The “Global Soft Power Index 2026” ranking, which measures the international reputation and influence of various countries around the world, has been announced.
Modern.az reports that over 190 countries are included in this index, calculated out of 100 points, and the results reveal the global position of countries not only in economic terms but also in cultural, political, and image aspects.
According to the ranking, Azerbaijan is positioned 85th with 35.4 points. This result indicates that the country holds a moderate position in terms of global “soft power”.
Azerbaijan's position is particularly noteworthy when compared to countries in the region. Turkey, for instance, stands out with a clear difference, ranking 25th with 52.4 points. Iran is positioned 58th with 39.3 points, and Georgia is 61st with 39.0 points. Armenia, however, ranks 93rd with 34.6 points, significantly trailing behind Azerbaijan.
A similar picture is observed within the CIS region. Russia maintains its global influence, ranking 14th with 58.7 points. Ukraine is positioned 47th with 41.4 points. Kazakhstan is 82nd with 35.9 points, and Belarus is 81st with 36.3 points.
When comparing among Turkic states, the difference becomes clearer. Turkey is the clear leader in this group, ranking within the top 30. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan show similar results. Uzbekistan's position at 92nd with 34.5 points indicates that a large portion of the region's countries are still in the process of increasing their global influence. Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan are also on the list but are positioned in lower ranks, indicating a weaker standing.
At the top of the ranking, global powers are traditionally positioned. The USA holds the first place with 74.9 points, China is second with 73.5 points, and Japan is third with 70.6 points. The United Kingdom and Germany also complete the top five, acting as key centers of global influence.
At the bottom of the list are mainly small island states and countries with weak economies. The positioning of countries like Vanuatu, Nauru, and Kiribati in the lowest ranks is explained by their limited international influence.
