Great power
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| - | A '''great power''' is a [[nation]] or [[state]] that has the ability to exert its influence on a global scale. Great powers characteristically possess [[economics|economic]], [[military]], [[diplomacy|diplomatic]], and [[soft power|cultural]] strength. Nations often consider the opinions of great powers before taking actions of their own. | + | A '''great power''' is a [[sovereign state]] that is recognized as having the ability and expertise to exert its [[influence]] on a global scale. Great powers characteristically possess [[military]] and [[economy|economic]] strength, as well as diplomatic and [[soft power]] influence, which may cause [[middle power|middle]] or [[small power]]s to consider the great powers' opinions before taking actions of their own. [[International relations theory|International relations theorists]] have posited that great power status can be characterized into power capabilities, spatial aspects, and status dimensions. |
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| + | While some nations are widely considered to be great powers, there is no definitive list of them. Sometimes the status of great powers is formally recognized in conferences such as the [[Congress of Vienna]] or the [[United Nations Security Council]] ([[China]], [[France]], [[Russia]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]] serve as the body's [[Permanent members of the United Nations Security Council|five permanent members]]). | ||
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| + | The term "great power" was first used to represent the most important powers in Europe during the post-[[Napoleon I of France|Napoleonic]] era. The "Great Powers" constituted the "[[Concert of Europe]]" and claimed the right to joint enforcement of the postwar treaties. The formalization of the division between [[small powers]] and great powers came about with the signing of the [[Treaty of Chaumont]] in 1814. Since then, the international [[Balance of power in international relations|balance of power]] has shifted numerous times, most dramatically during [[World War I]] and [[World War II]]. In literature, alternative terms for great power are often world power or major power, but these terms can also be interchangeable with [[superpower]]. | ||
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| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | * [[Big Four (Western Europe)]] | ||
| + | * [[G7]] | ||
| + | * [[List of modern great powers]] | ||
| + | * [[NATO Quint]] | ||
| + | * [[Power (international relations)]] | ||
| + | * [[List of ancient great powers]] | ||
| + | * [[List of modern great powers]] | ||
| - | The term "great power" was first used to represent the most important powers in [[Europe]] during the post-[[Napoleon I of France|Napoleonic]] era. Since then, power has been shifted numerous times, most dramatically during the [[World War I|First]] and [[World War II|Second]] [[World war|World Wars]]. While some nations are widely considered to be great powers, there is no definitive list, leading to a continuing debate. | ||
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A great power is a sovereign state that is recognized as having the ability and expertise to exert its influence on a global scale. Great powers characteristically possess military and economic strength, as well as diplomatic and soft power influence, which may cause middle or small powers to consider the great powers' opinions before taking actions of their own. International relations theorists have posited that great power status can be characterized into power capabilities, spatial aspects, and status dimensions.
While some nations are widely considered to be great powers, there is no definitive list of them. Sometimes the status of great powers is formally recognized in conferences such as the Congress of Vienna or the United Nations Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States serve as the body's five permanent members).
The term "great power" was first used to represent the most important powers in Europe during the post-Napoleonic era. The "Great Powers" constituted the "Concert of Europe" and claimed the right to joint enforcement of the postwar treaties. The formalization of the division between small powers and great powers came about with the signing of the Treaty of Chaumont in 1814. Since then, the international balance of power has shifted numerous times, most dramatically during World War I and World War II. In literature, alternative terms for great power are often world power or major power, but these terms can also be interchangeable with superpower.
See also
- Big Four (Western Europe)
- G7
- List of modern great powers
- NATO Quint
- Power (international relations)
- List of ancient great powers
- List of modern great powers
