The Next Superpower?

[The Anglo-Saxon Empire]

I don't see how this isn't 100% China 0 % rest

China doesn't have the nuke total of Russia. Nor does China have oil. Oil makes the world go round.

Nukes mean almost nothing beyond having them and oil will be worthless in 75 years.

[Scholencia]

True, but i'm from the EU (Netherlands) and i think (don't know it for everyone ofcourse) that nobody in europe is waiting to lose there current country/laws/lives... there are way to many differences between the countries, and its not a matter of a few years to get only that equal...

Varies by country. Some countries want federalism, some don't care, some are opposed. That's why it's impossible to tell for now. We'll see a decade or two down the road.

Sorry but I never heard someone in the EU wanting federalism, in other wirds really nobody wants. The only who is for more ties is Germany but not so far that it wants federalism.

[Glasgia]

Wales.

Baa-llshit

China is already a superpower, whether the yanks like it or not: They have the second largest military expenditure in the world and the same ranking in GDP. The same goes for the EU if you count them as a single power, as they would thereotically have the largest GDP and 2nd largest military spending.

As for the next world power, India (largest economic growth of any country with more than 100 million people, China excepted) or Brazil (7th largest GDP and... well, samba).

[United Roggel]

You mean "And if the SOUTHERN countries reach the economic standard of the NORTHERN countries"

Well, the southern countries should just stop making great debts.

Problem is, that the Norhtern countries are putting up rules for the Southern countries wich puts the Southern countries only more in debt...
So actually its simply everybody's fault... but its way to complex to go all over it so...

[Caninope]

Wales.

Baa-llshit

China is already a superpower, whether the yanks like it or not: They have the second largest military expenditure in the world and the same ranking in GDP. The same goes for the EU if you count them as a single power, as they would thereotically have the largest GDP and 2nd largest military spending.

As for the next world power, India (largest economic growth of any country with more than 100 million people, China excepted) or Brazil (7th largest GDP and... well, samba).

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

[Scholencia]

"We're the new Rome"

Look how well that turned out for Rome.

The US is eventually going to fail. They are going to crash and burn solely because of the HUGE emotional gap between those in power and those under power.

The US will never crush and it will always be important on global stage yet it will lose influence in the most parts of the worlds.

[United Roggel]

but really as long as the USA has all the nukes they will remain the power as the rest of us are not ready to die...they are so retarded that they don't care and would kill us all rather then give up an ounce of power.

Well, Russia has more nukes then the US... so they will not stay in power;)

[Divair]

Varies by country. Some countries want federalism, some don't care, some are opposed. That's why it's impossible to tell for now. We'll see a decade or two down the road.

Sorry but I never heard someone in the EU wanting federalism, in other wirds really nobody wants. The only who is for more ties is Germany but not so far that it wants federalism.

It's been discussed since the EU's creation, especially in recent years.

[Mkuki]

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.

That's just silly. An interesting article if nothing else.

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..

Let's see.

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.

If the PRC can deal with it's incoming demographic crisis painlessly and successfully then we'll see if they have what it takes to be a superpower.

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.

The EU does not have the military capability to enforce it's interests. Relying entirely on Soft Power is not superpower material. Not only that, but the fact that the euro is not in good standing and that the EU is too loose (politically) to effectively protect and expand their interests puts them out of the contest, so to speak, in my eyes.

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'.

I don't think the modern, or future, Russian Federation has the ability to regain the power it once had as the USSR. What political ideology does Russia have to be the world leader of? The fact that the USSR was the main Communist power in the world was, in my opinion, a driving reason for it's great influence among foreign nations. Communist nations, with the exception of the PRC and Yugoslavia, naturally drifted towards it.

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.

Like with the EU, although not on such a large scale, Japan does not have the military capability to expand and protect it's own interests. Plus Japan has it's own demographic problems, aging population and low birth rates, to deal with. In the long run I don't see Japan becoming more influential than China or the USA. Especially not in East Asia.

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?

Like many other countries, India has a demographic problem to deal with. That problem being that there is a large segment of it's population that live in absolute and total poverty. Not to mention the high birth rates and lack of comprehensive sex education. Plus the problems and issues Hindus have with Muslims, and vice versa, needs to be dealt with. Better relations with Pakistan would be a good start.

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.

I don't see Brazil becoming a world superpower. Maybe the greatest power in South America, but an actual superpower? No. Income inequality in Brazil is among the worst in North America and, like India, a fairly large section of the Brazilian population live in abject poverty. However, the growth of Brazilian industry may lend it credibility to become a greater voice in international politics.

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.

Oil only lasts for so long. I'd expect that as time goes on Oil politics will continually decrease in importance. Also, how is Iran militaristic? I don't see them invading other countries. Either way, I don't see Iran becoming a superpower. What else do they have to offer the world economy besides oil?

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.

Israel's only ties to power lie in its ownership of nuclear weapons and the support of the much more powerful United States. Like with many other potential superpowers, Does the Israeli military have the capability to enforce its overseas interests?

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?

South Korea depends too much on the US for security and defense. Does the South Korean military even have the ability to enforce its overseas interests?

