What Makes a Country Powerful Today?

10 Mar 2025

7 Min Read

Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Engagement

IN THIS ARTICLE

Written by Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Engagement at Taylor’s University and former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia. He can be reached at kianming.ong@taylors.edu.my.

When you think of a powerful country, what comes to mind? Is it military strength, a booming economy, or maybe international influence? Surprisingly, power isn’t always about size or wealth. Let’s explore what makes a country powerful today—and how even smaller nations can punch above their weight.

Global Rankings: Who Stands Out?

Countries are ranked for their power using different measures. For example, the Henley Passport Index lists the world’s most powerful passports—those that allow travel to the most countries without a visa. As of 2024, Singapore ranks first with access to 195 countries, followed by Japan with 193, and Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Spain with 192.

In terms of digitalisation, Huawei’s Global Digitalisation Index ranks the United States, Singapore, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark as the top five in 2024. This index measures digitalisation progress using 42 indicators under four enablers:

Ubiquitous Connectivity: Imagine having super-fast internet everywhere you go, whether you’re at home, school, or on the move. This means you can stream, learn, and connect with friends anytime, anywhere.
Digital Foundation: Think of this as the powerful engine behind all your favorite apps and games. It includes computers, data storage, and cloud services that keep our digital world running smoothly.
Green Energy: This is all about powering our digital tech with clean, renewable energy. It helps reduce pollution and protects the planet while keeping our gadgets and networks humming.
Policy & Ecosystem: Imagine a team of smart decision-makers and innovative companies all working together. They create rules and a supportive environment that makes it easier for new digital ideas to take off and grow.

Futuristic holographic 5G digital wireless high speed fifth innovative generation for cellular network connectivity, high speed Internet broadband network and telecommunication concept with holographic city

When it comes to economic competitiveness, the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking for 2024 highlights Singapore, Switzerland, Denmark, Ireland, and Hong Kong as the best-performing economies. Governments play a crucial role by providing an environment characterised by efficient infrastructure, institutions, and policies that encourage sustainable value creation by enterprise.

Why Size Doesn’t Always Matter

Being big isn’t everything. Smaller countries like Singapore and Switzerland prove that power comes in different forms. Despite its size, Singapore attracts global businesses to set up their headquarters there. With one of the world’s busiest airports and shipping ports, it has become a major global trade hub.

Similarly, the Nordic countries are home to world-class companies in manufacturing and services, including IKEA (Sweden), Novo Nordisk and Maersk (Denmark), Telenor and Aker (Norway), Nokia and Kone (Finland), to name a few. Spotify, one of the world’s largest audio streaming companies, was founded in and still has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden.

Other countries are following this path. Rwanda, one of Africa’s smallest nations, aims to become a tech and financial hub like Singapore. In the Middle East, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are transforming into centres of finance and logistics, attracting businesses and talent from around the world.

— Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming

What Can We Learn from These Countries?

Three key lessons stand out when we look at what makes a country powerful:

Using What You Have: Countries can gain power by leveraging their natural resources, skilled workforce, or strategic location. Governments play a key role by implementing long-term policies that drive economic growth and talent development.
Building Successful Companies: Strong businesses enhance a country's global influence. By supporting companies that can compete on the world stage, countries increase their economic and cultural impact.
Attracting People and Ideas: The people who live and work in a country contribute to its success. By welcoming talented individuals from around the world, countries can boost innovation and strengthen their economies.

Warm sunset hues bathe a bustling city skyline and curving highway in golden light

More Than Just Headlines

While global superpowers like the United States and China often dominate the news, smaller countries are proving that power isn’t just about size. With thriving economies, high standards of living, and content citizens, countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and the Nordic nations are showing the world that success comes in many forms.

So, the next time you think about what makes a country powerful, remember—it’s not always about being the biggest. Sometimes, it’s about being the smartest, most connected, and most innovative.

Just like countries leverage their strengths to influence the world, you can unlock your potential to create impact. Begin with a Foundation or Diploma in Business to build essential skills in economics, strategy, and global markets. Then, progress to the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) programme, where you'll explore how governments, businesses, and individuals shape global power.

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