The international system is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by a shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world order. In this evolving landscape, middle powers are playing an increasingly significant role. These nations, while lacking the overwhelming economic or military might of superpowers, have demonstrated the ability to mediate conflicts, foster regional stability, and lead in areas such as technology, economic development, and diplomacy.
There is potential for middle powers to form coalitions and partnerships that promote mutually beneficial cooperation, secure technological progress, and enhance cultural and humanitarian interactions. Specifically, middle powers can create long-term influence by developing cooperation tracks in policy research, health, education, and science.
Existing Groupings of Middle Powers
One of the most promising opportunities for middle powers lies in forming coalitions that promote shared interests. Unlike alliances that are primarily security-focused, coalitions of middle powers can be built around broader goals, such as economic development, technological innovation, and cultural exchange.
An example of such an economic coalition is the MIKTA group, which includes Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey, and Australia. Formed in 2013, MIKTA was created to bring together middle powers from different regions to collaborate on topical issues like trade and development. While MIKTA remains relatively informal, it represents a model for how middle powers can band together to create collective influence.
Another area of potential cooperation for middle powers is in promoting mutually beneficial technological transfer. Rather than engaging in zero-sum competition, middle powers are more likely to pursue collaborative solutions that create win-win outcomes, ensuring all participants benefit from their international partnerships.
For example, consider the cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam. In the past decade, these two middle powers have developed close economic ties, with South Korean firms investing heavily in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector. Hyundai, for instance, has invested $415 million in Vietnam, employing 2,300 workers, with an estimated revenue of $2.6 billion last year. This relationship has been mutually beneficial, as Vietnam’s economy has grown rapidly, and South Korea has secured access to a stable and affordable manufacturing base.
Such cooperation is not limited to economic ventures. Another critical component of successful middle power coalitions is the promotion of national and cultural respect and legacy. Middle powers often possess rich cultural heritages that serve as soft power assets. By focusing on cultural diplomacy and fostering mutual respect for national identities, middle powers can enhance their international influence without relying on hard power.
One of the most successful and enduring examples of cooperation built on these principles is the Nordic Cooperation. The five Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—share a deep cultural and historical bond, yet each country maintains a distinct national identity. This balance between shared values and respect for national differences is central to the success of Nordic collaboration, particularly through the Nordic Council and Nordic Council of Ministers.
By fostering coalitions based on mutual respect and shared interests, middle powers can create sustainable partnerships that not only enhance their global influence but also promote stability and development. These alliances demonstrate that collaboration grounded in cultural respect and common goals can lead to long-term, positive outcomes for all involved.
Vectors for Joint Action
Middle powers have numerous opportunities to collaborate beyond traditional areas. By working together in policy research, health, education, science, and culture, they can influence global outcomes effectively.
A key area for collaboration is establishing joint think tanks and policy research centers to tackle complex, cross-border issues like sustainable development, regional conflicts, and climate adaptation. For example, members of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which includes several middle powers such as India, Turkey, and Qatar, could pool resources to produce policy recommendations that reflect middle-income nations’ interests, rather than following polarized superpower agendas.
In health, middle powers can play a transformative role by cooperating on medical research, development, and distribution. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted global health inequalities, and Kazakhstan’s development of the QazVac vaccine is a prime example of how these countries can contribute to global health. Partnerships could focus on pandemic preparedness, vaccine equity, and non-communicable diseases, with nations like India ensuring affordable access to medicines for low-income countries.
Digital education is another area where middle powers can lead. Countries like India and South Korea have excelled in online education and could collaborate with others to expand access in regions where traditional schooling is challenging. Joint edtech ventures would support education in low-income countries and enhance the global competitiveness of middle powers. Joint educational programs could foster intercultural understanding and collaboration among students from middle power nations, focusing on fields like technology, international relations, and environmental science.
Furthermore, scientific research collaboration offers middle powers a chance to create global impact. By establishing regional research centers of excellence, they can address key global issues like food security, water conservation, and biodiversity. Kazakhstan’s initiatives in environmental sustainability and renewable energy, through institutions like the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, demonstrate the potential for scientific innovation to tackle both national and global challenges. Joint research in these areas would not only generate valuable outcomes but also elevate the scientific status of these nations.
A Platform for Middle Power Collaboration
On October 16-17, Kazakhstan will host the Astana Think Tank International Forum, which will provide a platform for international experts from middle powers to discuss pressing global issues. The forum will focus on enhancing security, stability, and sustainable development, offering a space to explore the unique role of middle powers, how they differ from major global players, and their potential contributions to international relations and global stability. The forum seeks to establish a framework for long-term cooperation among middle powers, helping them to build stronger bilateral and multilateral relationships.
As the world moves into a multipolar era, this forum will be an essential step in empowering middle powers to collectively shape the future of global governance.
In conclusion, as the global order continues to evolve towards multipolarity, the role of middle powers is becoming increasingly crucial. By forming coalitions, establishing joint research initiatives, and leveraging their unique strengths in areas like policy research, health, education, and science, middle powers can collectively address some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today.
Through continued partnership and shared commitment to global stability and development, middle powers can ensure that their voices are heard, their contributions recognized, and their influence on the global stage is both meaningful and enduring.
Yerkin Tukumov is the Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
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