China
China
China is the most populous nation in the world. It holds a great deal of economic influence and has the second-largest economy in the world, just behind the US. Based on how the Chinese economy has rapidly grown within the last three decades, it is very much possible it could overtake the US economy in the near feature. The Asian country is also the world leader in exports, hence all the “Made in China” products that you see every day.
A member of the United Stations, China has a very strong political influence in the world, though many have criticized the Chinese government for employing questionable methods and for being too aggressive, most especially when it comes to flexing its military muscle.
Speaking of which, China has the largest military in the world and has a navy composed of hundreds of commissioned ships and aircrafts and over 200,000 active personnel. China also possesses nuclear weapons and has one of the biggest military budgets in the world. The country also maintains strong relations with other countries, especially with Russia, though the country has a strained relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbors.
2. Russia
Russia is the largest country in the world by area, entirely covering Northern Asia and the majority of Eastern Europe. It has one of the largest economies in the world, sustained by the extensive natural resources in the country. It is a world leader when it comes to oil and natural gas reserves.
A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Russia has one of the most powerful militaries in the world. The country is home to the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons with about 7,000 nuclear warheads. The way the Russian government has deployed its armed forces in recent years has received international criticism, however. Most notably, Russia received a lot of flak for its role in the Ukraine conflict.
With a political influence rivaling that of the US, Russia has strong relations with many countries, most especially China. Led by President Vladimir Putin, Russia has a very competent, albeit controversial, government. Not many people may agree with how Putin runs the country. But when it comes to results, the popular world leader definitely delivers for his country.
1. United States
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. It has the largest economy in the world, thanks in large part to its massive entertainment and media industry. The economy in California alone produces about $2.5 trillion. Assuming California was a country, that number would have made the California economy one of the top six in the world. Imagine that.
In terms of political influence, the US is unparalleled. A founding member of the United Nations, the US plays a huge role in almost all international issues, especially ones regarding global security. The US remains a powerhouse in the international community.
The US has the most powerful military in the world. It has the most modernized and sophisticated military weapon systems and possesses a huge number of nuclear warheads. And the US isn’t shy about showing its military power to the world, one reason why some countries often accuse the US of meddling with international affairs too much.
There is a very good chance that this list of the top 10 most powerful countries in the world will remain the same in 2020. One or two from the bottom-five countries might get replaced with a different country. But the top five countries are likely locks to hold their current position.
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