A regional power is a term used in the field of international relations to describe a state with power and influence that is to some extent limited to its region of the world. A regional power is similar to a great power, but on a regional rather than global scale. Many regional powers can be regarded as middle powers and vice versa; hence, the two terms can be used interchangeably, though their definitions are not strictly the same. For instance Canada while clearly a middle power would rarely be referred to as a regional power.
Examples of states that are often regarded as regional powers include
- India, Pakistan, and sometimes Iran in south Asia
- Brazil, and sometimes Argentina in Latin America
- South Africa, Nigeria and France in sub-Saharan Africa
- Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East
- China, Japan and sometimes Australia, in southeast Asia
- United Kingdom, France, and Germany in Europe
- Russia in the former Soviet bloc, and central Asia
There is no clear delineation between a "regional power" and a "great power." Different theorists will disagree as to whether some states should be classified as regional or great powers. Also, some states that are regarded as regional powers are potentially future great powers. Examples of states with a hazy status as a regional or great power include the People's Republic of China, Japan, and India.
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