- Feb 22, 2017
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Middle powers are the new architects of the world order
How emerging nations are bridging the deepening rifts between major powers
asia.nikkei.com
Very interesting OpEd. Worth taking the time to read.
Some highlights...
Public discourse on international affairs usually points to the rise of China as the hallmark of the evolving world order.
This is not wrong, but no one should overlook another seismic trend in international affairs: the rise of middle powers. In a world of increasing geopolitical rivalries, middle powers are making a difference by bridging divides, providing solutions and building regional architectures.
While there are many definitions of middle power, here I refer to countries that by virtue of their considerable size (population and geography), weight (economic, diplomatic and military strength,) and ambition, fall between the small power and great power categories.
Of the 193 countries in the world today, around two dozen qualify as middle powers; some are in the Global North but the majority are in the Global South.
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Many middle powers of the Global South no longer find the world order works in their favor. They do not accept being patronized by the West, nor are they impressed by any claim to "exceptionalism." They are actively exploring the "third space," or "the middle ground," and are developing their own counter-narratives, such as the Asian Century, the African Century and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
The most visible expression of middle power entitlement is found in the region where they belong. This is particularly important because world affairs are increasingly shaped by regional dynamics.
There is at least one middle power of consequence in every region of the world, which was not the case in the 20th Century.
The commonality? A growing desire and capability to shape events in their neighborhood. This usually involves maximizing their role and sometimes taking the lead in the region, while keeping a lid on the ambitions of external powers.
