Based on global geopolitics and the nature of international relations, there are various methods for categorizing these relations. Here, I propose a simple yet insightful classification system that evaluates countries based on two criteria: national power and governance capability.
1. Weak Nation – Weak Governance (Weak-Weak Type)
Countries in this category possess limited or average national strength and are governed by administrations with poor governance capabilities.
2. Strong Nation – Weak Governance (Strong-Weak Type)
These countries enjoy significant national strength but are hindered by weak governance. Examples include France and Germany.
3. Weak Nation – Strong Governance (Weak-Strong Type)
In this category, countries have limited or moderate national power but are governed by highly capable governments. A representative example is Russia.
4. Strong Nation – Strong Governance (Strong-Strong Type)
These nations are powerful both in terms of national strength and governance capacity. Only two countries arguably fall into this category: the United States and the Vatican.
An interesting case is Russia, which exemplifies the Weak-Strong type. Despite its relatively limited national strength, the Putin administration demonstrates robust governance. Such nations tend to be prone to conflict, capable of initiating and sustaining war. Had China fully understood this dynamic in the past, there might not have been the China-Vietnam War, as Vietnam also fits this Weak-Strong model.
As for the Strong–Strong type, exemplified by the United States, its national strength is beyond question. Equally notable is its strong governance, characterized by its professional administrative institutions. In contrast, weak–weak countries are largely inconsequential on the global stage as their presence or absence is unlikely to generate any significant impact. Meanwhile, Strong–Strong nations can afford to disregard external opinions altogether.
Although the international landscape is constantly evolving and international relations are complex, nations can broadly be categorized into these four types.