2. A2 GCE Geography Unit 3 Geographical Superpowers

3. Superpower Geographies 1. Superpower Geographies a) defining superpowers b) influencing power b) changing patterns of power c) theories explaining the growth of superpowers Learning Objectives: To know what a superpower is To know the changing order of superpowers since 1945 To be able to suggest and justify criteria for becoming a superpower To know how to use ICT for investigating geographical statistics

4. Background Power – both economic and political – is not evenly distributed Some nations and people have a disproportionate influence over decision making (may be regional or global) 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

5. What is a superpower? A super power is a nation which is able to project its power and influence anywhere in the world. It is a dominant global force. superpower Short Task: In pairs, use the cards you have been given to decide which countries are superpowers.

7. superpower former superpower emerging superpower True superpowers are rare because they demand such huge resources. However, as you may have guessed the global superpowers have changed over time. Task 1 : Sort your chosen superpowers into three groups. Task 2: Timeline of Superpowers Write down the key dates in the timeline of global superpowers, you must include the names of the superpowers during each period. 1850 – 1945 _________________________ 1945 – 1990 _________________________ 1990 – Present _______________________ Emerging 21 st Century Superpowers _________________________________ We now need to know what the criteria are for becoming a superpower and be able to explain these.

8. Superpowers are so interesting! I can’t put this book down! Criteria for being a successful student. 1) Attendance 2) Punctuality 3) Attitude 4) Homework How would you explain each of these criteria?

9. What criteria defines a superpower? Criteria for defining a superpower size population resources military strength Economic strength TASK: Choose one of the criteria and discuss your ideas as to how it could define a superpower. Can you think of any examples that you already know? Cultural impact

10. 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?

11. 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

12. A map showing the proportion of worldwide population relative to territory size POPULATION Why might population be included in the criteria for a superpower?

13. Population Countries 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. Singapore

14. A map showing the proportion of worldwide fuel imports relative to territory size RESOURCES Why is access to resources a criteria for superpower?

15. 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 Thus access to resources is the vital consideration. Importation, (made possible by a strong economy) or natural occurance within the country’s border.

16. A map showing the %age of GDP spent on the military per country. MILITARY INDICATORS Why is military strength a criteria for superpower?

17. 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)

18. Territory size shows proportion of worldwide GDP to be produced there in 2015 ECONOMIC INDICATORS Why is economic strength a criteria for superpower?

19. Economic Indicators Countries with the largest economies have a significant influence over global economies In 2007, the world’s 12 largest economies were: USAChinaIndia Japan CanadaBrazilUKFrance SpainGermanyItalyRussia 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

20. Culture A map of the world, with English Language countries removed, showing the growth of English as a first and second language.

22. By exporting language and cultural norms through film, television and music, and country can project an image of what it thinks the world should be like to millions around the world. Eg: Hollywood movies, American television. On the other hand, countries that begin to develop rapidly may find that their economic strength can be used to make others adopt their cultural norms. Eg – Adaptations to media to encourage Chinese investment/purchases. World of Warcraft, Transformers 4.

23. Religion

24. Religion varies in influence across the world The influence of European (predominantly Christian) colonisation can be seen in North and South America, southern Africa and Australasia Islam is the main religion in northern Africa, the Middle East and pats of Asia Religious leaders can influence politics through their beliefs (e.g. contraception, abortion)

25. Belief Systems Religion is not the only form of belief system Capitalism has a huge, and ever growing, influence on the world (particularly since the collapse of the USSR in 1991) Capitalism is the system by which land, labour and capital are owned privately and are used to generate profit Whilst not everyone agrees with capitalism, it’s influence reaches most of the world, aided by globalisation

26. Global Influence All of the factors considered above are variable. By consequence, the influence countries have on surrounding nations and, more broadly, the world, can change. Therefore, countries which may once have been considered Superpowers may no longer have such influence, whilst other countries are gaining in power

29. Task 1 : Rank this criteria used to define superpowers in order of importance P Task 2 : Justify your choice. R RELIGION S POPULATION R M E SIZE RESOURCES MILITARY STRENGTH ECONOMIC STRENGTH

30. The Changing Faces of Global Super Powers through History

31. Example – Roman Empire Period - 27 BC – 476 AD Key Features – Military Conquest, Technological development, Unified Legal System.

32. Example – Dutch Empire Period – C17th-C19th Key Features – Trade, development in transportation methods.

33. Example – British Empire Period - Key Features – Military Conquest, Territorial expansion, resource exploitation.

34. Example – United States of America Period – C19th - Present Key Features – Military Intervention, Soft power, trade.

35. Example – USSR Period – 1918-1990 Key Features – Centralised Government, Military intervention, reaction to world events