Examine the ways in which superpowers exert their influence

Secondly, many superpowers exert their influence through the use of their economic power. Wealth allows countries to export their power around the world, buy resources and influence trade patterns. Economic power is probably the most important form of power because it is required to maintain military power, spread cultural influence through trade and the media, and provide global geographical reach. During the Cold War, the USSR and USA both exerted a great deal of influence worldwide through their economic power. The Soviet Union had the second largest economy in the world, mainly due to its enormous mineral and energy resources. Five-year plans were frequently used to accomplish economic goals and economic benefits such as guaranteed employment, free healthcare and free education were greatly benefited from. Similarly, the USA had the largest economy in the world, with again large resources of minerals, energy resources, metals, and timber, not to mention the large and modernised farming industry and enormous industrial base. Furthermore, the USA was home to many large global corporations and the U.S. Dollar was the dominant world reserve currency under Bretton Woods Conference (United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference).

Another way in which superpowers exert their influence is by means of cultural power. This includes the projection of a particular way of life and cultural values which influence the way others behave, and perhaps even think. Superpower influence extends to the idea of a developing global culture of ideas and norms. For example, the widespread use of English, tea drinking and cricket are a cultural legacy of the British Empire. Today, the most influential culture is that of the USA, which is clearly suggested by the term ‘Americanisation’ which is used to describe the influence of the USA on the culture of other countries. It refers to the globalization of American businesses, culture, lifestyle and technology. This spread is made easier by global brands and logos, the global media e.g. Disney and CNN, globalised transport and communications connections, and American based TNCs. Again, taking the example of the Cold War, the Soviet Union exerted influence through Communist or left-wing dictatorships, and numerous socialist organisations around the world where as the USA exerted influence through sponsoring right-wing dictatorships, capitalist democracies, and numerous democratic organizations around the world.

Another way in which superpowers exert their influence is by means of political and demographic power. A strong socialist state, like that of the Soviet Union, means a permanent seat on the UN Security Council as well as strong ties with Eastern Europe, anti-colonialist movements, labour parties, and some countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In the same way, a strong and stable capitalist federation means a permanent seat on the UN Security Council plus two allies with permanent seats as well as strong ties with Western Europe, Latin America, British Commonwealth, and several East Asian countries.
In terms of population, the Soviet Union had a population of 286.7 million in 1989, the third largest on Earth behind China and India and so demographic power was clearly very important. Likewise, the USA had a population of 248.7 million in 1990, at that time the fourth largest on Earth.

The final way in which superpowers exert influence is through use of geographical power. This refers to the sphere of influence a superpower has. It might result from a physical or cultural presence in widespread locations. The Soviet Union wielded influence since it was the largest country in the world, with a land area of 22.27 million km². Similarly, the USA had a large land area, making it the fourth largest country in the world and therefore giving it a great deal of geographical power.

In conclusion there are many ways in which a superpower exerts its influence. Some people may indeed argue that a nation is not in fact a superpower unless all of the above ways are actually used although this is very controversial. However, it is clear that each way individually can exert a huge influence worldwide.
Some people may argue that the USA is today’s only superpower. It has a major military force and the world’s largest economy. Its cultural values have been spread globally and its cultural symbols (e.g. the Stars and Stripes, Coca-Cola, Ford vehicles) are found worldwide.
Emerging and regional powers lack some forms of power. Japan has economic power but lacks military power. In Latin America, Brazil acts as a regional power broker but its economic and military influence are confined to that region. China, as yet, lacks the cultural and geographical dominance of the USA.