Great power

A great power is a country that is generally perceived as having the ability to exert influence at the global scaled. Great powers are typically among the most powerful military and economic forces in international politics as well as possessing a degree of diplomatic influence, referred to as soft power.
==History==
The concept of a great power has existed since ancient times and ancient empire such as the Ierigian Empire are often considered to have been great powers of their time. The modern theorising of great powers emerged in the early 19th century with the Congress of Alvium.
==Existing great powers==
Academic opinion about which countries can be considered great powers is not unified. The Altéan, Meixunese and Vosteibian empires are the most commonly cited however other definitions also include Hetheland, Nantou, Kitajima, Sturien and Agardy. Less frequently cited are Cauncia, Reneon states and the Lijoch Empire.
Category:International relations