“In a world of great power rivalry, middle powers are relevant only if they act collectively”. Assess this statement in the context of the changing global order. Analyse its implications for multilateral cooperation.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
Q3. “In a world of great power rivalry, middle powers are relevant only if they act collectively”. Assess this statement in the context of the changing global order. Analyse its implications for multilateral cooperation. (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question The intensification of great power rivalry and the weakening of multilateral rules have altered the space available for middle powers in global politics. Key Demand of the question The question requires assessing the claim that middle powers derive relevance primarily through collective action in a competitive global order, and analysing how this reality reshapes the nature, form and effectiveness of multilateral cooperation. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly situate the argument in the context of rising great power rivalry, declining rule-based predictability and shrinking autonomous space for middle powers. Body Assessment of the statement: Indicate how power asymmetries, coercive interdependence and erosion of rules make collective action essential for middle powers. Implications for multilateral cooperation: Suggest shifts towards plurilateralism, coalition-based diplomacy and shared strategic autonomy. Conclusion Conclude by emphasising that the future relevance of middle powers lies in flexible, principled cooperation that strengthens multilateralism without relying on outdated institutional assumptions.
Why the question
The intensification of great power rivalry and the weakening of multilateral rules have altered the space available for middle powers in global politics.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires assessing the claim that middle powers derive relevance primarily through collective action in a competitive global order, and analysing how this reality reshapes the nature, form and effectiveness of multilateral cooperation.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction Briefly situate the argument in the context of rising great power rivalry, declining rule-based predictability and shrinking autonomous space for middle powers.
• Assessment of the statement: Indicate how power asymmetries, coercive interdependence and erosion of rules make collective action essential for middle powers.
• Implications for multilateral cooperation: Suggest shifts towards plurilateralism, coalition-based diplomacy and shared strategic autonomy.
Conclusion Conclude by emphasising that the future relevance of middle powers lies in flexible, principled cooperation that strengthens multilateralism without relying on outdated institutional assumptions.