Great Powers
Introduction to Great Powers
Great Powers, the most powerful nations. Political scientists often refer to nations as states-that is, territories controlled by a single government and inhabited by a distinct population. At any given time, about half a dozen states possess the majority of the world’s power resources. Generally, a great power can be defeated militarily only by another great power. Great powers also tend to share a global outlook, based on a need to protect national economic, political, and security interests that may extend throughout the world. Sometimes the status of great powers is formally recognized in an international structure. For instance, in the Concert of Europe that prevailed throughout much of the 19th century, the great powers of Britain, France, Austria, Prussia, and Russia agreed to meet regularly to promote and preserve peace in Europe. After World War II ended in 1945, the United Nations Security Council provided a forum for coordinated action by the great powers in the second half of the 20th century-the United States, Britain, France, the Soviet Union, and China.” (1)
Resources
Notes and References
- Information about Great Powers in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia
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