seen to be vital in economic growth and energy security. An example of where this can be seen to have begun to emerge is in the Artic, where many countries that border the landmass are claiming ownership over different parts, claiming that their EEZs extend into areas that therefore mean they have control, however this has been claimed by a number of nations, such as Denmark, Russia and Canada, many of whom claims overlap. As a result countries including Russia have begun to start carrying out military exercises in the region, as well as constructing military bases. Although currently this has not lead to increased conflict, the potential for future political disputes is high, not only due to so many countries claiming these areas, but also due to the result of increasing global temperatures increasing ice melt, opening up both shipping routes allowing ships to go over the top and so reduce both distance and time, as well as then meaning the oil and gas which the Artic is estimated to harness 1/8th of all is becoming much more accessible. This therefore shows how although perhaps not leading to direct political tensions currently, the existance of such valuable resources especially in an increasing energy insecure world is only likley to heighten the dispute. Although it must be said that areas such as the Artic can be resolved through more global agreements, with this being seen such as in the Antarctic, showing how perhaps it cannot be said such claims will always lead to conflict, however this does remain uncertain.

-Another example of ways in which global influence is often contested politically can be seen in claims for territory not necessarily all for natural resources but just to increase influence within a region by extending an existing countries reach. This can be seen in China, where China is intending to exert a larger influence within Asia through extending its EEZ into the south china sea. This is mainly through historical territorial claims by China, stating that due to the extension of the continental shelf it therefore has claims over this area. This has lead to China to begin to build military bases upon areas such as the Spratly islands, as well as upon its own artificial military bases built on coral reefs, with this then further to extend its military influence in the region. It must also be acknowledged though that this too can be seen to have large economic reasons also underlying Chinas desire to extend its territory, as much like with the Artic, it too wants claims to natural resources within the area as well as therefore trade routes too, all in order to help continue Chinas economic growth and so global influence through this. Due to how many other countries in the region such as the Phillipenes and Taiwan whom all dispute these claims, tensions between the regions can already be seen for example in the use of military tactics by China such as the Cabbage strategy, with this only likely to continue as China refuses to acknowledge the disputes. Also due to many of these regions such as Taiwan being such close ties with the US, this further shows how territorial claims just between a few regions can lead to global tensions to arise.

-One further way global influence can be contested politically but in a less physical/territorial way is economically, mainly through the use of IPRs. These allow TNCs to guarentee control and patent over a particular good/product, therefore allowing them not only to ensure profits can be made due to the often huge cost in manufacturing them, but also to ensure access to a particular market therefore gaining economic growth not only for that TNC but also then often the country the TNC is from. This can be seen to play a large role within global influence, ensuring greater influence over consumers with this clearly being seen by the fact the USA registers the highest number of patents is the current global superpower. However this too can be seen to be a highly contested area, mainly due to the fact many countries particular within Asia have high levels of counterfeiting, with this accounting 8% China GDP, therefore undemrmining this TNC influence. This then though not only influences the western nations influence, but then also these countries such as China being able to extended its own global reach, due to the strain it puts on both trade deals as well as the willingness of TNCs to set up in a country where counterfeiting is so high. This therefore threatens China economic growth showing how not only global influence in terms of phsyical territory/resources can be contested but also economically too. Although it could be said that this remains perhaps less of a concern in comparison to such territorial dsiputes due to the concern over military action, but it still is a significant part in global influence.

Assess the extent to which China is a threat to the status of the USA as the dominant superpower (12) intro + 3 points

intro- the current political system is one of a unipolar world with the USA seemingly exerting main control and being the dominant superpower. However is can be seen that in recent decades China has become an increasing influential emerging power, with characteristics that may or may not be a threat to the USA.

-One of main points of China is its recent rapid economic growth, mainly through its manufacturing industry + impact of the global shift, since 1990s has experienced GDP growth of up to 10%and now is 2nd largest economy in world, this can be seen to be a threat to USA due to it enabling China to increase assests such as military and technology. However when comparing to the USA is still far behind only accounting for 13% global GDP compared to USA 24%, and is major income inequalities throughout china despite decreasing poverty levels. it must though be said that manufacturing growth is likely to continue to grow with the global shift impact and chinas part in the global production network, something that is large threat to USA and so which may allow Chinas economy to continue to grow.

