How do superpowers influence the rest of the world

How do superpowers influence the rest of the world?
Super powers can exert their influence through economic power. Wealth allows superpowers to export their power around the world, buy resources and influence trade patterns. The world trade system is a way western nations can essentially trade freely. This is evidently an advantage for super powers such as the USA as they have many products they export and import. This increases USA’s rate of globalisation as they become both sellers and buyers at a cheaper cost. Two of the world's three main stock markets are London (which is in the EU), and New York (which is in the U.S.A). This gives both superpowers the ability to control growth, giving them a more competitive, wealthier edge over rivals. Superpowers and other major powers are also are home to many Transnational Corporations. The companies’ HQ situates in the super power and operates across global borders. These TNCs themselves can have huge influence over more vulnerable countries, for example some LEDCs relax their trading laws in order to attract TNCs in order to boost their economy. As well as building a relationship, the super power can gain valuable resources at cheaper costs through manipulation and also reach new markets to sell to.
Super powers can also influence the rest of the world through military power. The stronger the military power, the most likely that superpower will impose territory on numerous, vulnerable locations. They could use war and their superior military power to gain control of these territories to impose their own mechanisms such as legal systems, culture and economics. Super powers such as the USA who has the world’s most powerful military machine, have the ability to take over locations with energy supply. As well as the USA, countries such as Russia, France and China also own large amounts of nuclear weapons. Owning this type of weaponry can impose threats on other countries in attempt to overpower them and achieve higher respect.
Culture is another factor in contributing to a superpower. Western ways of life have been indirectly pushed onto many other parts of the world, for example the USA has one of the largest effects, known as “Americanisation” in which American attributes such as American companies have expanded globally. This has led to increasing trade of imports and exports to certain countries meaning they are therefore more connected or more reliant on the superpower country. Examples include Mc Donald’s which originated in the USA and has been globalised through multiple continents. Moreover the widespread use of the English language is important for business and tourism to increasing both the EU and the USA. Therefore cultural influences can also effect economic growth.
Geographical factors such as size, location and resources can aid the development of a super power. For example, China which covers over 9,706,000 km2, is thought to be a potential future super power. With its huge size, it enables over 1.3 billion inhabitants resulting in a huge labour force. This can lead to increased productivity and therefore output which can be exported. The amount of goods produced are significantly increased by China’s large amount of available resources, technologically advanced capital equipment and weak labour laws. China is also centrally positioned in the world, making it easily accessible for trade through its ports, airports and railway stations. In the EU, Russia is a key player for resources due to its size and energy supply. Being within the EU, countries such as the UK import these resources which in turn benefits both countries.