Potential Superpowers

A potential superpower is a sovereign state that is speculated to be, or have the potential to become a superpower; characterized by the ability to exert influence and project power on an interstellar scale through economic, military, technological, political, or cultural means.

Nation	Arguments in Support	Arguments Against	Notes
Brazil – Federative Republic of Brazil	Brazil is sometimes listed among the potential candidates for future superpower status. It controls a vast region of space with easy access to major translight routes and is largely self-sufficient across all critical strategic sectors. Its strong demographics and growing economy likewise provide a solid foundation for sustained influence. Brazilian-led military coalitions during the Bolivarian War and modern conflicts in the Elysian Fields have demonstrated Brazil’s leadership and proficiency in the fight against fascism, strengthening its role as a regional leader among liberal democracies. Brazil also possesses interstellar diplomatic reach and wields considerable cultural soft power through music, sports, film, fashion, and festivals. Portuguese, as one of the most widespread and spoken languages across the Orion Arm, further amplifies Brazil’s cultural influence.	Brazil’s commodity-based economy was built in the Post-Evacuation era on the expectation of an interstellar free trade arrangement that never materialized. It is vulnerable to price swings in sectors where profitability is already razor thin. Corruption, a persistent feature of Brazilian politics since the colonial era, remains deeply embedded within the nation’s complex and inefficient bureaucracy. Compared to the established superpowers, Brazil is less competitive in education, science, and technology, with innovation especially lagging. Meanwhile, an economic rivalry with India and sustained military confrontation with Argentina have constrained Brazil’s ambitions, anchoring its focus to the Local Supercluster rather than the wider Orion Arm.
France – French Republic
Italy – Italian Social Republic
China – Republic of China
India – Republic of India	The Republic of India has received the most consistent coverage in the popular press concerning its potential as an interstellar superpower. In terms of the capabilities a superpower must fulfill, India is generally regarded as presenting the most promising all-round profile. It has a large population, high economic growth and dynamic industries, an expanding military, and exhibits increased activity in geopolitical affairs. Its immediate neighbors are largely friendly, while India is a prominent contributor within many international organizations. Through the Non-Aligned Movement, of which India is a founding member, it is also able to exert greater influence on the interstellar stage.	The Indian Arm remains geographically isolated from major translight lanes, nearly impossible for foreign powers to penetrate, but difficult to project power out from. Its strategic position, combined with several economic disasters, has created a legacy of insularism, from which India has only recently begun to emerge. Indian foreign policy has also largely been incoherent, shaped by shifting domestic priorities, inconsistent ideological commitments, and a cautious approach to external entanglements. It has no lasting treaties or alliances built on trust or friendship. The Non-Aligned Movement remains India’s largest geopolitical accomplishment, but due to its ideological nature, it cannot easily be wielded as an instrument of national power in the way the Comintern or OTO serve the interests of the Soviet Union and the United States respectively.
Centauri – United Centauri Republic	The United Centauri Republic is widely regarded as a leading potential superpower. It is the single most developed and heavily populated planetary system in the Orion Arm, benefitting from its position at the critical intersection of interstellar trade in the Local Supercluster. Alpha Centauri controls key translight lanes and has created a robust financial empire anchored by interstellar trade, logistics, and the service economy clustered around them. It leads the SaTO regional alliance and maintains close ties to O.T.O.-aligned powers, while its navy ranks among the most capable in the Orion Arm.	Though the oldest "independent" colony in the Orion Arm, Alpha Centauri spent much of its history as a League of Nations protectorate and has struggled to redefine itself since gaining sovereignty. It is still widely perceived as a puppet of the O.T.O., a perception that has thus far blocked its ascension to the League of Nations Security Council and undermined its claims to true superpower status. Its wars on behalf of the superpowers during the Interstellar Dark Age, often against regional independence movements, further alienated natural trade partners, damaging even modern relationships. While Alpha Centauri’s concentrated development offers certain advantages, it lacks the expansive territorial depth of established superpowers, which often span dozens or even hundreds of systems. This structural limitation, unique among major powers, remains an unresolved vulnerability.
Great Britain – United Kingdom

Former Candidates

Nation	Arguments in Support	Arguments Against	Notes
United Solar Federation