-A possible weakness of China could be when looking at its military spending compared to USA and a lack of geopolitical/milarty influence. E.g. USA spends over $500 billion compared to China that spends $130 billion. Also USA part of many military alliances such as ANZUZ, NATO and military bases throughout world. Although China is trying to expand its military e.g. south china sea this can be seen to be mainly regional in Asia with still little globally. Also USA is globally seen as a 'global policeman' meaning many countries look for it for support, however this could be said to be an advantage for china as may help its continuous economic growth due to not having to deploy its military at high expense or give major aid/loan donations something that is a threat to USA. But it must be said that by not gaining presence in areas such as middle east this does limit its overall influence.

-One other key point that China lacks is its global cultural influence such as through global TNCS or other media influences. China continues to try to avoid western ideas and the majority of its high earning TNCs are stateowned and so lack influence globally. Whereas USA TNCs employ millions around world and so help its economic growth and ideology be known (E.g. Disney), something key for it to remain being seen as the hegemonic power. Although China may be starting to increase cultural influence such as phones like Huwaii, but this is still way behind that of the USA.

Conclusion- China unlikely to currently be a threat to USA mainly due to its lack of cultural and military global influence, however if its economic growth continues and it does start exerting more influence this may change.

Referring to examples, assess the changing relationships between existing and emerging powers (12) intro + 3 points

Intro- with emerging powers having an increasing impact on the global system and many experiencing high economic growth, a number of tensions are now arising between themselves, with this seemingly having increase impact presently as well as into the future

-When assessing the global economic system it can be seen that with the increasing economic centre of gravity shifting eastwards into south east Asia, mainly as a result of the global shift of manufacturing, many of the emerging nations within the region are increasing in economic power, resulting in a number of tensions that although may have historical context, could be argued to be becoming more to the forefront as a result of this shift. One of the key emerging nations in the region is that of China, a country that is keen to maintain its economic growth and going to extreme measures to gain this, leading to a number of conflicts to therefore ensue. One such conflict can be seen with that of China and India, both key players within the emerging nations with a tense relationship based mainly upon securing both territories + resources to hold on to this level of power. The main conflict can be seen to be arising from the border between them, the Himilayas, of which both hold strong military presence in order to hold power over the area and the natural water resources within in. This conflict has then lead to a number of flashpoint moments in recent times, mainly as a result of disputes within the South China Sea with increasing military expansion by both powers, and it is unlikley for this to disappear with China in particular expanding its territory into the area through strategies such as claiming to have an extended EEZ as well as building militray bases upon islands such as the Spratly. This desire for resources and territory from china has also lead to an increasing relationship with nations such as Pakistan, a region that has a very tense relationship with India due to the border within Kashmir, as part of its One Belt road strategy, already planning to invest billions of pounds into Pakistan order to increase trade links/relations, therefore showing how this increasing conflict over power + control is creating such a tense relationship, with this only like to increase as both become increasing global players.

-This role of China extending its trade relations not only within Asia but also into regions such as Africa could then also be said to be causing a change in relations between China and powers such as the US and EU. As china is extending its One belt road strategy this is also going into much of northern africa as well as into western europe, therefore causing a large threat for western nations such as the US that trade may be threatened by chinas extensive expansion of its trade networking. This can be seen to be particularly be true when looking at Chinas trade with africa, already worth over $300 billion with china investing huge amounts of FDI into Africa meaning it could be said that in the future the role of Africa in supplying necessary raw materials for western countries and TNCs may reduce, with africa choosing to trade with China instead. This therefore means relations with China and the west are only likely to increase in tensions, with this already being apparant when looking at the relation between the US and China currently in regard to trade barriers already being put in place, further showing how relations between such powerful nations is only likely to decline further as emerging power china increases its presence on the global stage.

