Philippines ‘15th most powerful’ in Asia-Pacific

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The Philippines ranked 15th out of 27 countries in the Asia-Pacific region’s most powerful nations for 2024, according to the Asia Power Index released by Australia’s Lowy Institute on Sept. 22.

The country’s position was boosted by its diplomatic influence and military capabilities.

In the 2024 Asia Power Index, the Philippines moved up one spot from its 2023 ranking, scoring 14.7 out of 100, overtaking Pakistan (14.6) and just behind Taiwan (16.0).

The index measures comprehensive power based on the ability to influence other states, divided into two major categories: Resources (economic capability, military capability, resilience, and future resources) and Influence (economic relationships, diplomatic influence, defense networks, and cultural influence).

The Philippines ranked highest in Defense Networks (10th), although this was a drop from last year due to a decrease in its regional alliance network score. The category factors in military alliances, joint training, arms procurement, and other defense partnerships.

Notable improvements were seen in Diplomatic Influence and Future Resources, with the country climbing one and three ranks, respectively.

Diplomatic Influence evaluates the global reach of the Philippines’ diplomatic offices and its participation in multilateral forums.

Future Resources looks at projected economic and military growth by 2035, and demographic trends by 2050.

The country also improved in Economic Relationships, which assesses influence through trade, foreign investment, and economic leverage.

However, the Philippines’ weakest area was Resilience, where it dropped to 20th place with a score of 20.2, a decline of 0.9 points from 2023. This category measures internal security, resource stability, geopolitical security, and nuclear deterrence.

Globally, the Philippines is categorized as a middle power, along with India (3rd), Japan (4th), and Australia (5th).

The United States and China remain the region’s superpowers, scoring 81.7 and 72.7, respectively.

Among Southeast Asian nations, the Philippines ranks 6th, behind Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Brunei Darussalam ranks 18th overall, rounding out the middle powers.

Other ASEAN nations include Cambodia (19th), Laos (22nd), Myanmar (23rd), and Timor-Leste (26th).

Launched in 2018, the Asia Power Index tracks the balance of power across the region, using 131 indicators spread across eight measures to calculate a country’s comprehensive power score.