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.

The only nation that currently exists that I see with the potential to actually challenge the US is the People's Republic of China.

[Divair]

The only nation that currently exists that I see with the potential to actually challenge the US is the People's Republic of China.

Until they pop.

[EnragedMaldivians]

Baa-llshit

China is already a superpower, whether the yanks like it or not: They have the second largest military expenditure in the world and the same ranking in GDP. The same goes for the EU if you count them as a single power, as they would thereotically have the largest GDP and 2nd largest military spending.

As for the next world power, India (largest economic growth of any country with more than 100 million people, China excepted) or Brazil (7th largest GDP and... well, samba).

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

Indeed. It can't even challenge the U.S in East Asia yet.

[United Roggel]

Baa-llshit

China is already a superpower, whether the yanks like it or not: They have the second largest military expenditure in the world and the same ranking in GDP. The same goes for the EU if you count them as a single power, as they would thereotically have the largest GDP and 2nd largest military spending.

As for the next world power, India (largest economic growth of any country with more than 100 million people, China excepted) or Brazil (7th largest GDP and... well, samba).

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

The US doesn't meet this "definition" either.... an actuall world power isn't around anymore, the US plays it the way like they wan't but as you can see everywhere they still "afraid" of China and Russia

[Glasgia]

Baa-llshit

China is already a superpower, whether the yanks like it or not: They have the second largest military expenditure in the world and the same ranking in GDP. The same goes for the EU if you count them as a single power, as they would thereotically have the largest GDP and 2nd largest military spending.

As for the next world power, India (largest economic growth of any country with more than 100 million people, China excepted) or Brazil (7th largest GDP and... well, samba).

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

Large territory, large economy, large military, large influence. There can be more than one superpower you know.

[EnragedMaldivians]

The only nation that currently exists that I see with the potential to actually challenge the US is the People's Republic of China.

Until they pop.

I wouldn't make too big a deal of it even if it does happen. The U.S went through a number of depressions in the 19th century and an exceptionally bad depression in the early 20th century yet they recovered. China might have its bubble burst sure, but this notion that it will render it powerless to recover for ever and ever is just nonsense.

[Divair]

Until they pop.

I wouldn't make too big a deal of it even if it does happen. The U.S went through a number of depressions in the 19th century and an exceptionally bad depression in the early 20th century yet they recovered. China might have its bubble burst sure, but this notion that it will render it powerless to recover for ever and ever is just nonsense.

Oh, I'm not saying it won't recover. It'll recover, but it'll end up joining the rest of us in an eternal cycle of booms & busts.

[EnragedMaldivians]

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

Large territory, large economy, large military, large influence. There can be more than one superpower you know.

So does France and the UK.

Why do we differentiate between great power and superpower again?

[Nationalist State of Knox]

The Queen is plotting her revenge. The colonies will be hers once again.

Bugger the colonies. We can have what is rightfully ours instead... France.

I like you. Keep it up.

[Caninope]

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

Indeed. It can't even challenge the U.S in East Asia yet.

The only thing it can do, honestly, is prevent the US from sending a carrier too close to the Chinese shores in the Straits of Taiwan. That's about it, and that's not even that much. Chinese development of anti-ship ballistic missiles will do one of three things (or a combination).

It will (a) force American development of mobile anti-ballistic missiles, (b) force a rethink of American naval doctrine, or (c) scare off the American navy. I see the first and second options happening, with only a slim chance for the third option.

[Mkuki]

The only nation that currently exists that I see with the potential to actually challenge the US is the People's Republic of China.

Until they pop.

Like I said they have the potential if they can deal with their disastrous demographics.

[United Roggel]

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

Large territory, large economy, large military, large influence. There can be more than one superpower you know.

Yup;) Look at the time between the end of ww2 till the fall of the Soviet-Union... Clearly 2 Superpowers...

[EnragedMaldivians]

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

The US doesn't meet this "definition" either.... an actuall world power isn't around anymore, the US plays it the way like they wan't but as you can see everywhere they still "afraid" of China and Russia

What power comes even close to matching the U.S in military capability? The U.S could reduce their military expenditure by a hell of a lot and still continue to be the most powerful country in the world by far.

[Divair]

Like I said they have the potential if they can deal with their disastrous demographics.

They'll pop way before that. Their demographic issue is not a pop, it's a giant time bomb.

[Roman people of america]

russia. Huge country and huge amounts of soldiers plus nukes and there moral is usaly pretty big.

[Mkuki]

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

Large territory, large economy, large military, large influence. There can be more than one superpower you know.

Those aren't the only characteristics of a superpower. They also need the ability to expand their influence internationally and challenge the power of the United States. As far as I can tell, they don't have that.

[Caninope]

No.

China doesn't meet the definition of superpower.

The US doesn't meet this "definition" either.... an actuall world power isn't around anymore, the US plays it the way like they wan't but as you can see everywhere they still "afraid" of China and Russia

Actually, the US does. It is, by far, the most dominant state on the international level. It is also the only state with the capabilities to pull off large scale, long range power projection.