-It is then not only regions within Asia that can be seen to be having changing relations, with the Middle East also becoming a heavily volitile region of which both superpower nations + emerging nations are playing a role in. The middle east can be seen to be a heavily contested region for a number of reasons, both politically and culturally, as well as being home to much of the worlds natural resources such as oil and gas meaning many nations want positive relationships in order to gain these, but with this not always being achieved. An example of a existing superpower that struggles to maintain this is the USA, mainly as a result of political tensions with areas such as Israel. Israel is a very contested region due to much of the arab world being opposed to it believing that an area of Palestine should be created instead. As a large supporter of Israel this therefore means the US struggles to gain positive relations in the area, a threat when considering that much of the region contains over 80% of the worlds oil reserves. This can then be seen to be increasing in conflict and tension in regions such as Syria, where although conflict is mainly arising out of cultural tensions between the shia and sunni muslims, this is then further creating challenges for both the US and also emerging nations such as Russia. With the US being a large support of the Sunnis and Russia the shias, and both wanting control of the gas/oil supply in the region, many have therefore argued recent intervention by each into Syria has been as a result of trying to harness this control, further creating such high tensions between these powers as well as only heightening the conflict in the middle east. This therefore provides another example of where it could be said that the increasing desire for resources, a key tool for economic growth + so power, is creating such increasingly tense relations to emerge.

Assess the effectiveness of superpowers and emerging nations in playing key roles in international decision making (12) intro + 3 points

Intro- Globally it is often the role of the more powerful nations that are looked to in order to make decisions of international concern/need, however how effective this is is debated.

-One of the main roles of superpower nations within decision making is through there role in IGOs and alliances. An example of such alliance can be seen in Nato, a military alliance between North America and other nations within Europe. They mainly make decisions surrounding military attacks on member nations, and was first formed after the Cold War to try and limit the influence of the USSR. However its role in protecting these member nations is heavily questioned, especially due to its high cost leading to the US under president trump threatening to pull out. The alliance is based on each member spending at least 2% of their GDP on defence, however with only 23 members do not meet this, leaving the US with a very large disproportionate share for themselves. Not only does this question how committed each of these members actually are in making decisions on international military defence, it is increasingly meaning countries such as the US are having to take on a greater burden further meaning the likelihood of it as an important military alliance is questioned. However it must be considered that NATO is still does play quite an important role in international security, with troops taking regular military excersises on each others territory, and with Russias increasing threats on regions such as Crimea, this are becoming more important, particularly to send threats to Russia and so hopefully prevent further military attack/conflict.

-Another way it can be seen that superpowers and other emerging nations play a key role among international decision making can be seen in the current increasing issue of climate change. Due to this being such a global issue, it can be seen that through international agreements such as that of the Paris 2015 climate agreement, formal legally binding decisions can be made. This was through the UN as part of the IPCC and 55 countries signed the agreement to reduce their carbon emissions, with these including powerful nations such as the US and China, both of which account for the highest proportions of co2. Due to these nations holding so much power globally the effect of this should be great, however this could be doubted. Many countries still did not sign the Paris agreement, and the US has begun to indicate it too does not agree, with President trump now vowing to pull out, as well as countries such as China continueig to produce very high levels of emissions. This shows that the role of these powerful nations in making decisions of such international concern often is not actually very effective, especially due to each often having their own agenda with little actual commitment being made to these decisions.

