- SPs want resources – human and physical. Vital for TNCs & government. Resources are contested e.g land borders, islands or areas.
- Sphere of influence are physical resources over which a country claims economic, military, cultural or political rights. Represent areas that a country has a ‘right’ over.
Disputes
& Tensions:
- SPs have tensions over physical resources
- Territories in the Arctic.
- All countries have an economic exclusive zone (EEC), 200 miles from the coast but they often extend resulting in conflict.
- Current conflict in the Arctic as EEC spreads from the Lomonosov Ridge. Global warming may further increase tensions as the ice melts.
Property
Rights:
- Legal ownership of design or invention e.g iPhone is owned by Apple.
- Important because ideas and inventions are stolen reducing the benefit of developing new products as inventions are not profitable.
- Can lead to a strain on trade relations between countries e.g China & USA.
Territorial
Tensions:
- Disputes over physical resources like oil and gas
- Expansionist policy in Russia has led to them building new islands and a military base e.g Spratly Islands
- Different countries can share the EEZ of countries
- USA, EU and Russia in the Arctic ocean over oil
- Sovereignty may be affect4ed in Ukraine by Russian supporting rebels.
- NATO have concerns about Russia’s actions so the EU & USA have stepped up military presence in the area to protect citizens. The SOI has increased.
Futures:
- Demands for resources increase and territorial disputes grow leading to conflict e.g China & BRICs.
- A multi-polar world leads to more tensions and military spheres leading to a higher risk of war and fighting between superpowers.