Ranking the Top 7 Major Powers in the World
A Comprehensive Analysis of The Most Influential Countries Across the Globe
Have you ever wondered which countries hold the greatest influence across the globe? In this article, we will try to rank the seven major world powers based on a comprehensive analysis of several key parameters. By assigning a score out of 10 to each parameter, we will calculate a total score out of 100 for each country to determine their position on our global power index.
Rank #7 — Japan
Index Score: 58/100
In seventh place, we find the captivating nation of Japan. With its unique fusion of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, Japan has earned a prominent place in the world. Japan is renowned for its innovative organizations, robust manufacturing, futuristic technology, and imaginative entertainment industry, especially Japanese Anime and Manga.
The country boasts a robust economy, technological prowess, and a disciplined work ethic that have propelled it onto the international stage. However, Japan’s declining population, lack of interest in defense over the years, and limited access to essential resources have significantly impacted its overall ranking.
Rank #6 — United Kingdom
Score: 60/100
Claiming the sixth position is the nation that has invaded around 90% of the world’s countries today, the United Kingdom. The impact that the UK made on this world (both positive and negative) in the modern era is incomparable to that of any other nation. It holds a good strategic position, robust technology, competent manufacturing capability, and extensive foreign relations across the world.
Despite having a smaller GDP and half the population compared to Japan, its influence on the world is much greater. UK’s soft power, exhibited through its music, entertainment, books, culture, and renowned organizations like the BBC, Encyclopedia Britannica, Commonwealth Group, Oxford University, and Save the Children Foundation, gives it a winning edge over Japan in the rankings.
Rank #5 — Russia
Score: 61/100
Securing the fifth spot is the vast expanse of Russia. Endowed with extensive natural resources and a formidable military, Russia has long been recognized as a major global power. However, its relatively smaller population and economy, combined with recent speculations of instability, have dragged it down in the rankings.
Rank #4 — European Union
Score: 72/100
Uniting multiple nations under one banner, the European Union secures the fourth position on our list. Although it is not a united country, the EU behaves like a nation-like entity internationally. This influential bloc encompasses a robust economy, with member states collectively contributing to its overall strength.
The EU plays a significant role in international politics, trade, and cooperation, having a large number of votes collectively in International Organizations like the United Nations. Despite internal challenges, the EU remains a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
Rank #3 — India
Score: 73/100
Claiming the third position is the vibrant nation of India. With a massive population and rich cultural heritage, India possesses a great geographical position on the map. The country has been rapidly emerging as a major player in various sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, and services.
While India faces challenges such as infrastructure development and poverty alleviation, its geopolitical importance and growing global influence earn it a commendable rank. India has the highest future potential among other nations, as it is rapidly improving its overall image, technological prowess, economy, defense capabilities, and soft power.
Rank #2 — China
Score: 87/100
Making impressive strides toward the top spot is the mighty nation of China, seated firmly in second place. China’s remarkable economic growth, vast population, and increasing military capabilities have propelled it to the forefront of global affairs.
The country’s rise as an influential player on the world stage cannot be overlooked. However, despite its growing influence, China still faces certain challenges that prevent it from surpassing the reigning champion.
Rank #1 — The United States of America
Score: 92/100
Emerging as the unrivaled champion is the United States of America. With the largest economy in the world, a substantial population and unparalleled military might, the USA continues to dominate global affairs. Its strategic location, devoid of hostile neighbors, grants it open access to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, further enhancing its power projection capabilities.
The USA’s technological advancements, control over critical sectors such as technology, finance, oil, and food, and significant cultural influence through Hollywood, music, and media solidify its position at the top of our rankings.
Final Thoughts
Do you find this ranking justified? Also, which countries do you think should be placed on Rank 8, 9, and 10? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below. If you enjoyed reading this article, please show your appreciation by giving it a clap. Consider following me on Medium to see more such exciting articles in your feed.
Further Reading — The Parameters Used
Some of you might be curious about how I assigned scores to each country for these rankings. Let me give you a sneak peek behind the scenes.
Firstly, I identified 10 key parameters that impact a country’s influence, stability, and overall power projection. Scores were assigned based on data from the World Bank’s Data Bank, the country’s census, and estimates published by reputed organizations worldwide. These scores were assigned according to the country’s performance in constituting sub-parameters for each parameter.
Here is the list of parameters and key considerations within each parameter:
- Economy: Nominal GDP, Nominal GDP per capita, GDP in PPP terms, and overall economic resilience.
- Working Population: Total population, total workforce, and total skilled workforce.
- Defense Capability: Military personnel, defense equipment, past experience, and defense manufacturing capabilities.
- Technological Prowess: State of Technology, R&D, Manufacturing, and Finance Sectors
- Political and Social Stability (PSS): Possibility of major unrest or instability, along with overall political and social stability.
- Soft Power: Overall image of the country worldwide, the influence of NGOs, entertainment industry, music, food, media, politics, and culture.
- International Relations (IR): Relations with other nations, participation in international politics, and alliances.
- Geographical Advantage: Access to the sea/ocean, distance from hostile nations, access to major trade routes, and geographical barriers against invasion.
- Control Over Essential Resources (COER): Control over food, water, oil, and other natural resources, including exclusive capabilities in refining or manufacturing essential goods.
- Future Potential: Growth potential in GDP per capita, population, infrastructure, industrialization, defense, technology, human development, and increasing dominance in world politics.
