An Emerging Middle Powers Alignment?

This German Marshall Fund compendium examines the growing debate over the role of Middle Powers in a multipolar world. US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby recently argued that Middle Powers lack a coherent basis for alignment, dismissing collective Middle-Power strategy as flawed. The article presents two contrasting perspectives: Özgür Ünlühisarcıklı contends there is no 'Middle Powers Movement' and that these states are national-interest-driven, cooperating only on overlapping interests rather than shared ideology. Dr. Carrie Lee counters that a Middle-Powers movement is a realistic balancing strategy, warning Washington that its retreat from leadership and bullying of allies is driving previously staunch partners to explore alternatives that reduce US leverage. The piece builds on GMF's long-standing research, including the Global Swing States project and Pivotal Powers reports, highlighting countries like Brazil, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Türkiye as key actors shaping global governance, security, and technology outcomes.