The Illusion of Great Power
The concept of a "great power" is flawed and imprecise, as it fails to consider the diverse factors that contribute to military might beyond weapons and troop numbers. Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine exposed its underlying weaknesses in social, political, economic, and technological aspects of power. Instead, the idea of a "full-spectrum power" is more useful, taking into account a country's economic, technological, and military capabilities. Only a few countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Soviet Union, and China, have achieved full-spectrum power throughout history. Understanding the nuances of power can prevent overestimating threats and guide more effective foreign policy decisions.