Asia Power Index

• 1. The Lowy Institute Launch

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  In 2018, the Lowy Institute published its first Asia Power Index. This annual report measures resources and influence to rank states in the Indo-Pacific region. The index covers 26 countries and territories across the area. Researchers sought a way to quantify power beyond simple military strength or economic output alone. They wanted a tool that could show how nations interact within this specific geographic zone.

• 2. Thirteen One Indicators

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  Researchers evaluate international power using 131 indicators distributed across eight weighted thematic measures. Economic capability carries a weight of 17.5 percent while military capability also holds 17.5 percent. Resilience accounts for 10 percent of the total score calculation. Future resources make up another 10 percent block of the assessment framework. Economic relationships contribute 15 percent to the final ranking numbers. Defense networks represent 10 percent of the overall evaluation system. Diplomatic influence adds another 10 percent to the mix. Cultural influence rounds out the remaining 10 percent of the scoring structure.

• 3. Superpower Thresholds

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  Annual reports identify nations scoring above 70 points as superpowers with dominant regional influence. In 2025, one country achieved a score of 80.5 points on the scale. Another nation reached 73.7 points in the same year's publication. The 2024 report showed scores of 81.7 and 72.7 for top-ranked states. Historical data from 2023 shows scores of 80.7 and 72.5 for leading powers. The 2021 rankings recorded figures of 82.2 and 74.6 at the summit. A 2020 analysis listed scores of 81.6 and 76.1 for the highest positions. These high scores indicate significant control over economic and military domains within the region.

• 4. Major And Middle Tiers

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  Countries falling between 10 and 40 points are categorized as major or middle powers based on their resource scores. The 2025 ranking placed a state at exactly 40.0 points to mark the major power threshold. Another nation scored 38.8 points, placing it firmly in the middle power category. The 2024 report showed scores of 39.1 and 38.9 for these tiers. In 2023, scores of 37.2 and 36.3 defined the upper range of middle powers. The 2021 data included values of 38.7 and 37.7 for similar classifications. A 2020 assessment listed scores of 41.0 and 39.7 for countries near the top tier boundary. These nations possess substantial resources but lack the overwhelming dominance of superpowers.

• 5. Minor Power Classifications

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  States receiving less than 10 points are classified as minor powers with limited regional impact. The 2025 rankings show scores ranging from 9.5 down to 4.6 for these lower-tier states. One country achieved 9.0 points while another reached just 4.8 points in that year's list. The 2024 report recorded scores between 9.4 and 4.2 for the bottom group. Historical data from 2023 shows figures dropping from 9.1 to 3.3. The 2021 analysis listed scores from 9.4 down to 3.7 for minor powers. A 2020 publication showed values ranging from 9.1 to 3.8 at the lowest end. These nations have minimal influence compared to their larger neighbors within the Indo-Pacific zone.

• 6. Shifting Geopolitical Landscapes

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  Comparative data from 2020 through 2025 reveals shifting geopolitical standings among Asian states. Scores fluctuate annually, showing how power dynamics change over time. The top score dropped from 82.2 in 2021 to 80.5 in 2025. Second-place positions moved from 76.1 in 2020 to 73.7 in 2025. Middle tier scores show similar patterns of adjustment across the five-year period. Major power thresholds shifted slightly as economic conditions evolved. Minor power rankings demonstrate constant movement at the lower end of the scale. These changes reflect real-world events affecting national capabilities and regional relationships.