The emerging powers and the majority of the world Geographical Superpowers

Superpower Geographies 3. Implications of the continued rise of the superpowers? a) Resource implications of continued growth of superpowers b) Implications of shifting power for older core regions b) rise of emerging powers and the implications for the world c) Tensions between cultures Learning Objectives: Understand the implications that the rise in emerging powers has for the rest of the world Consider the likely impact of the shifting distribution of power on the global periphery

The implications of shifting power The US National Intelligence Council suggested that China, India and Brazil would grow at the expense of USA and EU There would be increasing conflict over resources especially food, water and fuel Major issues regarding how to deal with climate change, trade and market access

Decline of the USSR and rebirth of Russia Using Oxford p and : 1. What were the reasons for the collapse of the USSR 2. Classify the economic, social and environmental impacts of changes in Russia since Does Russia deserves the title ‘superpower’? 4.What concerns Russia today?

Will emerging superpowers provide the developing world with new opportunities? Many rich countries direct a high % of their foreign aid to peripheral countries and this binds these nations to the core However, some periphery countries are gaining economic independence through 2 main means: 1)Nationalisation – the government are buying businesses from the company shareholders or claiming the company 2)Countries have formed cartels

Case Study – OPEC – an Oil Cartel The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries was established in 1960 to counter oil price cuts by American and European oil companies In 1979 the OPEC countries produced 65% of world petroleum by only 36% by 2007 Decline due to lack of excess pumping capacity However the member stated have controlled the price of oil and much of the production in the 1970s and 1980s and have increased their economic and political power

Implications for growth? Growth of China - MEDC companies will invest in order to sell their products in an emerging market -Consumers benefit from cheap products that are mass produced in China -Could lead to a decline in US economy as India and china pay lower wages and produce goods more competitively -Western countries worried that Chinese influence in Africa is stronger than EU and USA -Increased environmental impact e.g. Transport emissions, acidification and poor air quality

Plenary Which do you think is more effective in the current world – economic or military muscle?