An intro to global power for IB Geography

1. Global Power

2. Syllabus Link
Global superpowers and their economic,
geopolitical and cultural influence

3. What is a super power?
• A superpower is a state with a leading
position in the world that has the ability to
influence events throughout the whole world.
• The concept of a superpower has developed
to include economic, cultural, geographical
and military influence

4. Factors that help attain power
Power can be attained through:
Size (land area)
Population
Resources (oil is a good example)
Military force or capability
Economic power and influence (think TNCs)
Religion/ beliefs
Cultural influence

5. Types of Power

6. Economic Power: Allows superpowers to export
their wealth and buy resources and influence
Cultural power: Exerts influence through various
forms of media to spread influence
Geographical Power: The sphere of influence a
superpower has on other countries (eg, Britain has
given other countries language)
Military Power: A sign of strength, modern
weapons and nuclear capability reflect power
Types of Power

7. Types of Power
Hard Power
Means getting your way by
using force. This force could be
in forms such as:
• Military force
• Economic force such as
sanctions, tariffs or trade
barriers
Soft power
Means power such as persuasion
of some form including:
• Cultural influence
• Moral and ethical authority
and leadership
• Working with global
institutions

9. Global Power Today
Discuss global power today.
• What countries have power and what form
does that power take?

10. Syllabus Link
Global superpowers and their economic,
geopolitical and cultural influence
• Detailed examples of at least two actual or
potential global superpowers

11. Debate
You are representing either China or the USA
Debate on which one is the most important
global superpower highlighting their global
economic, geopolitical and cultural influence
Keep detailed notes on a google doc that will be
shared with others.

12. Debate:
Which one is the most dominant
power today?
Their economic, geopolitical and cultural influence

13. Global Power Today

14. Global Power Today

15. Global Power Today