Building global influence through domestic strength

As the world moves further into a multipolar era, the diplomatic role of so-called “middle powers” is becoming increasingly important.

- SHARANPREET KAUR

The piece opens by defining what a middle power is: states that are neither global superpowers nor small peripheral actors, but still wield substantial diplomatic, economic and institutional influence. These countries often occupy a unique position in international politics; they are able to act as bridge builders, mediators, and promoters of a rules-based international order. Many emerging democracies now branded as middle powers such as Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa; face internal political, institutional and governance challenges that constrain how far they can project leadership externally. For instance, domestic pluralism, the robustness of institutions, and the political culture of consensus all influence how a country engages in multilateral diplomacy. A key theme is that middle-power foreign policy cannot simply be about grand statements at international fora; it must reflect credible, coherent action at home. Unless domestic policies, institutional practices and political consensus align with the external posture, multilateral leadership is likely to be symbolic rather than substantive. Domestic coherence bolsters legitimacy abroad. For example, a state promoting human rights, environmental standards or free trade in international arenas must demonstrate those values internally to have credibility. Without that internal alignment, attempts to lead multilateral coalitions can falter or appear inconsistent.