Based on the Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index 2026, here is a detailed look at the world’s most powerful countries by soft power this year.
United states
In 2026, total military aircraft numbers continue to highlight which countries possess the most expansive and versatile aerial forces.
The United States has approved a proposed $24.3bn sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, subject to congressional review. The decision comes amid renewed fighting with Yemen’s Houthis, Saudi requests for greater US support, concerns over Chinese access to sensitive military technology, and continued debate over Israel’s qualitative military edge.
Singapore tops the 2026 Henley Passport Index with access to 192 destinations, while the United States slips to 10th amid tighter visa policies.
US immigrant visa applications face a worldwide pause as consular training disrupts interviews and adds uncertainty for applicants.
Here is a look at the top 10 best cities for Gen Z to live in 2026, ranked by Gen Z, with some surprise locations in the rankings.
Here are the top 10 strongest passports in 2026, followed by an overview of the world’s weakest passports.
The U.S. Department of State has told Americans across the Middle East to prepare to depart, citing flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and travel disruption at hubs including Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) and Tel Aviv (TLV).
American, Australian, and Japanese Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters have begun flying joint combat missions over northern Australia as part of Exercise Pitch Black 2026, one of the world’s largest multinational air combat drills.
This list of the top 10 countries by GDP in 2026, as flagged by the Worldometer 2026 report, highlights not only economic size but also the factors driving growth in each nation.