The Asia Power Index is an analytical tool for sharpening the debate on power in the Asia-Pacific published by the Lowy Institute. The Index ranks 26 countries and territories in terms of their power. It explores state power across eight measures and 114 indicators, plots the distribution of power in Asia on an interactive map, compares variations in performance within and among countries, adjusts the principal weightings of the Index, and drills down into hundreds of unique country data points and findings.

Measures Of Asia Power Index

As per the Asia Power Index, a country’s comprehensive power can be evaluated by determining its weighted average of eight thematic measures of power. The first four measures are the resource-based determinants of power (What countries have) and the remaining four are influence-based determinants of power (What countries do with what they have). 

Those eight thematic measures of power are as follows:

• Economic Capability:- This aspect deals with the central economic power and the characteristics of an economy. It is measured by taking into account PPP (Purchasing Power Parity), international leverage, technological sophistication, and global connectivity in terms of GDP.

• • Military Capability:- It deals with the standard military power which is to be measured in terms of spending on defence, armed forces and organisation, weapons, arms and ammunitions, and the Asian military position.

• Resilience:- This measure of the Asia Power Index covers the capacity of a country to put off actual or likely external threats to the stability of a country. It is measured in terms of domestic institutional stability, resource safety and security, geo-economic security, geopolitical security, and nuclear capabilities

• Future Resources:- These are the forecasted division of future resources and capabilities which determines the power. It is measured on the basis of pre-assessed economic and defence resources in 2030, and labour dividend forecasts for 2050.

• Economic Relationships:- This aspect measures the ability of a country to exercise influence and leverage through economic interdependencies. It is measured in terms of trade relations, investment tie-ups, and economic diplomacy with other countries.

• Defence Networks:- Defence networks refer to the defence partnerships and agreements that act as multipliers of autonomous military strength. It can be measured through assessments of alliances (or ties), defence diplomacy, and arms and ammunition transfers.

• Diplomatic Influence:- Diplomatic influence is the extent and standing of a country’s foreign networks which is measured in terms of diplomatic relations, involvement in multilateral institutions, and the entire foreign policies and strategic vision.

• Cultural Influence:- It deals with the ability of a country or a territory to shape international public opinion through cultural appeal and interaction. It is measured in terms of cultural projection, inflow or outflow of information and people.

Asia Power Index 2021 List

This section of the article contains the Asia Power Index 2021 list. The list depicts India ranked as fourth in Asia Power Index 2021 while the rank of Pakistan in Asia Power Index 2021 was “fifteen”.

• Super Powers:- The countries or territories with 70 points or more are known as “Super powers”.
• Middle Powers:- The countries or territories with 10 points or more are known as “Middle powers”.
• Minor Powers:- The countries or territories with less than 10 points are known as “Minor powers”.

Key Findings Of Asia Power Index 2021

• India has left behind many giant countries like Russia and Australia – (India ranked as fourth in Asia Power Index 2021).
• The extensive powers and strengths of almost all the countries has dropped down in 2021 due to the covid-19 pandemic. 
• The United States has left behind China in two crucial rankings out of eight. But its gains are catched up by a loss of economic influence. 
• China’s power has stopped for the 1st time after imposing an undisputed primacy in the Indo-Pacific. 
• Japan, India, and Russia are dropping behind China. Also, Australia has been observed to be more dependent on the United States. 
• Indonesia made it to the top ten, but Southeast Asian middle powers are still struggling.

Conclusion

The Asia Power Index takes into account the resources and influences to rank the powers of countries or territories in Indo-Pacific areas, published by the Lowy Institute every year since its inception in 2018. This Index prepares the rankings of 26 countries or territories. The Asia Power Index list 2021 shows India ranked as fourth leaving behind Russia. This article is very useful for students preparing for various competitive exams.