In this article, we look at the five most powerful countries ruling the world in 2050. You can read about the changing global power dynamics by heading over to the 20 Most Powerful Countries Ruling the World in 2050.
5. Germany
Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $6.14 trillion
Forecasted Defense Expenditure in 2050: $64.87 billion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 8
Score: 0.819
We begin our list with Germany, which is projected to be the ninth largest economy in the world in terms of purchasing power parity, with an estimated GDP (PPP) of over $6 trillion in 2050. The country spent over $55 billion on defense in 2022, and that figure is likely to see a steady increase over the coming decades on the back of a strong economy. Germany also currently ranks as the eighth most technologically advanced country in the world.
4. United Kingdom
Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $5.37 trillion
Forecasted Defense Expenditure in 2050: $92.57 billion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 4
Score: 0.843
The United Kingdom will continue to remain a major global power in 2050, due to its strong and robust economy, with technological advancement being one of its key strengths. The country spent $68.46 billion on defense in 2022. It is projected that this figure will continue to climb over the coming two decades. The UK boasts a strong military armed with nuclear weapons and advanced fighter jets.
3. India
Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $44.13 trillion
Forecasted Defense Expenditure in 2050: $138.63 billion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 40
Score: 0.864
India is forecasted to surpass the United States to become the second largest economy in the world in 2050 in terms of PPP. The increase in the country’s economic output is likely to further boost its defense spending, which is already pretty high as Delhi spent an estimated $81 billion on military expenditure in 2022. India has been actively expanding its sphere of influence in the Asian continent, and is the most influential country in South Asia.
2. China
Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $58.5 trillion
Forecasted Defense Expenditure in 2050: $503.39 billion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 12
Score: 0.966
China is fast catching up on the United States for global hegemony. According to the PricewaterhouseCoopers, China is projected to be the largest economy in the world in 2050, with an estimated GDP in PPP terms of $58.5 billion. Based on trends in Chinese military spending between 1990 and 2022, Beijing is forecasted to spend over $500 billion on defense in 2050. The country incurred $292 in military spending in 2022. China is also among the most technologically advanced countries in the world and is leveraging this to its advantage in its domestic tech and defense industries.
1. United States
Projected GDP (PPP) in 2050: $34.1 trillion
Forecasted Defense Expenditure in 2050: $1.35 trillion
Technological Capabilities Rank: 3
Score: 0.972
Despite China significantly bridging the gap, the United States is still expected to be the most powerful country ruling the world in 2050, with a forecasted GDP (PPP) of over $34 trillion and defense spending in excess of $1.3 trillion. Considering the current gap between the United States and the rest of the world, it is difficult to entirely catch up with the country, which currently has the largest fleet of fighter jets and aircraft carriers in the world, over 200 military satellites in orbit, and 759 overseas military bases across 80 countries allowing the US to strike its foes anywhere in the world at will.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also check out our articles on the 11 Magnificent Dividend Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever and Wall Street Analysts See Upside Potential for 10 Stocks with Rising Price Targets.
Follow Insider Monkey on X.
