world power

a nation, organization, or institution so powerful that it is capable of influencing or changing the course of world events.

Origin of world power

First recorded in 1880–85

This cardinal fact may militate greatly against Russia's position as a world-power in the future, as it has in the past.

Essays on Russian Novelists |William Lyon Phelps
Here the Roman world-power, the imperial dominion, is in view.

The Roman Empire in the Light of Prophecy |W. E. Vine
They encourage the cherishing of designs of world-power and dreams of universal conquest.

The Rise of Rail-Power in War and Conquest, 1833-1914 |Edwin A. Pratt
They have risen with stupendous strides into a very eminent position as a World-Power, a Power to be reckoned with.

Defenseless America |Hudson Maxim

The needle of the compass of progress has always pointed west; at least always since the Medo-Persian was the world-power.

Quiet Talks with World Winners |S. D. Gordon

world power

a state that possesses sufficient power to influence events throughout the world