Back to Topic 4.1 — Global interactions and global power
4.1.1Geography HL12 flashcards

Global power and the sovereignty of states

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4.1.1
Question

Define power (in this topic).

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All 12 Flashcards — Global power and the sovereignty of states

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Card 1definition

Question

Define power (in this topic).

Answer

The ability of a state or organisation to **shape the behaviour of others** and influence events beyond its own borders.

Card 2definition

Question

Define sovereignty.

Answer

A state's right to **govern its own territory** — its laws and the flows of people, money, goods and data crossing its borders.

Card 3definition

Question

What is a superpower?

Answer

A state with **global reach across economic, military, political and cultural power** (e.g. the US; China is now widely described as one).

Card 4definition

Question

Define hegemony.

Answer

**Dominance by one power that others largely accept**, so it can set the rules of the international system.

Card 5concept

Question

Hard power vs soft power?

Answer

**Hard power** changes behaviour by **force or money** (military, sanctions). **Soft power** does it by **attraction** (culture, universities, brands).

Card 6definition

Question

What is an IGO? Give an example.

Answer

An **inter-governmental organisation** — a body of member states, such as the **United Nations** or the **WTO**.

Card 7definition

Question

What is an MGO? Give an example.

Answer

A **multi-governmental organisation** — a grouping of governments that pools some decision-making, such as the **EU** or the **G7**.

Card 8concept

Question

Name four ways superpowers maintain influence.

Answer

**Economic strength**, **hard and soft power**, **control of energy/resources**, and **mastery of new technology** — and they reinforce one another.

Card 9concept

Question

Name three forces that escape state control.

Answer

**TNCs** (footloose profits and production), **shrinking-world technology** (instant data and capital), and **tax avoidance, civil society or hacking**.

Card 10concept

Question

Name three ways states reassert sovereignty.

Answer

**Cybersecurity and data-localisation laws**, **biometric e-passports / smart borders**, and **populism, tariffs or re-shoring** of strategic industries.

Card 11concept

Question

What is 'regulatory power'? Give the classic example.

Answer

Power exercised by **setting rules others must copy** to access your market — the **EU's market and data-protection rules** are adopted worldwide.

Card 12concept

Question

What judgement do examiners reward on lost control?

Answer

That governments and MGOs have lost their grip **only partially and unevenly** — weak over data and profits, strong over borders, law and key industries.

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IB Geography Global power and the sovereignty of states Flashcards | 4.1.1 | Aimnova | Aimnova