Asia's middle powers' activism a plus for regional stability

Singapore is an example of strategic activism among middle powers, which is often determined not by their size, but their mindset.

- Huong Le Thu

As geopolitical crises expand and proliferate, and major powers find themselves preoccupied with mutual rivalry - along with, in many cases, pressing domestic issues - the room for so-called middle powers has grown in the international arena. So much so that some believe it is these middle powers which will be the architects of the new world order, even though their increasingly proactive diplomacy is for now largely uncoordinated.

Middle powers, by no means a new or a uniform concept, are broadly understood as countries that are neither "major" nor "small", and which are well integrated into the global economy.

But increasingly, the concept is best defined by these countries' demonstrated energy and proactivity in international affairs, particularly in their respective regions.

The strategic calculus, economic trajectory, and even demographic trends among middle powers differ greatly, but what they do have in common is a growing sense of confidence in the role they can play in shaping the changing world order - particularly in their immediate neighbourhoods.

While these countries are logically first and foremost focused on ensuring their own security and prosperity, they are increasingly expanding their ambitions to broader roles.

The reality of strategic activism among middle powers is often determined not by their size, but by their mindset. Take, for example, Singapore. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, the city-state has managed to develop close relations with both the US and China, as well as many other middle powers.