-A further way it can be seen that superpowers play a role in international decisions is in times of crisis or conflict, such as providing humanitarian assistance or intervening in wars or uprisings. An example of this can be seen in a number of cases, although with varying effectiveness. One example can be seen in global crisis such as the Ebola epidemic, that through the action of many superpower nations, such as the USA and the UK who gave huge amounts of aid as well as assitance medically, as well as actions of alliances such as the UN and WHO, ebola was able to be controlled and stopped, showing that due to superpower nations having these resources available to come to assistance, they play a crucial role in helping to create strategic movements and plans that without their assistance, would not be able to occur. This can also be seen in terms of their role in conflict, for example in the current Syrian conflict, with where it could be said their role has been influential in both exacerbating the impacts but now also in trying to stop it. for example through the action of both countries such as the superpower US and more emerging Russia, large scale devastation has occurred for the local people leading to over 4 million refugees now displaced throughout Europe. This has now lead to IGOs such as the UN as well as the EU to have to deal with this, a significant challenge that could therefore be said to show just how large of a task often it is, meaning although clearly they play a key role the effectiveness may be limited due to this, with this perhaps also being similar in tasks such as the climate change agreement that although clearly is being impacted and not helped effectively by these nations, it is still a very significant challenge. Also an example such as syria could be seen to be a place that International decision making may be key to stabilising the region, but that may be difficult to ever be effective due to how much destruction and how volatile a region it now is.

Assess the extent to which global concerns about the physical environment can be disproportionately influenced by superpower actions (12) intro + 3 points

Intro- With increasing concern about the physical environment and the damage to it that is occurring, it can be seen that superpower nations are often turned to. However these concerns are often influenced by their actions too.

-Due to how large and energy intensive many superpower and emerging power nations are it can be seen that this demand is having a disproportionate effect on both resource use as well as total co2 emissions, both of which are causing much of the concern about the environment. For example, China, a country with a rapidly growing economy and manufacturing sector, is now the worlds largest consumer of a number of commodities such as coal, cotton and wheat. Not only is this disproportionate to the rest of the world due to it now consuming more goods than many countries combined, the total emissions it produces is now a third of all emissions produced globally. This shows just how significant this rising superpower is in terms of the global concern, as it is unlikely that such concern would even be present if China was contributing to such a large extent. This can then be seen to be contributing to other physical degradation in other parts of the world that physically aren't even anywhere near China. For example, due to Chinas high demand for natural resources such as steel and copper, it has now moved much of its infrastructure into Africa, with many saying that this has created 'pollution havens' in the region. This means China not only itself is adding to the global concerns, but its actions of development into other regions is then exporting further degradation into regions in Africa too. This then further shows just how significant they are.

-A further example of superpower nations disproportionately are influencing the physical environment can be seen in other nations such as the USA. Much like china, it too consumes a disproportionate amount of goods when compared to the rest of the world. It is the largest consumer of electricity, corn, oil and gas, with not only this reducing the supply of these resources, particularly fossil fuels, these too are adding to co2 emissions. The USA is the second highest co2 emitter, however it could be said that when compared to that of China, this is not as significant. The sheer rate of increase that China now is consuming mainly down to the rapid rise in middle class consumers has meant its rate of co2 emission growth is 5 times that of the global average. It could be said that due to this being an emerging nation, its population are now consuming goods that much of America have been consuming for much longer and perhaps are now beginning to consume less of. For example chinas meat consumption has grown by alost 100% and over half the population now have access to resource heavy mobile phones, meaning the impact of this on the environment will be great, especially as it has already been declining in health for so many years previously. This could be also therefore said to be a large future concern when considering emerging nations such as china as well as others such as India continue to develop, only increasing in affluence therefore likely to take an even greater proportion of environmental concern especially regard to emissions + consumption.

-It must though be identified that due to how much power these superpower nations do hold, and the extent to which they are influencing the environment, they also therefore play a large role in a more positive way through agreements such as that of the Paris Climate change agreement 2015. However this too can be seen to be varied, especially when considering their willingness to act to try and stop it. Although superpower nations such as China and the US agreed to this agreement, legally binding in order to try and cut carbon emissions, this agreement could be said to be of little significance when considering actual action being taken. Due to just how much china consumes, any agreement needs to involve them, however there seems to be little change to its emission output despite it agreeing to a number of targets. This is again an example perhaps of where due to china still being an emerging nation, it does not believe it should have to reduce emissinos when so many other powerful nations such as the US and the UK went through very similar industrial periods in the past. The USA can be seen though to now be taking action, investing heavily into renewable energy sources and reducing its total emisions the most out of any nation. However despite this, it may be uncertain as to whether this will continue with the recent election of Trump, climate change denier who is, much like china, more focused on the economy. Although other superpowers such as the EU are much more committed to changing and combatting the environment degredation, with clear emission targets and plans, it could be argued this is insignificant when the EU compared to the USA and China consumes and produces so much fewer emissions/goods. Without much change from China in particular, it is therefore unlikely that the global concern over the physical environment will actually decrease. Again showing how much of a proportion they take in what Is happeing to the world.

