No. of Recommendations: 4
I am seriously interested in what is your definition of "left standing ". Understanding that would help me develop a list of countries left standing.
"left standing" means the countries that are de-facto the BMOC (Big Man On Campus). The ones who have outsized influence in the world and/or their sphere of influence.
Google AI says "Current spheres of influence involve major powers asserting political, economic, or military dominance over neighboring regions or strategic areas to shape outcomes. Examples include the U.S. in the Western Hemisphere, Russia in Ukraine/Eurasia, and China in the South China Sea/Eurasia."
I'm not sure that there is a "sphere of influence" that incorporates western Europe. It doesn't seem to be mentioned.
Looking at the recent world events since January 3, 2026 and considering Ukraine, the underwhelming performance of China's military products, the Iran walkover ... it looks to me that what will shake out is one #1 and 2 runners-up. And a bunch of has-been also-rans.
