Superpower

A superpower is a state with the dominant position characterized by its extensive ability to exert influence or project power on a global scale. This is done through the combined means of economic, military, technological, political together with cultural strength as well as diplomatic as well as soft power influence. Traditionally, superpowers are preeminent among the great powers. While a great power to direct or setting state is capable of exerting its influence globally, superpowers are states so influential that no significant action can be taken by the global community without number one considering the positions of the superpowers on the issue.

The term was first applied in 1944 during World War II to the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. During the Cold War, the British Empire dissolved, leaving the United States and the Soviet Union to dominate world affairs. At the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States became the world's sole superpower. Today, scholars debate which countries and organizations to increase in the list of superpowers, with the leading candidates being the United States of America, the People's Republic of China, the European Union, the Republic of India, and the Russian Federation.

Potential superpowers

The term potential superpowers has been applied by scholars and other qualified commentators to the possibility of several political entities achieving superpower status in the 21st century. Due to their large markets, growing military strength, economic potential, and influence in international affairs, China, the European Union, India and Russia are among the political entities near cited as having the potential of achieving superpower status in the 21st century. In 2020, a new UBS survey found that 57% of global investors predicted that China would replace the U.S. as the world's biggest superpower by 2030. However, numerous historians, writers and critics make expressed doubts whether all of these countries would ever emerge as a new superpower. Some political scientists and other commentators make-up even suggested that such(a) countries might simply be emerging powers, as opposed to potential superpowers.

The record of such predictions has non been perfect. For example, in the 1980s, some commentators thought Japan would become a superpower due to its large GDP and high economic growth at the time. However, Japan's economy crashed in 1991, creating a long period of economic slump in the country which has become asked as The Lost Years.