Definition

Noun: A major power is a sovereign state that possesses significant political, economic, and military strength, enabling it to exert substantial influence on global affairs and events beyond its own borders. It is a leading nation on the world stage.

Usage

The term "major power" is used to categorize and describe the most influential countries in the international system. It is a formal term common in political science, history, and international relations discourse. * It functions as a countable noun. * It is often used with verbs like be, become, remain, act as, emerge as. * It is frequently modified by adjectives like global, world, leading, established, emerging.

Examples

• In the 20th century, the United States and the Soviet Union were the two dominant major powers.
• Analysts debate whether the country has the economic stability to remain a major power.
• The conference was attended by diplomats from all the world's major powers.
• A nation must have a strong military and a large economy to be considered a major power.

Advanced Usage

• "To act as a major power": To take on the responsibilities and roles expected of a globally influential state.
  • The country is now expected to act as a major power and help mediate the international crisis.
• "The balance of power among major powers": Refers to the state of equilibrium or rivalry between the world's leading nations.
  • The treaty aimed to maintain a stable balance of power among the major powers.

Variants and Related Words

• Superpower (noun): A term for a major power with dominant global influence, especially used during the Cold War for the USA and USSR, and sometimes for the USA today.
• Great Power (noun): A largely synonymous term with major power, often used in historical contexts (e.g., the Great Powers of 19th-century Europe).
• Global Power (noun): Emphasizes the worldwide scope of a nation's influence.
• Major Power Status (noun phrase): The condition or position of being a major power.
  • The nation sought major power status through rapid industrialization.

Synonyms

• Great power
• World power
• Global power
• Superpower (implies a higher degree of dominance)
• Leading nation

Antonyms

• Minor power
• Small state
• Microstate

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Major power rivalry: Competition or conflict between leading states.
• Major power politics: The diplomatic and strategic interactions between the world's most influential nations.
• Concert of Major Powers: Refers to cooperation among leading states to manage international order.

Noun

1. a state powerful enough to influence events throughout the world