Middle Powers Urged to Take More Active Roles Amid Global Rivalries

International relations experts assess that the world is entering a phase of increasingly complex uncertainty, marked by the weakening effectiveness of global institutions and the rising rivalries among major powers. This situation is prompting middle power countries to take on more active roles.

Co-Founder of Pendulum Geopolitical Advisory at Pendulum Group, Jonathan Berkshire Miller, stated that various countries have differing interpretations of the current global dynamics. According to him, global debates often focus too narrowly on the United States and figures like Donald Trump, whereas challenges to the international system emerged long before that era. He noted a growing frustration with global institutions deemed inadequate in responding to various crises.

“The United States is a challenge and there are issues we must address, but this is not entirely about the United States. It is not only the United States that is triggering these challenges,” he said at the Middle Powers Conference held by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

He added that many middle power countries have long pinned their hopes on the multilateral system, such as the United Nations and NATO, as well as US leadership, to tackle global issues. However, the current conditions indicate the need for a new, more independent approach.

Miller emphasised that middle power countries need to be more proactive, both in diplomacy and strengthening defence, as well as through private sector involvement. He cited Canada’s approach, inspired by Japan, in promoting the concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific, which emphasises the importance of upholding rules, norms, maritime communication routes, and open trade.

According to him, global changes do not mean the world is moving towards a “law of the jungle”, but rather demand new ways to maintain the international order. He noted that this view aligns with statements by Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at the Munich Security Conference, who said the foundations of the global order are being tested by realities on the ground.

Meanwhile, Professor Emeritus at Yonsei University and former special advisor to the South Korean President on foreign affairs and national security, Moon Chung-in, highlighted the strategic dilemmas faced by his country as a real example of the challenges confronting middle powers.

He said that the threat from North Korea remains South Korea’s top priority, even more important than conflicts in other regions. At the same time, however, Seoul also faces pressures from the rivalry between the United States and China.

“We face a fundamental dilemma between security dependence on the United States and cooperative trade partnerships with China,” he stated.

Moon explained that historically, the United States served as South Korea’s protector during the Cold War and contributed to the development of democracy and a free market economy. However, trust in Washington is now beginning to shift.

“We cannot rely on the United States as we did in the past,” he said.

According to him, this situation has sparked intense internal debates in South Korea. Some groups are pushing for full alignment with the United States, including joining initiatives like the Quad and the Indo-Pacific economic framework.