Successful middle powers do not defy systemic pressures but recognise structural change early enough to avoid becoming trapped
The greatest middle power initiatives were built through diplomatic specialisation, innovative and creative policies facilitated through a close academic-policymaker nexus, steady and well-planned diplomatic groundwork, and an ability to secure the support – or at least not the outright opposition – of great powers. Central to this was the maintenance of well-funded and well-trained diplomatic personnel. The capacity of middle power states to sustain such action has long passed.
Apec emerged at a moment of favourable strategic conditions, strong bureaucratic capacity, expanding economic globalisation and, crucially, support from the US and regional great powers. Every middle power success story from the era has one feature in common: the support, or at least acquiescence, of the dominant great power.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
