Middle Powers Can Shape Global Governance
· wellness
Shifting the Script on Global Governance
The recent whispers of a potential three-way summit between US, Chinese, and Russian leaders have brought the Yalta analogy back into focus. This analogy describes the post-World War II great-power settlement, where the victorious powers carved up Europe and established the United Nations. While it’s unlikely that a 21st-century Yalta will replicate this exact scenario, the underlying logic remains dominant: disorder can be managed by a handful of great powers.
Middle powers, such as Canada, Australia, and South Korea, have traditionally been seen as reactive rather than proactive in shaping international policy. However, their ability to forge connections between hubs of cooperation and create new pathways for collaboration is often overlooked. These countries are well-positioned to convene high-level dialogue and facilitate connections among themselves and with major global institutions.
Canada’s recent hosting of the G7 Summit showcased its ability to bring together leaders from influential economies. This event demonstrated that middle powers can play a key role in shaping international policy, even without being part of great-power summits. Moreover, they are often more agile and adaptable than their counterparts, making them better equipped to respond to emerging challenges like climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality.
By leveraging these strengths and fostering cooperation among themselves, middle powers could create a new paradigm for global governance that’s less reliant on the traditional great-power model. This shift would require great powers to rethink their approach to global governance, as they’d no longer be able to dictate terms through high-profile summits. Instead, they’d have to contend with a more diverse and dynamic landscape.
Institutions like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and regional organizations play a crucial role in providing the necessary framework for middle powers to engage with each other. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Shenzhen this November will be an opportunity to observe how middle powers navigate these complex relationships.
Ultimately, shifting the script on global governance demands more than just rhetoric or grand gestures – it requires a fundamental shift in how we think about power, agency, and cooperation. By acknowledging the potential of middle powers to create new pathways for collaboration, we may find that the next great leap forward in international relations isn’t the product of another great-power summit, but rather the cumulative effect of countless small yet significant connections forged by those who often get overlooked.
Reader Views
- DMDr. Maya O. · behavioral researcher
While the article correctly highlights middle powers' ability to convene and facilitate dialogue, it glosses over the underlying tensions that arise when these nations try to take on more proactive roles. The experience of countries like Sweden and Switzerland in mediating conflicts shows that their neutrality can sometimes be seen as a weakness rather than a strength, limiting their influence at critical junctures. To fully realize their potential, middle powers must develop robust mechanisms for building trust and consensus among themselves and with major global institutions.
- ANAlex N. · habit coach
The article highlights middle powers' potential to shape global governance, but it's essential to consider their limitations in driving meaningful change. In today's complex landscape, even the most skilled facilitators can struggle to achieve significant progress without the backing of major economic or military powers. A more nuanced understanding is needed: while middle powers can convene high-level dialogue and foster cooperation, their impact ultimately depends on great powers' willingness to adapt and compromise.
- TCThe Calm Desk · editorial
The article misses one crucial point: for middle powers to truly shape global governance, they must also be willing to challenge the existing great-power dynamics. Merely facilitating connections and hosting summits is not enough – they need to articulate clear policy positions and push back against the great powers' dominance. This requires a level of confidence and assertiveness that's often lacking in these countries' foreign policy approaches. Until middle powers are willing to take on more assertive roles, their influence will remain limited to niche areas rather than broad global governance.