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State power: key factors



by Martin Aslan

Introduction

State power is characterized by its ability to impose its choices on other players. The levers of this power are defined by several dimensions and capacities.

The territorial dimension can provide resources of various kinds (agricultural, mining, hydrocarbons, etc.), but there are states with large territorial areas that derive little power from them, and the reverse is also true. For example, Sudan has vast land but limited influence, whereas Qatar, with a much smaller territory, wields considerable power.

The demographic dimension offers growth potential. It can be an asset or a burden: an asset when the political and socio-economic dynamics favor the creation of tangible or intangible goods and innovation, but a burden in unfavorable conditions.

The economic dimension undeniably confers power, manifesting in investment capacity, penetration or even domination of other markets, and control of capital markets, currencies, and raw materials.

The socio-cultural dimension also plays a key role in influence or soft power. Language, the dissemination of cultural goods, and success in global events such as the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup enhance a state's influence. This dimension provides intangible evidence of power.

Finally, diplomatic and military capabilities round off a country's superpower status. These two capabilities are closely linked and often make the difference, even if all the other dimensions described above are present.

The countries that meet these criteria include the USA, Russia, and China. The European Union represents a special case, meeting all these criteria in a unique, collective manner.

Case Studies of Key Powers

The United States of America

The USA has a territory of 10 million km² and a maritime area of 11 million km². It is bordered by two oceans and has a climate ideal for farming and livestock rearing. Rich in hydrocarbons, the USA possesses abundant energy resources for development. With a population of 330.5 million, it has significant potential for growth.

The economic weight of the USA is evident, combining its territorial and demographic strengths. After a slight decline in 2020 due to COVID-19, GDP growth resumed in 2021. Although American culture lacks the depth of a nation with millennia of history, English is the most widely spoken language in the world.

The United States' military capabilities are proportionate to its economic strength. Its defense industry not only produces weapons for its own use but also exports them to allies. Together, these strengths give American diplomacy significant clout, enabling it to assert itself within organizations such as the UN and NATO.

Russia

Russia's vast territory of 17 million km² and a maritime area of 7.5 million km², half of which is under ice, provides space for agriculture, including wheat, beetroot, and potatoes, making it the third-largest cereal producer globally. Additionally, Russia possesses substantial gas and oil reserves, which it exports.

With a population of 146 million, Russia has human potential that contributes to its development. However, economic sanctions due to the war in Ukraine have severely pressured its economy, isolating it from the global stage and challenging its territorial ambitions.

Russia's military power has shown both strengths and weaknesses in Ukraine. While its nuclear arsenal can wreak havoc, conventional means have struggled to deliver decisive success. Diplomatically, Russia faces significant challenges, as illustrated by its exclusion from the United Nations Human Rights Council on April 7, 2022.

China

China fulfills the requirements of a great power, with a territory of 9.5 million km² and a population of 1.4 billion. While it has primary resources such as minerals and hydrocarbons, these are insufficient to meet all its needs, making China reliant on imported raw or recyclable materials.

China’s massive population drives its competitive manufacturing industry, allowing it to produce goods at prices the world depends on. Economically, China is a central pivot, creating global dependence.

As a nuclear power with a substantial army, China projects military strength, though its capabilities remain largely untested in combat. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China wields veto power alongside the USA, Russia, the UK, and France. On the issue of the Ukraine war, China has adopted an ambiguous position, abstaining from the UN resolution condemning Russia. This stance reflects China’s discomfort with the situation.

The European Union

The European Union (EU) is a hybrid power that, collectively, rivals the three major powers discussed above. Comprising 27 member countries, the EU covers an area of 4 million km² with a population of 447 million. The diversity of its member states—geographically, industrially, and culturally—represents a significant asset.

Economically, the EU ranks third globally in GDP, according to the IMF. To enhance its influence, the EU has adopted the euro as its single currency and established its own central bank.

In terms of defense, the EU has a Foreign Security Policy aimed at fostering a common defense strategy (Common Security and Defence Policy). While not a traditional military power, the EU is strengthening its defense technology base and carrying out joint armament programs, such as those led by Airbus Defense and Space.

Diplomatically, the EU plays a growing role, with the war in Ukraine acting as a catalyst for developing its defense and diplomatic capabilities. This reinforces the EU’s position as a global power.

Conclusion

To sum up, a great power is a nation that strikes a balance across several dimensions: territorial, demographic, economic, socio-cultural, military, and diplomatic. However, one essential factor often determines success: alliances.

Alliances prevent isolation, as demonstrated by the European Union, where unity elevates member nations to the level of a great power. Conversely, isolation can hinder even the most resource-rich states, as seen with Russia, which lacks a major ally unless China ends its neutrality. Similarly, Turkey's ambiguous stance as a NATO ally weakens its position, as seen in its contradictory choices between Russian S-400 missiles and American F-35 jets.

Reliable alliances are both a challenge and a key to generating power. States that leverage partnerships effectively can amplify their influence on the global stage.

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