Jat

Power is fleeting and meaningless in the end and it really doesn't make one truly great.

lunachick

Pedant.

I agree with this.


Interesting that Russia, despite all it has been through over the last few years, is still considered a powerful nation. Why is this?

kwigibo

nuclear fission

Abacus

And nuclear fusion.

kwigibo

.

kwigibo

that's a hydrogen atom ^

Eric Ian

1. United States
No explanation required.
2. United Kingdom
Only other country that could claim to be a true world great power. The others are major regional players/ economic powers at best.
3. Russia
Lots of nukes, their large army is very active in the region - probably more so than any other regional power. Terrible economy, but strong desire to exercise diplomatic influence on the global stage.
4. France
Regional power in Africa, influence among developing countries, again comes down to a desire to use influence and history as a great diplomatic power. Maintains effective leadership of the former anti-war group of Germany, Russia, France, Belgium, and others.
5. Germany
Huge economic power, no desire to use military, membership in the anti-war club.
6. Japan
Potential to be the major military power in the Pacific after the US. Powerful economy, but their economic power should continue to wane compared with others.
7. China
Quickly rising power, but no desire at present to use influence in an even remotely confrontational way on a global or even regional level. Will clearly become a huge regional power, barring disaster.
8. EU
Here I am looking at the common market, what little CFSP exists, ability to set policy on major issues like fisheries management, shipping, trade, etc. World #2 economic power, acts as a group on econ. issues and has proved to be willing to use economic influence. Another member of the Mid-East quartet. Rising power, could have a significant military dimension eventually.
9. Israel
Major nuclear power, regional great power, sophisticated military. Ability and desire to act more or less unilaterally in the region with a strong chance of success. Influence with the United States. Position in the world's #1 hotspot and strategic region.
10. India
Potential to become a regional great power, but not quite there yet. Huge and a democratic state with the potential for explosive growth with the right leadership. (not the current leadership)

Others that didn't make my list in no particular order:
Canada, Italy, South Korea, North Korea, Pakistan, Spain, Iran, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, Australia

Loren Pechtel

They've still got the bomb in large quantities.