United Kingdom -- Can we consider it a Superpower?

Let's say if she's attacked by Russia, can she defend herself and counterattack..

How does she compare in military wise to China's forces?

So do you consider UK a superpower?

No, THe UK is not a military super power. They do have a very strong militray force, but they do not have the assests to wage war against a force like China or the Soviets (I still can't call them the Russians). It's naval force is not uo to task. The UK has no major carrier group. And by that I mean somehting on the level of a US Naval carrier. It's naval assests for their carriers are VSTOl aircraft and anti sub choppers. It's ground force are capable of holding their own, but once again.. they do not have the means to move them without NATO (aka...USA) support. It's nuclear force is with it's subs and bombers. It has no ICBMs. No qick strike opition unless it places it's subs near the enemy coast. Yes, you can get a first strike with that opition but then that means the UK has attacked first. It's Air Power can also hold it's own, but remember, most of it's assests are tied in with US Froces in the UK. And that is due to NATO treaties and also the 99 year lease of bases. It's to the point that the UK naval forces play b!tch to the US. I don't want to be mean. But it's the truth. THat's because the UK and the USA have become such close allies, that the UK depends on the USA for alot of things.

The only superpower in the world at the moment is the USA. There are regional powers such as China and the UK but they are not superpowers at all.

No the days of being a super power have passed, but one thing is sure if some one upsets us then they can find them selfs with trouble on their hands. Our forces may not be large but they are well balanced, well trained and well armed with good leadership.

Being a superpower is besides being at the forefront of nations, an onerous responsibility. Something we are all too well aware of in the US these days. Britain is actually better off in many ways to have left those days behind. Not that she doesn't still act responsibly in the world as often as she can.

Being a super power got us into WW1 & WW2 and that set us back on our heels.

WW I , and even more so II, effectively took away the UKs superpower status and gave it to the US.

Before beginning a thread like this one should define what it is they are asking comment on. For example, define superpower, what does that mean.
I don't mean any disrespect , but it would help better define the discourse to follow.
I have the same problem with similar threads, for example what is the best jet fighter? Of all time, or currently?
8)
Just my humble opinion.

I hate to say it, but the UK is not a superpower. Not anymore. It was one during its colonial heydays, pre WW II. Damn sorry to say it, but brittania no longer rules the waves...

However, I will say this- the british armed forces, albeit their small size, are very potent, well trained and reasonably well equipped. Its SF are most likely (c/f the israelis) the best in the world.

Originally Posted by tomtom22

Before beginning a thread like this one should define what it is they are asking comment on. For example, define superpower, what does that mean.

While there are many definitions, superpower as it applies to millitary historians refers to a nation that can project its power effectively to any major geographic region. A regional power is one that carries significant sway in its region, this is the catagory that nations like China and the UK fall under. The difference is that if the US wants to take down Iraq one day in 2002, it can; Brittain does not have the same capabilities to project its power.