WHAT IS A SUPERPOWER?SUPERPOWER GEOGRAPHIES
To know what a superpower is
To be able to suggest and justify criteria for becoming a superpower
Superpower Geographies• 1. Superpower Geographies
a) Defining superpowers
b) Influencing power
c) Changing patterns of power
d) Theories explaining the growth of superpowers
Starter• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44YZkikRGB0&feature
=related
• Watch this music video• What is happening?• How is this linked to the idea of superpowers?
Background• Power – both economic and political – is not evenly
distributed• Some nations and people have a disproportionate
influence over decision making• Other nations and people have very limited influence• Some nations gain power over time, whilst others lose it• By consequence, the geography of power has changed
over time and continues to change
What is a superpower?• With a partner discuss what you think a superpower is
• Try to come up with a definition
What is a superpower• The term superpower was first used during WW2 to refer
to the USA, USSR and the British empire
• A superpower is a nation which is able to project its power and influence anywhere in the world. It is a dominant global force.
Who are the superpowers• Using the cards, decide which nations are superpowers
• How does this change over time?
Who are superpowers?• True superpowers are rare because they demand such
huge resources• However, global superpowers have changed over time
• Sort your chosen superpowers in three groups• Superpower• Former Superpower• Emerging Superpower
What makes a superpower?• Draw a spider diagram of what you think makes a
superpower
Criteria for defining a
superpower
Each territory’s size on the map is drawn according to its land area
SIZE How might size be included in the criteria for a superpower?
Size
• Countries with a large land area are important because they:• Tend to have greater natural resources• Extend influence over a larger number of neighbours
Russia has a very large land area with enormous volumes of natural resources. Further, it has 14 neighbours over whom it is able to extend varying degrees of influence
A map showing the proportion of worldwide population relative to territory size
POPULATION Why might population be included in the criteria for a superpower?
Population
• Countries with a large population are seen as important because:• Economic growth cannot be sustained without sufficient
number of workerse.g. UK
• Cheap workers can help to promote economic growthe.g. China and India
• Larger populations encourage economic growth through marketse.g. EU
• However, some countries have managed to promote significant economic growth without a large populatione.g. Singapore
A map showing the proportion of worldwide fuel imports relative to territory size
RESOURCES Why is access to resources a criteria for superpower?
Resources
• Countries with resources necessary for economic development should hold significant power
e.g. Russia – gas; Middle East – oil
• However, countries with significant resources are not necessarily powerful because:• Exporting raw materials adds little value
e.g. Australia – iron ore• TNCs control large volumes of resources
e.g. BP - Nigeria
A map showing the proportion of armed forces personnel relative to territory size
MILITARY INDICATORS
Why is military strength a criteria for superpower?
Military Indicators
• Countries with a large military may be viewed to be more powerful
e.g. India• However, the type of weapons owned is also
representative of power
i.e. Countries in possession of nuclear weapons: USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, (Israel)
Territory size shows proportion of worldwide GDP to be produced there in 2015
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Why is economic strength a criteria for superpower?
Economic Indicators
• Countries with the largest economies have a significant influence over global economies
• In 2007, the world’s 12 largest economies were:USA China India JapanCanada Brazil UK FranceSpain Germany Italy Russia
• Between these countries they:• Earn around 2/3 of world GDP• Control investment• Use the world’s most powerful currencies ($, € and £)• Determine economic policies which affect the globe
• In addition, the G20 group (countries with the 19 largest economies plus the EU) influence the global economy and control aid to LEDCs
What forms of power are there?
1.
2.
3.
4.
What forms of power are there?
1. MILITARY – in today’s world this essentially means access to nuclear weapons. Although it also includes the ability to ‘watch’ the world
2. ECONOMIC – wealth allows nations to import and export goods and power
3. CULUTRAL – projection of a ‘particular way of life’ and cultural values
4. GEOGRAPHIC – refers to the sphere of influence a county has
What forms of power are there?• Of the four which do you think is the most crucial to a
superpower
• Are they linked?
