Superpowers

Superpowers are nations with the ability to project dominant power and influence across the globe, shaping international relations and the global economy. In the Pearson A-Level Geography specification, this topic explores how superpowers emerge, maintain their status, and decline, focusing on the economic, military, cultural, and geopolitical dimensions of power. You will examine historical superpowers like the British Empire and the USA, alongside contemporary and emerging powers such as China and India, using key theories like Mackinder's Heartland Theory and models of power transition.

Understanding superpowers is crucial because they drive global patterns of trade, investment, and migration, and influence environmental policies and international law. The topic connects to other parts of the course, such as globalisation, geopolitics, and development, providing a framework to analyse current events like the US-China trade war, the rise of BRICS, and the role of international institutions. By studying superpowers, you develop critical thinking about power dynamics and the shifting global order, which is essential for exams and for understanding the world around you.

This topic is assessed through both essay questions and data response tasks. You need to be able to define and measure power (hard, soft, and smart power), explain the factors that lead to superpower status (e.g., economic size, military strength, cultural influence), and evaluate the challenges superpowers face (e.g., maintaining hegemony, rising challengers, environmental constraints). Case studies are vital: you should know the USA, China, and the EU in detail, and be able to compare their sources of power and influence.