Where Australia ranks among the most powerful countries in Asia
September 25
The Lowy Institute think tank in Sydney has released its 2024 Asia Power Index, ranking nations on their ability to influence the region - the world's fastest growing.
Experts assessed the economic, military, cultural, and diplomatic powers of countries as well as factors such as resilience and future resources of countries in a region stretching from Pakistan in the east and Russia in the north to the US in the west.
Click through to see where Australia ranks.
10. Thailand
Thailand is a middle power in Asia. Its strongest measures are cultural influence and economic relationships, where it places seventh.
These are the result of its integration into regional supply chains and strong connectivity with other nations in the region.
9. Indonesia
Indonesia increased its score by 2.9 points in 2024, the biggest increase of any country in the Index.
Its minerals and mining capabilities earned Indonesia sixth place for future resources.
8. Singapore
Singapore remains a standout performer relative to its small size and population.
The city-state is highly networked and outwardly looking, achieving its highest ranking of fourth place for economic relationships
6. Russia
Russia's overall score marginally declined in 2024, one of only three countries to record a fall.
Russia increased its score for military capability, on the back of it mobilising a war economy in support of its invasion of Ukraine. But it fell back on other measurements, such as economic resilience.
5. Australia
Australia's power increased, overtaking Russia to become the fifth-ranked power in Asia.
The nation performs best in defence networks, where it places second, due to its long-standing alliance with the US. But Australia scored less well fo future resources, where it ranks ninth, reflecting the projected relatively smaller size of the Australian economy in future years.
4. Japan
The overall score of economic powerhouse Japan increased by 1.6 points in 2024, but it was pushed into fourth place by India.
Japan scores best in diplomatic influence, where it ranked second.
3. India
India, under its Prime Minister Narendra Modi, jumped up the index to become the third most powerful nation in Asia.
The nation of 1.4 billion people performs best in the future resources measure, placing third.
2. China
China is a superpower in Asia and is the highest-ranked country for economic relationships and diplomatic influence.
It also regained its top ranking for diplomatic influence in 2024, reflecting the nation's extensive diplomatic throughout Asia.
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