9.1.3

Superpowers - Political & Military Power

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Superpowers - Political Power

Superpowers can have extraordinary political power.

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Trade blocs and IGOs

  • With the rise of globalisation, it is rare for a country to hold much influence on their own. It is much more common for countries to exert power through their membership of trade blocs or IGOs.
  • Examples of these organisations that have global influence are the EU, OECD and the G20.
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G20

  • The G20 is the ‘club’ of the 20 largest economies in the world.
  • It has become more significant as emerging countries have grown.
  • The G20 members now represent half of the world’s population.

Superpowers - Military Power

Historically, military power has been a very important factor in superpower status. Prussia was powerful for decades in the 1800s because of its supreme military force. Today, soft power may be more important.

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Measuring military power

  • Historically, the number of troops or ships in the military was the best indicator of a country's ability to attack others or defend itself from threats.
  • It is important to recognise however that in the 21st century, defence spending may reveal more than the size of the military.
  • As military technology has become increasingly important, a country may not have the most soldiers but it may spend a significant amount on complex military equipment to exert its power.
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Nuclear power

  • In the modern era, it is likely that any war involving two countries with nuclear weapons would cause 'mutually assured destruction.
  • A nuclear power fighting a non-nuclear power would be likely to win instantly if they wanted to.
  • Countries with nuclear weapons are the USA, Britain, Russia, France, China, India, Israel, Pakistan and potentially North Korea.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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