Impacts/Influences of Superpowers
Culture
Superpowers have both short and long-term impacts all over the world. We can still see evidence of the British Empire in the widespread use of the English language, worldwide tea consumption and a widespread love of cricket- its cultural legacy.
However in recent years, a new branch of globalisation has been born of the world's most dominant power, and that is Americanisation- the use of American culture by the U.S.A. to exert its dominance all over the world. Examples include global brands and logos; global media (eg Disney and CNN); globalised transport and communications connections; American based TNCs and widespread use of English.
Is this spread of culture a positive or negative thing? Some argue that it is cultural imperialism, expecting the world to adhere to certain norms which may not, in fact, be the norm in that particular place. However, the Chinese see Americanism as a positive thing, as it demonstrates progress and development throughout the world. Would certain countries be adhering to these Americanisms if they hadn't developed the technology and the connections to be exposed to it in the first place?
Decision-Making
Global decision-making revolves around inter-governmental organisations (IGOs). Some IGOs involve all nations (eg the U.N.) where as others are more exclusive (eg G8 or NATO). Being a member of these IGOs may give some countries or territories disproportionate power when making global decisions; they may be making decisions on behalf of other countries or decisions which directly affect other countries, yet having this disproportionate power means they're likely to make decisions which benefit them at the expense of many other countries.
Superpowers have both short and long-term impacts all over the world. We can still see evidence of the British Empire in the widespread use of the English language, worldwide tea consumption and a widespread love of cricket- its cultural legacy.
However in recent years, a new branch of globalisation has been born of the world's most dominant power, and that is Americanisation- the use of American culture by the U.S.A. to exert its dominance all over the world. Examples include global brands and logos; global media (eg Disney and CNN); globalised transport and communications connections; American based TNCs and widespread use of English.
Is this spread of culture a positive or negative thing? Some argue that it is cultural imperialism, expecting the world to adhere to certain norms which may not, in fact, be the norm in that particular place. However, the Chinese see Americanism as a positive thing, as it demonstrates progress and development throughout the world. Would certain countries be adhering to these Americanisms if they hadn't developed the technology and the connections to be exposed to it in the first place?
Decision-Making
Global decision-making revolves around inter-governmental organisations (IGOs). Some IGOs involve all nations (eg the U.N.) where as others are more exclusive (eg G8 or NATO). Being a member of these IGOs may give some countries or territories disproportionate power when making global decisions; they may be making decisions on behalf of other countries or decisions which directly affect other countries, yet having this disproportionate power means they're likely to make decisions which benefit them at the expense of many other countries.