In the early 21st century, there’s really only one country that rivals the world’s once-great empires in terms of its global impact. It may not be the world’s favorite nation, but there is no denying its presence in everything from international politics to entertainment.
The United States is the most influential country, according to more than 8,000 informed elites from four different regions who filled out surveys for the 2016 Best Countries rankings. The rankings, formed in partnership with brand strategy firm BAV Consulting and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, aim to gauge global perceptions of the world’s biggest economies in terms of specific attributes associated with countries.
The Most Influential Countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany and China, scored highest in a compilation of five country attributes: a leader, connected to the rest of the world, has an influential culture, politically influential and strong international alliances. The small nations of the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Sri Lanka were perceived to be the least influential.
The United States has the world’s largest economy and military, giving it plenty of weight to throw around at international summits or in trade negotiations. Yet the superpower’s influence is almost as much cultural as it is political. The U.S. media and entertainment industry is the world’s largest, making up a third of the entire global market. U.S.-made music, movies and television are consumed worldwide.
The other countries that did well on the list were also among the world’s leading military and economic powers. Of the top six most influential countries, all are members of the United Nations Security Council, except Germany, which placed No. 3. Although the United Kingdom turned over its last significant colony — Hong Kong — in 1997, the country is second on the list, suggesting there may be lingering effects of its great 19th and early 20th century empire.
The Top 5 Most Influential Countries
No. 5: France
France, one of the European Union’s largest economies, is a founding member of the United Nations and has a permanent seat on its Security Council. The former colonial power has a rich cultural heritage. French cuisine and wine are known throughout the world, and many of the most famous Western philosophers and academics hail from the country.
No. 4: China
China, which has the world’s second-largest economy, has been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council since 1971. The country is also building a large military. China is home to one of the world’s greatest and oldest civilizations, and its culture has touched many of its East Asian neighbors. About one-fifth of the world is of Chinese nationality, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
No. 3: Germany
Germany, one of the world’s largest economies, is a member of major international organizations, including the United Nations, the European Union, Group of 20, NATO and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The country’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, is often featured in lists of the world’s most influential world leaders. Germany has produced some of the world’s leading figures in the natural and social sciences, as well as the arts.
No. 2: United Kingdom
The British Empire, which once spanned from Africa to Australia, has left a cultural imprint on much of the world. As a victor in the World War II, the United Kingdom earned a permanent spot and veto power on the United Nations Security Council. The country, which has one of the largest economies in the European Union, plays a large role in major international organizations, including the EU, the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, NATO and the Group of 20.
No. 1: United States
It’s not too surprising that the world’s largest economic and military power is perceived to be the most influential country. A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the U.S. also plays a large and leading role in NATO and the World Bank. The U.S. is also an entertainment giant –producing the majority of the top 30 feature films in countries outside of its border, according to UNESCO.
Want to Know More?
Click to see the full list of Most Influential Countries, or visit the U.S. News Best Countries homepage to find news and more rankings. The 2016 Best Countries report and rankings were formed in partnership with brand strategy firm BAV Consulting and The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania.
More from U.S. News
Best Countries Overview Article
What Country is No. 1? Not the U.S.
The U.S. and U.K. are the World’s Most Influential Countries, Survey Finds originally appeared on usnews.com
