Case Study
In a new study for the Middle Powers Project, Anthoni van Nieuwkerk examines how South Africa’s identity as a key middle power shapes the priorities of the Global South, yet the country’s foreign policy of active nonalignment inhibits its ability to fully embody a leadership role. The Middle Powers Project is in collaboration with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
In this report, Anthoni van Nieuwkerk assesses South Africa’s role as a leading middle power in Africa, examining the country’s active nonalignment strategy to prioritize relationships with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) under China’s leadership.
In the absence of a reciprocal economic and political partnership with the United States, van Nieuwkerk notes how South Africa stands to benefit from adopting a foreign policy strategy emphasizing trade and investment relations with the Global North and South to support African peacebuilding capacity and a renewed focus on energy and climate.
Case Study
In a new study for the Middle Powers Project, Senem Aydin-Düzgit explores how Turkey’s position as a strategically autonomous power enables it to balance ties with the Western and non-Western world, yet the country’s economic vulnerabilities create roadblocks in the pursuit of its foreign policy goals. The Middle Powers Project is in collaboration with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Case Study
In a new study for the Middle Powers Project, M. Chatib Basri and Evan A. Laksmana explore how “active alignment” can help Indonesia shape strategic competition between the United States and China, facilitating cooperation between the major powers to support Indonesia’s own strategic priorities. The Middle Powers Project is in collaboration with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Case Study
In a new study for the Middle Powers Project, C. Raja Mohan assesses how India’s national ascent towards global influence faces developmental constraints and maintains that the country must balance ties with China and the United States to harness its economic potential and situate itself as a leader in the Global South. The Middle Powers Project is in collaboration with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
