A great power is a sovereign state that is recognized as having the ability and expertise to exert its influence on a global scale. Great powers characteristically possess military and economic strength, as well as diplomatic and soft power influence, which may cause middle or small powers to consider the great powers' opinions before taking actions of their own. International relations theorists have posited that great power status can be characterized into power capabilities, spatial aspects, and status dimensions.

महाशक्ति एक देश है जो पूर्ण विश्व में अपना प्रभाव फैला सकता है, और जो बुद्धिमान तरह से ऐसे करता है। महाशक्तियाँ के पास सैनिक और अर्थशास्त्रीय शक्ति होती है, इसके अलावा राजनायिक प्रभाव और "नम्र" शक्ति भी होनी चहिए । इन शक्तियां से छोटे शक्तियां को महाशक्तियां की भावनाएँ का आदर करते है।