Assess the extent to which the position of the USA as a unipolar superpower is being questioned (12) intro + 3 points

Intro- The world currently can be described as being unipolar, with the USA currently being a lone dominant superpower. However there is much evidence to suggest that this may be changing and the USA may not hold on to this power for long.

-There is a number of factors that can be seen to be threatening the USA, with much of this as a result of changing polarities and a global shift over to Asia. This can particularly be seen when looking at the global shift of manufacturing, leading to economic restructuring to now occur in many US states. For example Detroit used to be home to large car manufacturing industries such as General Motors, however as a result of lower costs in Asia, many of these have now shut down and become derelict. This has led to high levels of unemployment, with other areas such as Ohio having male unemployment at over 40% compared to just 20% which is the national average. This has also caused high crime rates, widespread drug use, all of which have high social costs to combat as well as meaning local economies within much of the north of the USA are now declining. This is then coupled with the US already being in large financial trouble mainly as result of the debt crisis in 2007, where large global banks had to be bailed out by the US government further adding to government debt. This then meant even less money could be spent on helping the local population in these social problems, meaning little has actually improved in these areas. This then compared with emerging powers such as China and India, both of whose economies are rapidly growing with their manufacturing industries expanding at a rapid rate, a clear difference to what is occurring in the USA.

-This then also indicates a further threat to the USA in managing to maintain its position, something that is a huge cost yet financially the country is not in the most stable position. This can be seen mainly in maintaining its military power, with the US spending over $600 billion on its military, 30% of the global average spending. This involves maintaining the global military presence, such as military bases located around the world, as well as intelligence services and military alliances. The USA is currently part of NATO, and shares of 22% of its current budget, which when compared to how much other members invest could be seen to be a further threat. This is a large financial cost however many question the need for an alliance such as NATO, when not only do other members seem not as engaged or concerned about involving themselves with it, little action by NATO has actually been taken. This could be said to be an advantage to countries such as China who are not part of any military alliances and so do not have such financial costs and perhaps can therefore focus more on their own military defence. However it must be said that compared to emerging powers such as China, the sheer size and extent of the US military questions whether other countries could compete as although an example of NATO may not be very effective, the US also is involved in other alliances such as ANZUS giving it more global reach. Whereas china only really currently has presence around Asia, and so does not have the global dominance needed to be such a lone superpower.

-However it must be considered that the USA continues to dominate in a number of other ways that therefore do question whether its position will ever change. For example it accounts for over 20% of the worlds global GDP, has the worlds top earning TNC and has a large cultural influence too. Many other emerging countries just don't have such a strong global influence, something that is very important. However the extent to which countries such as India and China economies are so rapidly growing cannot be ignored, with china up to 10% annually and India at 7%, showing that the possibility of these overtaking the US should not be underestimated. Also the fact that so many businesses and companies are continuing to choose to move parts of their businesses into Asia means that it is unlikely this economic growth will slow down. Although both these countries do have their own problems, such as those to do with the environment and as already mentioned, although economic growth is very important, without the global outreach and presence on a global scale, this alone cannot be said to compete with that of the USA.

Conclusion- overall it can be seen that although a number of factors are threatening the US, the sheer extent of its global power mean it is unlikely this will change in the near future. However it could be said that with the rising powers of countries such as China, the US may find it self perhaps at the same level as others, perhaps leading to a more bipolar world instead.

Assess the extent to which the theories of modernisation and dependency can help to explain the rise of superpowers (12) intro + 3 points + conclusion

Intro-when looking at the pattern of the rise of superpower nations it can be seen that both modernisation and dependency theory may be applied, however perhaps only to an extent.

-Modernisation theory looks at how countries develop and states that there area series of stages that goes through this, and that economic development will take place when certain pre-set conditions are met. These are modern infrastructure, education, banking and good governance. When looking at the set of stages that this theory describes, these could be said to apply to explain the rise of previous superpowers, however when applying them to today's modern system, this may not be true. For example when looking at the rise of the British empire, this clearly did go through the stages from a traditional society and then took off through industrialisation into high mass consumption, leading it to become such a large global player. However this theory does not help to explain the rise of emerging powers, something that currently when looking at places such as China is very prominent. It can be seen that places such as China do not have a number of the pre-set conditions the theory looks at, such as the fact China remains state led and has had little involvement in a capitalist system with little cooperation with the modern banking system. Also India has one of the worlds rapidly growing economy, yet clearly is still very much in a traditional or transitional stage, with very poor infrastructure and much of the population in poverty, something that this theory states would not lead to a country to have such rapid and sustained growth.

-dependency theory looks at how the world is made up of both developed and low developed countries, with the more developed being dependent on the lower developed for their raw materials and the lower developed being dependent on the more developed for economic help and aid. This theory can be seen to apply well to how superpowers do maintain their power mainly through the use of trade barriers and things such as tariffs, for example the USA and other western nations mainly through IGOS continue to exploit lower developed countries, taking their primary goods for poor payments, with this helping their own economic growth whilst keeping lower developed regions in a state of powdery and so dependency. However this theory doesn't actually explain the rise in superpowers, as doesn't explain how countries have got into their position despite explaining how they are maintaining their position. Although it must be said it can be used to explain how emerging countries are becoming more powerful such as when looking at China and Africa, where China clearly is taking advantage of Africa for its raw goods....but this cannot be said to help explain all superpower nations.

-it therefore can be seen that both of these theories cannot fully explain how superpowers rise in status. The main reason for this is because each nation especially the current emerging powers have such distinct characteristics each of which play a different role in making them more or less powerful. For example some countries that have large natural resources and a large population as well as investments heavily into the military could be said to mean these countries are always going to be more powerful than those that don't have these, even if conditions such as that in the modernisation theory are still met. It could be said that the world systems theory may be a better one, as does include emerging powers with the semi-periphery nations, with these countries being so powerful currently. Although again, any theory will only ever to an extent how superpowers will rise in power, as the world cannot be predicted and different situations and opportunities may occur that effect this.

Conclusion- overall therefore although modernisation theories can to an extent explain how superpowers rise in status, this cannot be said to apply completely as other factors are also very influential.

Explain how soft power can be used to maintain superpower status (6)

- mainly links to cultural influence + political influence trying to be seen as attractive and good to work with, rely more on gentle persuasion + negotiation. One way is to improve global brand such as by hosting Olympic games therefore creating more of overseas influence and cultural attractiveness. This is also through TNC brands such as Americanization and USA news corporation projecting american culture + further expanding their market and so profits

- this then further helps through things such as trade agreements + outsourcing/offshoring as countries + businesses more willing to work with them, also improves tourism, seat on international decision making boards such as UN/WTO etc, helps to avoid things such as economic sanctions, therefore helping with economy and so status as superpower

Also includes strategies such as overseas investment, such as in China and Africa to try and gain control + power through the exploitation of resources and investing in services etc in that country to act as if they are benefiting them.

Explain how Hard power can be used to maintain superpower status (6)

-Hard power describes a countries influence through the use of military force or threat, using military weapons and alliances. The main ways that this helps countries to maintain their superpower status is by allowing countries to gain strategic territory and locations often in order to have claim of resources/trade routes which can then help with economic strength (such as China + blue water navy in south china sea), as well as then to help act as a deterrent to other countries to further maintain this power/influence

-it can then further involve things such as economic and diplomatic sanctions, again to force/coerce other countries into doing something that helps that country power (e.g. trade, resources or enabling them to claim territory)