Global Power
Global Power is a nation’s or entity’s ability to influence or control events worldwide. This power can be political, economic, military, or cultural. It is dynamic, changing with geopolitical shifts, economic trends, technological advancements, and cultural developments. Countries aim to boost their global power to gain more influence and security internationally.
There are eight key parameters of global power: economic strength, military capability, technological innovation, political influence, energy resources, cultural influence, regional dominance and policy alignment. Based on these parameters, the top seven states currently considered as global powers are the United States, China, the European Union (EU), Russia, India, Japan, and Germany.
Large multinational corporations can also wield significant global influence, though they are not traditionally categorized as global powers in the same way countries are. Corporations with significant global influence among other things are Apple inc., Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet Inc. (Google), Saudi Aramco, Samsung and Tesla, Inc.
Various institutions, research centers, and organizations regularly publish rankings of countries across different dimensions of power. For example, the Global Firepower Index, released annually by Global Firepower, assesses military strength based on factors like manpower, equipment, and defense budget. In terms of economic strength, the Economist Intelligence Unit publishes the annual Global Economic Prospects report, analyzing economic trends, growth prospects, and risks worldwide. Lastly, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) compiles the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures well-being based on health, education, and standard of living.
Multipolarity
In today’s interconnected world, the balance of power has shifted. Rather than a single dominant force, we now observe multiple key parameters with varying strengths. These diverse centers of influence − whether economic, military, or technological − have collectively propelled us toward a state of multipolarity. Understanding this shift is crucial for navigating the complexities of international relations and global affairs.
As the world transitions from a unipolar order to a multipolar one, with rising powers like China challenging US dominance, navigating the global landscape requires strategic agility. Countries must become adept at playing the field. This means discerning when to cooperate with different power blocs on issues of mutual interest, collaborate for regional stability or economic benefit, or even maintain a degree of independence to pursue national priorities. The key lies in a nuanced understanding of the evolving power dynamics and a willingness to engage in flexible diplomacy.
Indonesia navigates a complex multipolar world. Strategic cooperation with China fuels resource development, economic partnership, infrastructure development and joint efforts in addressing global challenges. Meanwhile the US remains a key partner for technology, counter terrorism and regional stability. New ties with Russia are explored, offering potential in defense, nuclear energy, agricultural product and trade. The EU presents a challenge of a bit hostile behavior regarding eco-compliance necessitates a delicate balancing act to access markets and promote fair trade.
From domestic perspective, Indonesia strives for leadership among developing nations, maneuvering for strategic advantage and technological advancement through partnerships, all while maintaining independence.
Within this strategic dance, Indonesia aspires to regional leadership. It seeks to be a dominant actor in ASEAN and a hub connecting Asia-Pacific nations across its territory. This is in line with geographical position of Indonesia as maritime state. This ambition necessitates balancing partnerships for development with advocating for its interests and maintaining strategic autonomy.
Welcoming the new Administration
As a major country between Asia-Pacific and Asia-Middle East-Africa, Indonesia must manage its strategic choke points at large. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, early in his administration, declared Indonesia to be a key player in a maritime axis. Achieving this requires readiness and strategic capability development, including infrastructure for international trade fleets, military bases for navigation, technological support, the proper legal instruments, and a shift to a maritime culture.
The reallocation of priorities due to limited economic resources and the recent pandemic has necessitated a governmental focus on developing fundamental economic and transportation infrastructure, addressing public health crises, and fostering economic recovery.
The escalating tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, along with disputes in the South China Sea − viewed by China as a strategic region − pose potential challenges for Indonesia, particularly concerning its oil and gas reserves in the North Natuna Sea.
Moreover, global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the European Union’s stringent environmental policies, and the implications of the forthcoming United States Presidential Election demand astute consideration and strategic planning from Indonesia’s incoming leadership.
Regionally, the adoption of new energy sources is of paramount importance. The AA PowerLink Project by Sun Cable, with backing from the Australian government, aims to transmit solar-generated electricity from the Northern Territory to Singapore via an undersea cable. This cable, which spans over 4,000 kilometers through Indonesian waters, employs High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology, preventing Indonesia from connecting to the transmission line. From geostrategic energy standpoint, Indonesia should advocate for the implementation of High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) technology, which would allow for the integration of multiple power sources and benefit regions such as
East Nusa Tenggara, which is rich in solar potential.
The incoming administration, under President-elect Prabowo Subianto, is expected to continue the development initiatives of President Jokowi while simultaneously addressing global and regional challenges. This dual approach will be crucial in positioning Indonesia as a future global power and achieving the nation’s vision of Indonesia Emas (Golden Indonesia) by 2045.
The writer is Doctor of Geostrategy Energy at the Indonesian Defense University and Senior Advisor to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (2019-2023). The article is his personal opinion.
