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 Defining superpowers Influencing power ID: 416392
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "What is a superpower?" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1Slide2
What is a superpower?SUPERPOWER GEOGRAPHIESTo know what a superpower is
To be able to suggest and justify criteria for becoming a superpowerSlide3
Superpower Geographies1. Superpower GeographiesDefining superpowers
Influencing power
Changing patterns of power
Theories explaining the growth of superpowersSlide4
Starterhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44YZkikRGB0&feature=relatedWatch this music video
What is happening?
How is this linked to the idea of superpowers?Slide5
BackgroundPower – both economic and political – is not evenly distributedSome 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 changeSlide6
What is a superpower?With a partner discuss what you think a superpower isTry to come up with a definitionSlide7
What is a superpowerThe term superpower was first used d
uring 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.Slide8
Who are the superpowersUsing the cards, decide which nations are superpowersHow does this change over time?Slide9
Who are superpowers?True superpowers are rare because they demand such huge resourcesHowever, global superpowers have changed over time
Sort your chosen superpowers in three groups
Superpower
Former Superpower
Emerging SuperpowerSlide10
What makes a superpower?Draw a spider diagram of what you think makes a superpower
Criteria for defining a superpowerSlide11
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?Slide12
SizeCountries 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 influenceSlide13
A map showing the proportion of worldwide population relative to territory size
POPULATION
Why might population be included in the criteria for a superpower?Slide14
PopulationCountries with a large population are seen as important because:
Economic growth cannot be sustained without sufficient number of workers
e.g. UK
Cheap workers can help to promote economic growth
e.g. China and India
Larger populations encourage economic growth through markets
e.g. EU
However, some countries have managed to promote significant economic growth without a large population
e.g. SingaporeSlide15
A map showing the proportion of worldwide fuel imports relative to territory size
RESOURCES
Why is access to resources a criteria for superpower?Slide16
ResourcesCountries 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 - NigeriaSlide17
A map showing the proportion of armed forces personnel relative to territory size
MILITARY INDICATORS
Why is military strength a criteria for superpower?Slide18
Military IndicatorsCountries 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)Slide19
Territory size shows proportion of worldwide GDP to be produced there in 2015
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Why is economic strength a criteria for superpower?Slide20
Economic IndicatorsCountries with the largest economies have a significant influence over global economies
In 2007, the world’s 12 largest economies were:
USA China India Japan
Canada Brazil UK France
Spain 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 LEDCsSlide21
What forms of power are there?
Slide22
What forms of power are there?MILITARY – in today’s world this essentially means access to nuclear weapons. Although it also includes the ability to ‘watch’ the world
ECONOMIC – wealth allows nations to import and export goods and power
CULUTRAL – projection of a ‘particular way of life’ and cultural values
GEOGRAPHIC – refers to the sphere of influence a county hasSlide23
What forms of power are there?Of the four which do you think is the most crucial to a superpowerAre they linked?