SUPERPOWERS - UNIT 6 - A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY

Bipolar World

Two superpowers exist, each with opposing ideologies.

Capitalism

The belief that individuals may gain wealth and status through business ventures, the hours they work and their skills.

The Cold War

Tensions between the USA and USSR from 1950 to the 1990s due to their conflicting ideologies and competition to become a unipolar superpower.

Colonialism

The act of gaining control, building an empire and exerting influence over other countries.

Communism

The belief that everyone in a population should be equal financially, the property they own and politically.

Democracy

A political system where every member of the population has an equal vote.

Dictatorship

One individual controls a country, rather than an elected government.

Economic Alliances

Trade blocs that promote trade between members, offer each other financial assistance and loans and allow the migration of workers between states.

Emerging States

Countries that have quickly gained influence, developed and have notable culture. Emerging States may become superpowers in the future

Empire

A collection of countries, ruled over or influenced by a single government.

Environmental Alliances

Groups of countries that discuss and pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions and protect the natural environment.

Frank's Dependency Model

Describes neo-colonialism and how a country can gain control over a neo-colony through exploitation and economic dependency.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

The investment of money, infrastructure or assets by a foreign government or business.

Hard Power

Exerting a country's influence over another through the use of economic or military intervention

Human Resources

The available workforce and skills of the population, which can contribute to a country's status.

Ideology

Beliefs and values that are shared within a population.

Imperial Era

The period of 18th and 19th Century, when European states created empires, using hard power to rule over America, Africa and Asia.

Intellectual Property

The ownership of ideas and designs, such as patents and copyrights.

Military Alliance

A group of states that share weapons & intelligence, offer military assistance and discuss international affairs such as terror attacks, national security, etc.

Multi-Polar World

There are several superpowers, each with a characteristic strength, competing for global influence and status.

Physical Resources

The natural assets such as fossil fuels, minerals or crops, that can be sold for profit or political gain.

Sanctions

Restrictions put into place against a country who breaks international law or agreements.

Soft Power

Exerting a country's influence over another through cultural diffusion, political reform and FDI.

Spheres of Contest

Areas of competition for superpowers and emerging states, e.g. land ownership, intellectual property, state borders.

Unipolar World

There is one superpower who dominates economically and politically.