Since the beginning of the 20th century and after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the USA has become the first world superpower in terms of military capacity. However, the UK has kept many traits of a superpower while new geopolitical spaces have appeared. What are the geopolitical challenges superpowers face?
IGeostrategic roles
1 Hard power
The US Armed Forces are the most powerful military. It is deployed around the world with multiple bases in Europe, Asia and all around the oceans. It is also the case for the UK with its BOTs (British Overseas Territory, in Cyprus for example).
KEY figures
In 2023, the US military budget amounts to $780 billion, the Chinese military budget to $210 billion. The US spends 40% of the world military expenditure.
The USA and the UK share nuclear weapons. India and Pakistan seek to expand arsenals without official acknowledgment of possession.
Today, the USA has focused its military surveillance in the Indo Pacific region with the US 7th Fleet to contain China’s vision of hegemony.
2 Alliance and espionage
Secret services such as the American CIA and British MI6 often work together to counter terrorism. Both services are part of a larger alliance: “5 Eyes” (FVEY). It comprises the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and was created in 1943.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was created later in 1949 and aims at a collective security during Cold War. In 2007 and later in 2017, the QSD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) or known as the Quad (India, Japan, Australia and the USA) was created. It is a response to increased Chinese economic and military power in the Indo Pacific.
IIDiplomatic action
1 Economic and financial influence
Two English-speaking countries are permanent members of the security council of the UN (United Nations): the UK and the USA. They have a major influence on other nations.
Headquartered in Washington, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) aims at “fostering global monetary cooperation and reduce poverty around the world”. The World Bank provides loans to help governments of developing countries.
Info
The IMF and the World Bank were created in 1944. They stand for the dominant role of the USA, and their will to reorganise the world after WW2.
2 Geopolitical trends
The USA and the UK have their own sphere of influence. The American relationship to Latin America is epitomised by the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) whose aim is to reduce trade barriers. However, since the end of 2021, the USA has begun withdrawing its troops stationed in the Middle East, focusing on the new challenges in the Indo Pacific.
The sphere of influence of the UK was historically formed. After the end of the British Empire and colonisation, many countries remained in the Commonwealth, which has gained two more countries (Gabon and Togo) since 2022. Charles III serves as the head of state in 16 countries, including Australia and Jamaica.
After Brexit, the UK reinforced its ties with the USA and former colonies. The British presence in Europe is weakened but an assertive foreign policy emerges.