superpower

State that through disproportionate military or economic strength can dominate smaller nations. The term was used to describe the USA and the USSR from the end of World War II, when they emerged as significantly stronger than all other countries. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the USA has been, arguably, now the world's sole superpower. However, the economic growth of both China and India is becoming an increasing factor in the 21st century, while Russia retains formidable influence both militarily and as a major international energy supplier.