This document discusses the characteristics and history of superpowers. It defines a superpower as a nation or group of nations with leading international political influence. Historically, superpowers such as empires in Rome, China, and Persia have risen and fallen. Currently, the United States is considered the predominant global superpower due to its large economy, military strength, and cultural influence. However, China is emerging as a potential future superpower as its economy and global role continue growing rapidly. Key characteristics of superpowers include strong military, economy, resources, culture, demographics, and political power. Maintaining superpower status relies on both hard power through military and economic strength, as well as soft power through cultural and diplomatic influence.

1. Characteristics of Power

2. What is a superpower?
• A Superpower is a nation or group of
nations with a leading position in
international politics.
• Historically superpowers have come and
gone
• Revolutions have risen and died
• Can you think of any previous possible
Superpowers?

3. Previous Empires
Roman
China
Persian
Egyptian
Aztec

4. Who are the superpowers?
The power spectrum and current trajectories, GDP data, 2008

5. Power changes over time
Power changes 1919 (British
empire), 1960 (Cold War), 2050
(multi-polar future)

6. History
• Growth of Nation States which were able
to organise all facets of their countries:
 Commerce
 Politics
 Armed forces
• The Dutch were the first followed by the
Spanish and then the British Empires
• However since WW2 USA has become the
most dominant.

7. Globalisation and Freedom
• These aspects of the USA has meant now
it spreads its significant influence over
several continents
• However within each continent some
countries spread their regional influence
• Asia?
• Africa?
• Europe?
• Oceania?
• Middle East?
Saudi Arabia S. Africa Australia
India Germany/ UK

8. Resurgent China
• Since China reformed and opened its
doors to its pragmatic style of globalisation
in 1978, it has grown massively
• Its wealth and influence has also spread
• Some see it as the only country who could
threaten the USAs hegemony

9. USA USA USA!
• GDP per capita = $53,000 (China $6,000)
• 80% of all financial transactions and 87%
of all foreign currency market transactions
are in dollars
• USA’s military spending is nearly 5 times
that of China and accounts for 37% of all
global military spending
• USA is most favoured destination for
migration (45 million people who live in
the USA were not born there)
• USA gives over $533 billion in financial
assistance (UK are 2nd with $19 bill)
• 16 of the top 20 Universities are in USA

10. The Characteristics of Superpowers
Superpower
Military
Economy
Resources
Culture
Demography
Political
Explain the
importance of
each of these.

11. Maintaining Power
• Countries can use a variety of methods
through either ‘Hard’ or ‘Soft’ means
• ‘Soft’ Power is about using other methods
than force and can help explain why the
UK still exerts influence around the world.
• Soft power has three main features:
• History
• Culture
• Diplomacy
Explain how the UK manages to use these to its benefit.

12. • History – Oxford, Cambridge Universities,
the Empire and commonwealth. Our legal
system
• Culture – the BBC world service, cricket
etc.
• Diplomacy – UK has one of the largest
networks of ambassadors overseas.

13. Hard Power
• Military
– Confronting the Taliban. Responding to Iraq
evading Kuwait. Acting as the Police of the
world
• Economic
– USA remains the largest trading partner for
many nations with many global brands coming
from it (Apple, Nike etc.)
• Although hard power maybe necessary the
consequences can damage reputations
and often soft power appears to be chosen
where possible.

14. Question
• What are the issues when relying on hard
or soft power as a superpower.

16. Potential superpowers
• China
• Russia
• India
• European Union
• United South America
• Write down reasons as to why you think
these are potential superpowers and can
you think of anymore?

17. Example question
• Using named examples, assess the
relative importance of economic, military
and cultural factors in influencing
superpower status. (15)