Superpowers

What is the power spectrum?

A range from hard to soft power used by countries to influence others.

What is Mackinder’s Heartland Theory?

Whoever controls Eurasia (the heartland) controls world power.

Why is Mackinder’s theory less relevant today?

The "shrinking world" makes geography less important for power.

What does World Systems Theory suggest?

Core exploits the periphery for labour and resources.

What are the 5 stages of Rostow’s Modernisation Theory?

Traditional, Preconditions, Take-off, Drive to Maturity, Mass Consumption.

Give a limitation of Rostow’s theory.

Westernised; ignores corruption (e.g. Zimbabwe) and resource-led growth (e.g. Saudi).

What % of the world did Britain rule at its peak?

25% of land, 33% of population.

Name 3 positive impacts of British colonialism.

Spread language, built railways, improved education.

Name 3 negatives of British colonialism.

No self-government, neo-colonial legacy, discrimination.

What is neo-colonialism?

Continued exploitation of former colonies via trade/investment.

What does Dependency Theory argue?

Former colonies stay poor due to ongoing exploitation by rich nations.

Example of China-Africa neo-colonialism?

Mozambique traded fishing rights for infrastructure; locals underpaid.

How many Chinese migrants are in Africa?

1 million.

Criticism of IMF/World Bank lending?

Traps countries in debt with harsh repayment terms.

What are SAPs?

Structural Adjustment Programmes forcing privatisation and market reforms.

How much GDP and trade does G20 represent?

80% of both.

What are the global resource demand predictions by 2030?

Food +35%, Water +40%, Energy +50%.

What is the main criticism of WTO?

Fails to stop subsidies in rich nations hurting developing farmers.

How powerful are the top 500 TNCs?

$31.2tn revenue and 65 million employees in 2014.

3 reasons TNCs may be more powerful than IGOs?

Capital access, market dominance, cultural influence.

What can TNCs use to protect profits?

Patents, copyright, royalties.

What is the ICJ and where is it based?

UN court in The Hague to settle disputes and uphold human rights.

What is the Montreal Protocol?

1987 treaty banning ozone-depleting substances.

What does the IPCC do?

Reports on climate change science and GHG reduction (since 1988).

Why is FDI criticised?

Promotes dependency and neocolonial relations.

How does middle-class consumption worsen food security?

Shifts land use to meat/dairy, raising prices and emissions.

What % of India could face water scarcity by 2030?

60%.

What is a current sphere of contest?

The Arctic—Russia & Canada militarising over resources.

Why are patents controversial in pharma?

May block affordable cures during health crises.

What shows power is shifting eastwards?

Asia’s GDP expected to hit 174tn vs 151tn for US/Europe by 2050.