The term "middle power" is conceptually fragile. Some scholars have even argued for abandoning it. This book argues that the concept needs to be analysed more profoundly and that new analytical tools need to be developed to better understand the phenomenon. The traditional approach, based on Western states, is insufficient and has become increasingly irrelevant in a transformed global environment. Instead of drawing from a single theory of international relations, the contributors have chosen to build upon a wide range of theories in a deliberate demonstration of analytic eclecticism. A pluralistic approach provides stronger explanations while remaining analytically and intellectually rigorous. Many of the theory contributions are reconsidering how the largely "Western" bases of such theorising need revising in light of the "emerging middle powers", many of which are in Asia.

Presenting a strong argument for studying middle powers, this book explores both the theory and empirical applications of the concept by rethinking the definition and characteristics of middle powers using a range of case studies. It examines changes in the study of middle powers over the last decade, proposing to look at the concept of middle powers in a coherent and inclusive manner. Finally, it aims to further the discussion on the evolution of the international system and provides sound conclusions about the theoretical usefulness and empirical evolution of middle powers today.

The term "middle power" is conceptually fragile. Some scholars have even argued for abandoning it. This book argues that the concept needs to be analysed more profoundly and that new analytical tools need to be developed to better understand the phenomenon. The traditional approach, based on Western states, is insufficient and has become increasingly irrelevant in a transformed global environment. Instead of drawing from a single theory of international relations, the contributors have chosen to build upon a wide range of theories in a deliberate demonstration of analytic eclecticism. A pluralistic approach provides stronger explanations while remaining analytically and intellectually rigorous. Many of the theory contributions are reconsidering how the largely "Western" bases of such theorising need revising in light of the "emerging middle powers", many of which are in Asia.

Presenting a strong argument for studying middle powers, this book explores both the theory and empirical applications of the concept by rethinking the definition and characteristics of middle powers using a range of case studies. It examines changes in the study of middle powers over the last decade, proposing to look at the concept of middle powers in a coherent and inclusive manner. Finally, it aims to further the discussion on the evolution of the international system and provides sound conclusions about the theoretical usefulness and empirical evolution of middle powers today.

La politique étrangère se présente aujourd’hui en pleine mutation. Habituée à un milieu strictement interétatique, elle est vouée à se développer et à s’adapter dans un environnement diversifié, au sein duquel interagissent de nouveaux acteurs. Ces transformations multiples affectent non seulement le nombre et la qualité des acteurs qui participent à son élaboration et à son application, mais aussi ses objets, ses préoccupations premières, ses références idéologiques et sa formulation. Habituellement marquée par la gestion des conflits, l’affirmation des oppositions, ou encore la recherche de l’avantage exclusif au détriment de l’autre, la politique étrangère mise en œuvre au vingt et unième siècle est en principe appelée à favoriser la coopération pour préserver la planète, la défense solidaire d’un patrimoine commun, la promotion collective du développement durable, le respect et l’application de règles universelles.

Le dessein principal du présent ouvrage est de contribuer à l’analyse renouvelée des processus liés à la conception et à la mise en œuvre de la politique étrangère. Les auteurs entendent mettre à la fois en relief les éléments de permanence qui ont façonné les développements de la politique étrangère et les facteurs de changement qui la touchent aujourd’hui. Sont ainsi passé en revue la manière d’analyser la politique étrangère, ses déterminants et instruments ainsi que la conduite de la politique étrangère élaborée par des Etats spécifiques.

The term "middle power" is conceptually fragile. Some scholars have even argued for abandoning it. This book argues that the concept needs to be analysed more profoundly and that new analytical tools need to be developed to better understand the phenomenon. The traditional approach, based on Western states, is insufficient and has become increasingly irrelevant in a transformed global environment. Instead of drawing from a single theory of international relations, the contributors have chosen to build upon a wide range of theories in a deliberate demonstration of analytic eclecticism. A pluralistic approach provides stronger explanations while remaining analytically and intellectually rigorous. Many of the theory contributions are reconsidering how the largely "Western" bases of such theorising need revising in light of the "emerging middle powers", many of which are in Asia.

Presenting a strong argument for studying middle powers, this book explores both the theory and empirical applications of the concept by rethinking the definition and characteristics of middle powers using a range of case studies. It examines changes in the study of middle powers over the last decade, proposing to look at the concept of middle powers in a coherent and inclusive manner. Finally, it aims to further the discussion on the evolution of the international system and provides sound conclusions about the theoretical usefulness and empirical evolution of middle powers today.

The term "middle power" is conceptually fragile. Some scholars have even argued for abandoning it. This book argues that the concept needs to be analysed more profoundly and that new analytical tools need to be developed to better understand the phenomenon. The traditional approach, based on Western states, is insufficient and has become increasingly irrelevant in a transformed global environment. Instead of drawing from a single theory of international relations, the contributors have chosen to build upon a wide range of theories in a deliberate demonstration of analytic eclecticism. A pluralistic approach provides stronger explanations while remaining analytically and intellectually rigorous. Many of the theory contributions are reconsidering how the largely "Western" bases of such theorising need revising in light of the "emerging middle powers", many of which are in Asia.

Presenting a strong argument for studying middle powers, this book explores both the theory and empirical applications of the concept by rethinking the definition and characteristics of middle powers using a range of case studies. It examines changes in the study of middle powers over the last decade, proposing to look at the concept of middle powers in a coherent and inclusive manner. Finally, it aims to further the discussion on the evolution of the international system and provides sound conclusions about the theoretical usefulness and empirical evolution of middle powers today.

La politique étrangère se présente aujourd’hui en pleine mutation. Habituée à un milieu strictement interétatique, elle est vouée à se développer et à s’adapter dans un environnement diversifié, au sein duquel interagissent de nouveaux acteurs. Ces transformations multiples affectent non seulement le nombre et la qualité des acteurs qui participent à son élaboration et à son application, mais aussi ses objets, ses préoccupations premières, ses références idéologiques et sa formulation. Habituellement marquée par la gestion des conflits, l’affirmation des oppositions, ou encore la recherche de l’avantage exclusif au détriment de l’autre, la politique étrangère mise en œuvre au vingt et unième siècle est en principe appelée à favoriser la coopération pour préserver la planète, la défense solidaire d’un patrimoine commun, la promotion collective du développement durable, le respect et l’application de règles universelles.

Le dessein principal du présent ouvrage est de contribuer à l’analyse renouvelée des processus liés à la conception et à la mise en œuvre de la politique étrangère. Les auteurs entendent mettre à la fois en relief les éléments de permanence qui ont façonné les développements de la politique étrangère et les facteurs de changement qui la touchent aujourd’hui. Sont ainsi passé en revue la manière d’analyser la politique étrangère, ses déterminants et instruments ainsi que la conduite de la politique étrangère élaborée par des Etats spécifiques.