REASSESSING MIDDLE POWERS: A CASE STUDY OF ESTABLISHED MIDDLE POWERS AND THE IMPERATIVE FOR CONCEPTUAL REVISION

Abstract

Abstract. This paper critically reassesses the concept of middle powers in the context of evolving global dynamics, including the recent recognition of Kazakhstan as a middle power. Traditionally associated with specific behavioral traits such as seeking multilateral resolutions and adopting compromise positions, middle powers face a disconnect between theoretical frameworks and their dynamic behaviors. The waning influence of the U.S.-led order and the persistence of outdated descriptors underscore the imperative for reconceptualizing middle power theory. Analysis of traditional and emerging middle powers, including Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, India, and Kazakhstan, exposes a disparity challenging current perspectives. The UAE, with its strategic location and growing influence in regional and global affairs, also presents an intriguing case study in the evolving landscape of middle power dynamics. Despite its relatively small size and recent emergence on the global stage, the UAE has rapidly established itself as a significant player in various spheres, including diplomacy, trade, security, and development assistance. Drawing on theoretical frameworks of middle-power diplomacy from the UAE's foreign policy initiatives, this study highlights the unique characteristics and contributions of the UAE as a middle power in shaping regional and global dynamics. By analyzing its strategic alliances, economic diversification efforts, and soft power projection, this article provides insights into the evolving role of middle powers in contemporary international relations.

The paper advocates for a comprehensive revision that embraces modern realities, dynamic assessment, inclusive perspectives, global cooperation, and contextual sensitivity. By incorporating the experiences and actions of diverse middle powers into a revised framework, scholars and policymakers can better understand the nuanced roles and contributions of middle powers in shaping international relations. This reconceptualization aims to capture the complexities of contemporary international relations, providing a valuable analytical tool for understanding the roles and contributions of middle powers in an ever-changing world.