What actually makes a nation a "superpower"? Who are the superpowers?

Question

Serious answers, please! Thanks.

Answer 1

What makes a nation a superpower is more than just military ability. Generally, a superpower nation is one that can project its influence in nearly all parts of the world, and is looked upon as a leader.

The term "superpower" developed during the Cold War, where the United States was seen as the superpower for the democratic capitalist countries, and the Soviet Union was seen as the superpower for the communist countries. Both had the nuclear arsenal to pretty much destroy the world. Both also had many countries where their policy was followed - the Soviet Union pretty much controlled the governmentst of the communist nations of Eastern Europe, and supplied them with weapons, and the United States often gave assistance to anti-communist governments and forces around the world (even if they were brutal dictatorships, so long as they fought against communism).
Both countries could rely upon their allies in diplomacy and negotiations in the international arena (ie, like in the United Nations - if the US wanted something, all of the US allies would vote for it pretty much guaranteed).

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989-1990, the United States was seen as the sole superpower. At the moment, it still appears to be the case, although many will point out that China is emerging as a new superpower - it has a sizable (although not as mobile military) and is gaining greater economic clout. However, it does not yet have many allies that can help carry out its agenda in diplomatic arenas, although it is trying very hard to bring many African nations into alliance with China, through Chinese investment and aid. Others point to the European Union (the organization that is slowly bringing the European nations into one common government) as an upcoming superpower. It too has the massive population, with the massive economic activity, and strong defense system. However they also don't necessarily have the strong allies - many member states are allies of the US, but the UK and France do have strong relations with many of their former colonial states.

Answer 2

A superpower is a nation that is the dominant political force in its time and has a disproportionate share of resources, both in its economy and in its military. It is generally considered to be at least 50% more powerful than any other single state rivals that it has. However, there can be two superpowers (as during Cold War.) Today, the only generally accepted superpower is the United States. The European Union is not a state and thus cannot count - it has no common army, for one thing.

Answer 3

Nations that carry some sort of power in the world both economic and military strength. For example, Romania is not a superpower due to its lack of economic strength and military power. Russia is a super power due to its vast influences both military and economic on other nations. The five members of the UN Security Council are the main superpowers but at times different nations can become a power then fall apart.

Answer 4

Right now the U.S. is the main superpower, there are other powerful nations like russia and china but they aren't superpowers. when we have 2 superpowers things like the cold war happen.

The U.S. emerged as a superpower after WWII because it turned the tide of the war for the allies. We had a strong economy that was able to produce tons of wartime necesities in a short amount of time. We have natural resources, and huge economy, and a powerful military...yes with nuclear bombs

Answer 5

A large population (some percentage of the world)
A very large GDP (significant percentage of the world)
Enough economic might to compete at the very top level, and enough military might so that no country would even consider attacking your homeland.

Currently the USA is the only superpower
The USSR was a superpower until it broke up.
China and India will likely be superpowers very soon.
The EU will be a superpower as soon as it is unified enough to act like a single entity.

Answer 6

Superpowers have to be able to win a war against any country, or something like that. The U.S. is the only individual country considered a super power, however many consider the European Union a superpower, as do I.

Answer 7

From what i understand the United States of America is the biggest superpower followed closely by China. The have money Large weapons and Hugh political influences. They have balls and they use them ...

Answer 8

Money combined power with the ability to manipulate others to your own agenda . India has nuclear capability. It is not recognized as a superpower.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

a good economy and right now the top three superpowers are U.S.A, Russia, and China