Measure
Snapshot
Brunei
Ranked 18 of 26 for comprehensive power, with an overall score of 10.0 out of 100.
Gained 0.4 points (+4% change) in overall score in 2023.
Gained 0.4 points (+4% change) in overall score in 2023.
Brunei is a minor power in Asia.
Its overall score increased by 0.4 points, making Brunei one of just six countries in the region to register an upward change in its overall score. This was largely due to a significant improvement in its diplomatic influence score, which rose three places to 15th.
Brunei’s increased diplomatic influence reflects positive expert opinion on its 2021 ASEAN chairmanship and the country’s greater diplomatic engagement, including on the issue of Myanmar.
Brunei performs best in the resilience measure, where it places 12th. This reflects its internal stability and favourable but declining energy trade balance. Its lowest ranking is in the military capability measure, where it comes in at 21st place.
Brunei exerts less influence in the region than expected given its available resources, as indicated by the country’s negative power gap score. It is a net underachiever in Asia, with its negative power gap remaining the same in 2022.
Read more analysis in the Key Findings report. Explore further results in the Scores section.
Bilateral trade, current dollars (2020)
Globally, which countries does Brunei do most of its trade with?
Which countries in the region rely most on trade with Brunei?
A country’s weighted average across eight measures of power
Economic size and attributes with the most geopolitical relevance
Conventional military strength
Capacity to deter real or potential threats to state stability
Projected distribution of future economic, military and demographic resources
The capacity to exercise influence and leverage through economic interdependencies
Defence partnerships that act as force multipliers of military capability
The extent and standing of a state’s foreign relations
Ability to shape international public opinion through cultural appeal and interaction