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
Director, Southeast Asia Program
Director of Research
Data Analyst, Asia Power Index
Enter Cambodia’s Hun Manet
Enter Cambodia’s Hun Manet
Among its 133 indicators, the Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index – an annual survey of the distribution of power in the region – tracks defence dialogues (the number of meetings…
Why Australia needs to own its strategic power
Commentary
Why Australia needs to own its strategic power
Australia will need to shape a region likely to be made up of a messy patchwork of coalitions, rather than a grand concert of powers. First published in the Australian…
Power in Asia: six surprising facts
Power in Asia: six surprising facts
This year’s Lowy Institute Asia Power Index – an annual measure and analysis of each country’s resources and influence in the region – uncovered a number of unexpected findings. …
The big picture: five lessons for five years of the Asia Power Index
The big picture: five lessons for five years of the Asia Power Index
This morning we released the 2023 edition of the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index. This data-driven assessment measures national resources and international influence to determine…
China’s reopening, America’s challenge
Commentary
China’s reopening, America’s challenge
China is likely to emerge from its Covid-19 isolation a more potent competitor for influence in Asia. First published in The Straits Times.
2023 Asia Power Index - Key Findings Report
Analyses
2023 Asia Power Index - Key Findings Report
In-depth analysis and insight into the changing power distribution in Asia and its geopolitical consequences.
2023 Asia Power Index
Interactives
2023 Asia Power Index
A comprehensive assessment of the changing distribution of power in Asia, ranking 26 countries and territories through 133 indicators.
Malaysian politics after the election - what to expect from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim?
Podcasts
Malaysian politics after the election - what to expect from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim?
In this episode of Conversations, Susannah Patton talks to Amrita Malhi about the political outlook for Malaysia following the November general election. 
Commentary
Managing Asia’s bipolar disorder
US standing is up, China has been dragged down and middle nations have seen a steady decline in their influence, according to the latest Lowy Institute Asia Power Index…
Covid in Asia: the immediate payoff of donating vaccines
Covid in Asia: the immediate payoff of donating vaccines
Covid-19 has loomed large over everything again this year and the new Omicron variant is a warning that there is still plenty of fight left in the virus. But the pandemic is…
The Sydney Morning Herald
8 March 2023
Eurasia Review
7 March 2023
ABC RN Counterpoint
6 March 2023
The Straits Times
14 February 2023
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
13 February 2023
Business World (Philippines)
13 February 2023
Jiji Press (Japan)
12 February 2023