Asia Power Index

Table of Contents☰

About Asia Power Index:

It was launched by the Lowy Institute in 2018.
It is an annual measure of power dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
It evaluates 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, examining their ability to shape and respond to the external environment.
The Index focuses on both the material capabilities of states and the influence they exert on the international stage.
The 2024 edition offers one of the most comprehensive assessments of power distribution in the region to date. Timor-Leste has been included for the first time, reflecting its growing importance in Southeast Asia.
It index is divided into resource-based and influence-based determinants
Resource-Based Determinants:
- Economic Capability: The core economic strength of a country, measured through indicators like GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP), technological sophistication, and global economic connectivity.
- Military Capability: Evaluates conventional military strength based on defense spending, armed forces, weapon systems, and signature capabilities like long-range power projection.
- Resilience: The internal capacity to deter threats to state stability, including institutional robustness, geopolitical security, and resource security.
- Future Resources: Forecasts the future distribution of resources, including economic, military, and demographic factors projected for 2035.
Influence-Based Determinants:
- Economic Relationships: The capacity to exercise leverage through trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.
- Defense Networks: The strength of alliances and partnerships, measured through military cooperation and arms transfers.
- Diplomatic Influence: The extent of a country’s diplomatic reach, participation in multilateral forums, and foreign policy ambition.
- Cultural Influence: The ability to shape international public opinion through cultural exports, media, and people-to-people ties.
A country’s overall power score is derived from a weighted average of these eight measures, encompassing 131 individual indicators.

Q1: What Is Purchasing Power Parity?

Purchasing power parity (PPP) is a popular macroeconomic analysis metric used to compare economic productivity and standards of living between countries. PPP involves an economic theory that compares different countries’ currencies through a “basket of goods” approach.

Source: India becomes 3rd Most Powerful Nation in Asia, Surpasses Japan in Asia Power Index