Superpowers & Spheres of Influence (Edexcel A Level Geography): Flashcards
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Define sphere of influence.
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Cards in this collection (38)
Define sphere of influence.
An area outside a country\'s borders where it feels it has influence but no legal or formal authority, often causing tension with other states.
Why can spheres of influence cause international conflict?
Overlapping claims to influence, land or resources make states feel threatened, leading to diplomatic tensions, sanctions or even military conflict.
How did the dissolution of the USSR in 1991 change Eastern Europe?
Fifteen new independent states emerged and many, such as the Baltic states, moved politically towards the EU and NATO, reducing Russian influence.
True or False?
Russia\'s annexation of Crimea in 2014 reduced tensions with NATO.
False.
The annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Ukraine and Georgia greatly increased tensions between Russia, NATO and neighbouring states.
Why is the South China Sea strategically important for trade?
It links the Indian and Pacific Oceans, carrying over 30% of global trade and about 40% of petroleum products, making control highly contested.
The two main contested island groups in the South China Sea are the Islands and the Islands.
The two main contested island groups in the South China Sea are the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands.
Why do the Spratly Islands worry the USA?
China\'s island-building and increased military presence could restrict US Navy movement between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, reducing US global reach.
Under UNCLOS, a territorial sea should not exceed nautical miles, except for wider zones.
Under UNCLOS, a territorial sea should not exceed 12 nautical miles, except for wider Exclusive Economic zones.
What is China\'s nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea?
A series of dashes enclosing almost the entire South China Sea, used by China to justify extensive maritime and resource claims beyond UNCLOS limits.
Define resource dispute.
A conflict where states disagree over ownership or control of natural resources, often leading to arguments about exploitation and sometimes military tension.
Why is the Arctic attracting increasing resource interest?
It may contain vast oil, gas and rare minerals, and climate change is melting ice, making drilling and shipping routes more accessible.
True or False?
All Arctic states are reducing their military presence in the region.
False.
All five Arctic states are strengthening their military presence, with Russia upgrading northern bases and NATO states running Arctic exercises.
The undersea ridge is claimed by Canada, Russia and Greenland, and its ownership remains .
The undersea Lomonosov ridge is claimed by Canada, Russia and Greenland, and its ownership remains disputed.
Define emerging superpower.
An emerging superpower is a rapidly growing state increasing its economic, political and military influence towards near-global power status.
Why are China and India considered major global economic powers?
They have very large economies, huge populations, are members of the G20, and are gaining political and military influence globally.
True or False?
China and India have no recent border tensions.
False.
They have had repeated border clashes along the Sino-Indian border, with escalations in 2013, 2018 and 2020 and ongoing military deployments.
The disputed border town of is one source of tension between China and India.
The disputed border town of Tawang is one source of tension between China and India.
What is the political status of Taiwan relative to China?
Taiwan is controlled by the Republic of China, a constitutional republic, while mainland China is the People's Republic of China, a communist state.
The 1947 division of British India into India and Pakistan is called the .
The 1947 division of British India into India and Pakistan is called the Partition of India.
Why has China developed strong economic ties with African nations?
China seeks resources, markets and infrastructure projects, investing heavily in FDI, construction and the Belt and Road Initiative across resource-rich African countries.
Define foreign direct investment (FDI).
FDI is when a company or government from one country makes a long-term investment in businesses, assets or projects in another country.
Much Chinese infrastructure investment in Africa is linked to the Initiative.
Much Chinese infrastructure investment in Africa is linked to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Why is the Middle East strategically important for superpowers?
It holds about 80% of proven oil reserves, so powers seek regional stability and good relations to secure reliable energy supplies.
True or False?
Middle East tensions are only about religion.
False.
Tensions are cultural, political, economic and environmental, involving religion, oil resources, territorial disputes and impacts of prolonged conflict.
Conflicts over oil resources in the Middle East are mainly tensions.
Conflicts over oil resources in the Middle East are mainly economic tensions.
Define hard power.
The use of military or economic coercion to influence other countries, including actions like defence spending, intervention and military alliances.
Why is high military spending questioned in many superpowers?
Because it diverts money from poverty reduction, infrastructure and healthcare, and some argue soft power is now more effective than hard power.
True or False?
European naval forces have expanded since 1999.
False.
European naval forces have decreased by about 32% since 1999 as governments tried to cut costs.
In 2021 the US spent billion on defence, while China spent about billion.
In 2021 the US spent 801 billion on defence, while China spent about 293 billion.
NATO says nuclear weapons aim to , coercion and deter .
NATO says nuclear weapons aim to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression.
Why has air power become a major focus of recent military spending?
Because air power allows a rapid response to crises, leading countries like the UK and US to increase spending on aircraft and related systems.
Define sub-prime lending.
The practice of giving loans or mortgages to borrowers with poor credit histories, who have a higher risk of defaulting.
How did the 2007–2008 debt crisis increase UK government debt?
Bank bailouts and nationalisations, such as Lloyds, RBS, Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley, cost about £137 billion, sharply increasing UK debt.
The shift from manufacturing to and sectors is known as economic restructuring.
The shift from manufacturing to tertiary and quaternary sectors is known as economic restructuring.
True or False?
Deindustrialisation can trigger a negative multiplier effect.
True.
Job losses in traditional industries reduce services and quality of life, encouraging out-migration and further economic decline.
Define hegemonic power.
A state with dominant influence over global economic, military and political systems, able to shape rules and norms other countries follow.
How is China expected to challenge US power by 2030–2050?
China is predicted to approach or surpass US economic size, modernise its military and expand soft power through language, education and media.
By 2050 the world may be with US and China dominant, or with several major powers.
By 2050 the world may be bi-polar with US and China dominant, or multi-polar with several major powers.
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