The Middle Power Delusion
The article discusses the challenges faced by middle powers in the current geopolitical landscape dominated by the United States and China. It argues that these nations are becoming more visible not due to increased power, but because they are more exposed to the pressures of great power rivalry. As the global order shifts, middle powers must navigate a complex environment where their traditional strategies may no longer suffice.
- ▪Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need for middle powers to unite rather than negotiate individually.
- ▪Middle powers are experiencing a resurgence in visibility, but this is due to increased vulnerability rather than strength.
- ▪The geopolitical landscape is shifting towards a harsher reality where great powers exert more control over smaller nations.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Middle Power DelusionNot Choosing Is Not an Option Michael Beckley May 25, 2026 U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Beijing, May 2026 Evan Vucci / Reuters MICHAEL BECKLEY is Associate Professor of Political Science at Tufts University, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and Head of Asia Research at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. More by Michael Beckley Share & Download Print Subscribe to unlock this feature or Sign in.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Foreign Affairs.