As compiled by Business Insider from rankings published in Fire Power, the Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, this table gives a glimpse of the relative military strengths of the top 35 militaries in the world today.
Download Most Powerful Militaries in the World
However, these rankings fail to take into account global outreach, including military outposts, allies, strategic choke points, global communication and surveillance systems as well as the quality of the militaries, including cutting-edge technologies, combat readiness, integrated warfare and advanced research capabilities, all of which put the United States a cut above the rest.
On the other hand, these rankings also miss the increasingly important asymmetric warfare capabilities, including cyber-warfare and terrorism.
In any case, they have also to be put in the context of comprehensive power, including economic influence (not only in terms of GDP but also global connectivity and dependance) and scientific leadership, as well as the exercise of "smart power" including soft power, where China at best is playing "catching up".
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