Shifting Power and Influence
The following is an interesting study on how states compare with each other for wielding power and influence over other states globally and regionally. In the conceptualizing influence chapter it states if actor A succeeds in altering actor B's behavior in the desired direction, then A clearly has power over B. I think that a pretty clear metric for assessing relative power.
The study measures the traditional state powers for wielding power: economic, political, and security, but argues the ability to compel or coopt other states to cooperate also depends upon relational power ( includes soft power based on common values and interests), and other factors.
In 1963 the top five countries according to the Global Power Index (GPI):
U.S. 35.5%
USSR 10.2
UK 6.3
France 5.8
W. Ger 5.5
2016 GPI and % of global power
U.S. 23.6%
China 13.4%
Russia 6.4%
Japan 5.8 %
Germany 5.0%
It goes on to explain that many states punch above their anticipated ability to assert influence:
Top 5
Country Expected share of Influence / Actual Share of Influence
Germany 2.5% / 8.6%
France 2.4 / 6.9
U.S. 7.2 / 11.2
Italy 1.5 / 4.9
Netherlands 1.1 / 4.2
http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/publi...obalized-world
Power and Influence in a Globalized World By Jonathan D. Moyer
Quote:
Power and Influence in a Globalized World outlines the strategic framework of the international system's capabilities and interactions amongst the global community. The report shows how power and influence are derived from more than just coercive military capabilities, but are exercised through networks of economic, political, and security interactions involving states as well as non-state actors. The function of this report is to fill in the conceptual and empirical gaps, by creating a new index, the Foreign Bilateral Influence Capacity (FBIC) Index. The FBIC is tasked with identifying the key influencers in the international community, and analyzing those that register above or below their weight in the world, altogether clarifying where the United States and others stand in the international system. The FBIC Index is based on the interaction between states, as well as the relative dependence of one state on another.
