Board Thread:Fiction Universe Discussion/@comment-4242472-20160124202207

Recently there has been some discussion regarding the recent use of the term hyperpower in the fiction universe. I'm not against this, but what might be useful is some definition due to its historical origins and that term in real-world international relations does not directly correlate with what's going on in the wiki. When it was first introduced, it was understandable. However as things have progressed, we've seen more civilisations rise to match the DCP and Cyrannian Empire.

For those who might not know: Before its use in the fictionverse, "hyperpower" refers to state that is seen to have no legitimate or credible rival. The nation excels in numerous fields of international relations. And has long been the label of the post Cold War United States.

But the short summary is a hyperpower is just that - a state at a level beyond everyone else around it. The world leaders in everything effectively. Which doesn't really work in the fictionverse because that's unfair.

Perhaps we could use an alternative definition of the term? Perhaps rather than being dominant, the term refers to reach and a certain level of influence. A Gigaquadrantic hyperpower could be a nation that can exert its influence on much of the first gigaquadrant. Again we're looking at world leader types but unlike the real-world definition, there won't be a single winner among all.

But so every giant empire isn't labelled (and thus diluting the impact), there is more to power projection than a massive navy. The following are hoe one could become dominant, and a hyperpwoer could be a competitive leader in a few of these:
 * Military influence is probably going to be the most common as we have a number of hyperpower candidates who boast huge militaries. For this one to count, said power would probably require the infrastructure to support being able to police the gigaquadrant.
 * Economic influence is about being able to flood foreign markets with your stuff. Powers that meet this criteria will have many in the 1st gig wanting their jean designs, latest model starships or whatever the TV and film industry annually pumps out. This can also include the popularity of international versions of domestic channels
 * Innovative influence is the broad term for science, technology and design. States that meet this criteria will have renowned universities full of international students, leading technological powers and have top-grade designers.
 * Diplomatic influence is about how well-connected a nation is. States that are hyperpowers in this regard will have connections to just about everyone else, but more importantly they'll have strong ties to much of the 1st gigaquadrant. Allowing for large alliances of diverse nations led by these diplomatic leaders.

These are some initial thoughts on the matter, not all of us are experts on international politics so streamlining this idea and discussing it would likely be beneficial for everyone. It's only a definition, sure, but from what has been discussed the other day, we may be looking at a trend where eventually everyone somehow qualifies for hyperpower status. Equalising as that may be it defeats the point of the title's use. 