Power Tier |
Military Power |
Economic Power |
Political Influence |
Cultural Influence |
Technological Power |
Diplomatic Reach |
Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Superpower |
Global reach, nuclear arsenal, advanced tech |
Largest GDP, global trade dominance |
Shapes international institutions (UN, NATO) |
Dominant media, language, and values (Hollywood, English) |
Leader in AI, space, and innovation |
Strong alliances, global diplomatic presence |
USA, China (emerging) |
Great Power |
Strong regional force, nuclear capabilities |
Major economy (Top 10 GDP) |
Influential in regional blocs (EU, ASEAN) |
Cultural exports (music, cuisine) |
Advanced R&D, key tech sectors |
Multilateral leadership |
Russia, UK, France, Germany, Japan, India |
Middle Power |
Moderate military, defensive focus |
Mid-sized economy (Top 20-30 GDP) |
Mediates conflicts, niche leadership (e.g., climate) |
Regional cultural appeal (K-pop, telenovelas) |
Specialized tech (renewables, biotech) |
Coalition-building |
Canada, Australia, South Korea, Brazil |
Regional Power |
Dominates neighboring states |
Economically influential in region |
Leads regional organizations (AU, OAS) |
Local cultural dominance |
Adopts/adapts foreign tech |
Focused on neighbors |
Iran, Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria |
Small Power |
Limited defense capabilities |
Small GDP, reliant on trade |
Minimal global influence |
Niche cultural traits |
Tech importer/dependent |
Aligns with blocs |
Sweden, Singapore, Chile |
Weak/Failed State |
Weak/no control over territory |
Fragile, aid-dependent |
No coherent policy |
Limited global appeal |
Minimal innovation |
Isolated or dependent |
Somalia, Yemen, Haiti |
Key Forms of Power:
-
Military: Force projection, nuclear capability, defense spending.
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Economic: GDP, trade volume, currency strength, resource control.
-
Political: Influence in international organizations, soft power, alliances.
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Cultural: Global appeal of language, media, arts, and values.
-
Technological: Innovation, patents, space/cyber capabilities.
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Diplomatic: Foreign relations, treaty networks, mediation role.
