Programs & Projects

The Power and Diplomacy Program

Asia Power Index

The Lowy Institute Asia Power Index is an analytical tool for sharpening debate on power in the Asia-Pacific. The Index ranks 26 countries and territories in terms of their power, reaching as far west as Pakistan, as far north as Russia, and as far into the Pacific as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Explore state power across eight measures and 133 indicators. Plot the distribution of power in Asia on an interactive map. Compare variations in performance within and between countries. Adjust the principal weightings of the Index. And drill down into hundreds of unique country data points and findings.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
The Global Power Balance Shifts Toward Asia
Commentary
The Global Power Balance Shifts Toward Asia
Originally published on Brink News. Bonnie Bley , Hervé Lemahieu
North Korea is a dangerous distraction
Commentary
North Korea is a dangerous distraction
The real struggle in Asia is with China — and Trump is throwing away U.S. advantages. First published by Foreign Policy on 23 May 2018. Michael Fullilove , Hervé…
US remains the top power in Asia but for how long, as Trump erodes vital alliances?
Commentary
US remains the top power in Asia but for how long, as Trump erodes vital alliances?
Michael Fullilove and Hervé Lemahieu say China is rapidly gaining on the US as an Asian regional power, and the Trump administration’s mismanagement of trade and diplomatic ties…
Australia must shed self-doubt over its place in the new Asia
Commentary
Australia must shed self-doubt over its place in the new Asia
Originally published in The Australian on 9 May 2018. Michael Fullilove , Hervé Lemahieu
Unexpected lessons on measuring power in Asia
Unexpected lessons on measuring power in Asia
If the number of skyscrapers is an indication of a city’s prestige, then Pyongyang’s 16 would seem to dwarf the mere two that are found in Auckland. Power can be judged in…
Asia’s educational arms race
Asia’s educational arms race
Once again East Asian countries have dominated the global education tables. In recent weeks, both the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the OECD’s Programme for…
Australian Associated Press
21 April 2023
Australian Financial Review
21 April 2023
Agence France-Presse
20 April 2023
The Sydney Morning Herald
8 March 2023
Eurasia Review
7 March 2023
ABC RN Counterpoint
6 March 2023