In this article, we look at the five most powerful Asian countries in 2024. You can read about Asia’s corporate power and the arms race in this critical region of the world by heading over to the 15 Most Powerful Asian Countries in 2024.
5. Turkiye
Economic Strength Rank: 6
Military Strength Rank: 5
Political Power Rank: 7
Cultural Influence Rank: 7
Weighted-Average Ranking: 1.48
Turkiye, located at the intersection of Asia and Europe, is the most powerful country in the Middle East. It is a member of NATO, which provides the country sufficient geopolitical clout. The economy remains robust and resilient despite the Lira crashing significantly against the US Dollar in the past two years. According to the IMF, Turkiye’s economy was measured at $1.15 trillion in 2023. Culturally, the country has been expanding its influence by attracting millions of tourists every year and dubbing its television series in several international languages to attract larger audiences.
4. South Korea
Economic Strength Rank: 4
Military Strength Rank: 4
Political Power Rank: 4
Cultural Influence Rank: 8
Weighted-Average Ranking: 1.10
South Korea is one of the most powerful Asian countries, with a GDP of over $1.7 trillion in 2023. The country boasts having the fourth strongest military in the continent, with a manpower of over 600,000 troops, and a large fleet of tanks, fighter jets, and submarines. South Korea ranked 15th on Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index 2023, and is one of the most culturally influential countries in the world, with Korean pop music, fashion, and cuisine making waves across the globe.
3. India
Economic Strength Rank: 3
Military Strength Rank: 2
Political Power Rank: 10
Cultural Influence Rank: 1
Weighted-Average Ranking: 0.88
India is the third most powerful country in Asia. Its GDP was measured at $3.7 trillion in nominal terms in 2023. The country’s huge market size due to a large population has accorded India immense economic strength, which has translated into military power as well. It is now the fourth most strongest military in the world, and the second most powerful in the continent. India’s rich history, traditions, and a billion-dollar film industry have been instrumental in expanding its soft power and cultural influence over the world.
2. Japan
Economic Strength Rank: 2
Military Strength Rank: 3
Political Power Rank: 1
Cultural Influence Rank: 3
Weighted-Average Ranking: 0.58
Next up at second spot is Japan, which is an important player on the world stage due to its economic, military, political, and cultural strength. The country had a GDP of over $4.2 trillion in 2023, and its military is ranked as the seventh best in the world and the third strongest in the continent. According to Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index 2023, Japan is the most politically influential country in Asia.
1. China
Economic Strength Rank: 1
Military Strength Rank: 1
Political Power Rank: 2
Cultural Influence Rank: 4
Weighted-Average Ranking: 0.36
China is the most powerful country in Asia, with a GDP of $17.7 trillion – the second largest economy in the world after the United States. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, China will be the world’s largest economy and alone make up for 20% of the world’s GDP by 2050. Militarily too, it is fast catching up to the US in terms of technological capabilities. Currently, it is the second most politically influential country in Asia, and ranks fourth in the continent for cultural influence.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also check out our articles on 16 Most Undervalued Quality Stocks To Buy According To Hedge Funds and Wall Street Analysts See Upside Potential for 10 Stocks with Rising Price Targets.
Follow Insider Monkey on X.
