World Economic Model: Excel File
A rough analysis of the world based on people, land, resources, and GDP.
By no means is this perfect or fully fleshed out. However, it is a way to compare and contrast groupings of countries accordingly. We are always in a resource war. Some are playing this game at a higher level. Notice what countries are on the list - and why they are always in the news. (Rumble)
Very comprehensive list. Countries listed are certainly always in the news as you state.