Power and Developments

What is hard power?

The ability to influence other states through military or economic coercion

What is soft power?

The ability to influence other states through attraction, culture, diplomacy and values

What is a great power?

A state with significant influence over regional and international affairs

What is a superpower?

A state capable of projecting military, economic and political influence globally

What is an emerging power?

A state whose influence is rapidly increasing in global affairs

What is polarity?

The distribution of power within the international system

What is unipolarity?

A system dominated by one superpower

What is bipolarity?

A system dominated by two major powers

What is multipolarity?

A system in which power is shared among several major states

What is military hard power?

The use or threat of military force to influence other states

What is economic hard power?

The use of sanctions, aid, trade or investment to influence other states

Give an example of military hard power

The US invasion of Iraq in 2003

Give an example of economic hard power

Sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine

What is diplomatic soft power?

The ability to influence through negotiation, diplomacy and international cooperation

What is cultural soft power?

The ability to influence through culture, media, education and values

Give an example of US soft power

Hollywood, universities and global media influence

What is a strength of hard power?

It can produce rapid and direct results

What is a weakness of hard power?

It is costly and can create resistance

What is a strength of soft power?

It builds long-term influence and cooperation

What is a weakness of soft power?

It often works slowly and relies on attraction

Which state is commonly viewed as the world's current superpower?

The United States

Why is the USA considered a superpower?

It possesses unmatched military, economic and cultural influence

What are BRICS?

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa

Why are BRICS significant?

They represent growing economic and political influence outside the West

Which BRICS member is often viewed as the most significant emerging power?

China

Why is China considered an emerging power?

Rapid economic growth, military expansion and growing global influence

What is hegemony?

Dominance by a single state within the international system

What is an example of unipolarity?

The period following the Cold War when the USA was dominant

What is an advantage of unipolarity?

Clear leadership and potentially greater stability

What is a disadvantage of unipolarity?

The dominant state may act without sufficient constraints

What is an example of bipolarity?

The Cold War rivalry between the USA and USSR

What is an advantage of bipolarity?

Clear balance of power between two major states

What is a disadvantage of bipolarity?

Increased risk of rivalry and proxy conflicts

What is an advantage of multipolarity?

Power is more widely distributed

What is a disadvantage of multipolarity?

It can make international cooperation more difficult

How has world order changed since 2000?

The world has become increasingly multipolar due to the rise of China and other emerging powers

What is a democratic state?

A state with free elections, political competition and protection of rights

Give an example of a democratic state

The United Kingdom

What is a semi-democratic state?

A state that combines democratic features with limitations on political freedoms

Give an example of a semi-democratic state

Turkey

What is a non-democratic state?

A state where political competition and civil liberties are heavily restricted

Give an example of a non-democratic state

North Korea

What is an autocratic state?

A state where power is concentrated in the hands of one ruler or small elite

Give an example of an autocratic state

Saudi Arabia

What is a failed state?

A state unable to maintain effective government control or provide basic services

Give an example of a failed state

Somalia

What is a rogue state?

A state viewed as threatening international norms and security

Give an example of a rogue state

North Korea

Why can failed states threaten global order?

They may become centres of conflict, terrorism or humanitarian crises

Why can rogue states threaten global order?

They may pursue weapons programmes or ignore international law

What is a liberal economy?

An economy based on free markets, competition and limited state intervention

What is the rule of law?

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to the law

Why is the rule of law important?

It promotes accountability, stability and protection of rights

Why do liberals support the spread of democracy?

They believe democracies are more peaceful, cooperative and accountable

What is democratic peace theory?

The idea that democracies are less likely to go to war with one another

Why has democracy spread globally since 1945?

Globalisation, development and international pressure have encouraged democratic reforms

What limits the spread of democracy?

Authoritarian governments, conflict and political instability

How can powerful states address conflict?

Through diplomacy, sanctions, peacekeeping and intervention

How can powerful states address poverty?

Through aid, trade agreements and investment

How can powerful states address human rights issues?

Through international pressure, sanctions and cooperation

How can powerful states address environmental issues?

Through climate agreements and international leadership

Why are emerging powers increasingly important in global governance?

They possess growing economic and political influence

What is one criticism of great powers?

They often prioritise national interests over global cooperation

What is one criticism of superpowers?

They may dominate international institutions and decision-making

What is one argument that the world is becoming multipolar?

The rise of China, India and other emerging powers is reducing US dominance

What is one argument that the world remains unipolar?

The USA continues to possess unmatched military and global influence