I wanted to make a thread on this last night but had to go to work.
I am of the opinion that the United States is well on its decline down and away from the fabled status of 'Superpower' and if not at least have to share this exclusive table with another power.
So this thread seeks to answer a rather simple but at the same time big question.
What country is most likely to achieve this all exclusive rank. In a combination of google searches and a little personal opinion thrown in I believe we have a good list of the 10, most likely canidates for this position.
Potential SuperPower List
China: Yes the Red Dragon my friends. China's economy is growing and with a population well above a billion people they are hands down a leading contender. And with a good economy comes the wealth to afford a good blade.
European Union: While not a country per se, the combined economic and military might of these European Nations shows a very promising chance at the title of a "Super Power". Now it may be argued that because this is a confederation of many independent nations this does not count. Well, I am somewhat inclined to agree to a point. But should they centralize more into who knows the "European Federation" then they would truly be an overnight superpower in my books.
Russia: Ahh, the Great Russian Bear, while a former power in the image of the once feared and respected Union of Soviet Socialist Republics it has in time lost that same degree of fear and respect and has since been trying to claw its way back to the top. And it may not be that far. Considering the vast energy wealth of this nation and a battle proven military it certainly stands a chance of reclaiming their old title of 'SuperPower'.
Japan: Yes, the economic powerhouse of East Asia. They have a smaller but very well equiped and trained Self Defense Force and a cutting edge economy and technology base. Thier people even have been shown to make great sacrifices for the good of Japan. I truly believe that the people of Japan are its greatest asset and advantage in this competition.
India: The Indian people have a lot to work with but also face many problems. They have a naturally rich land and the second largest population on the planet. They are a nuclear power but that is not a huge factor considering the amount of nuclear armed nations today. Will India pull ahead and grasp this mantle for its people?
Brazil: The most likely south american nation hands down. With a wealth of natural resources and a decent economy at its disposal Brazil has the abilitary to become a major power. Some would say it is a major regional power, but can it become a SuperPower. That is the question.
Iran: Oil rich. Militeristic. Determined. These traits could be enough to make the claim to superpower in its future. All depending how these attributes are harnessed.
Israel: Small, but extremely powerful for its size. Often faced with invading armies of superior numbers and surrounded they have never failed to defend their homes and drive out the invaders. Israel has a first rate military and a good economy. But is it big enough, to ever make the claim to superpower.
South Korea: An economic power and a well equiped military. The south korean people have much in their advantage but lack a wealth of natural resources. Can they ever overcome this and become a Superpower?
North Korea: A very poor economy is contrasted by ample mineral wealth and natural resources. And with their reserves they have the largest military in the world I believe. Can they use this to their advantage without it destroying them? Can they rise above their current situation and achieve a 'Superpower'?
These are the contenders but which of them will rise from the rest and become a SuperPower?
OOC: I will post my opinion later. This OP is really just to get the ball rolling.
Not chinese though.
