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What qualities does a nation need to have great power status, which I will define as:

"1. A nation that has exceptional military and economic strength, and consequently plays a major, often decisive, role in international affairs."
-dictionary.com

Meaning, what qualities must a nation have to have the possibility to become a great power; would they need a large population? Lots of Natural Resources? What cultural traits incline one's nation to be considered a great power?

I will give a list of what countries I have considered at various times to be a Great Power(Post 1450 AD)

Netherlands
Portugal
Spain
France
United Kingdom
China
Russia
The Ottomans
Germany
The United States
Italy
Austria-Hungary
Japan
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