China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States are often referred to as great powers by academics due to "their political and economic dominance of the global arena". These five nations are the only states to have permanent seats with veto power on the UN Security Council. They are also the only recognized "Nuclear Weapons States" under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and maintain military expenditures which are among the largest in the world. However, there is no unanimous agreement among authorities as to the current status of these powers or what precisely defines a great power. For example, sources have at times referred to China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom as middle powers. COUNT 4
QSN1 What countries are recognized as Nuclear Weapons States? ANS1 China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States QSN2 How many countries are permanent seats on the UN Security Council? ANS2 five QSN3 What other countries are referred to as middle powers? ANS3 China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom QSN4 What treaty addresses nuclear weapons? ANS4 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty