India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called upon what he termed 'powers in the middle' to assert a more proactive role in navigating a complex global environment marked by strategic vulnerabilities and the increasing tendency to weaponize various forms of leverage.
Speaking at a recent event in Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted that the contemporary global landscape is characterized not only by the rise of middle powers but also by an increasing number of strategic 'choke points.' He explained that while resources like rare earths are obvious examples, even financial systems and sanctions are now being deployed as strategic tools, creating points of vulnerability.
The Evolving Global Order
The Minister stressed that in this evolving global order, nations must identify their unique contributions and forge partnerships based on mutual interests. India, as the world's most populous country, prefers the designation 'powers in the middle,' signaling its significant and growing influence.
Jaishankar articulated that global competition would increasingly revolve around what each nation can bring to the table. He envisioned a future where countries engage in collaborative deals, sharing resources and developing solutions together. He urged optimism regarding this process of change, acknowledging its unpredictable turns.
Beyond Military Might: Economic Leverages
The discussion extended to the shifting nature of power. Jaishankar observed that the traditional reliance on military might to maintain global order has been significantly challenged, citing conflicts such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and past U.S. actions in Iran as instances where larger powers struggled to subdue smaller ones. This underscores the diminishing efficacy of purely military solutions in a multipolar world.
Earlier, figures like former Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had also advocated for middle powers to unite amidst a perceived decline in the U.S.-led rules-based order. Similarly, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak suggested that middle powers could gain influence by becoming indispensable in key areas like technology. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand echoed the idea of competitive advantages but pledged Canada would not weaponize its own.
A Corporate Overhaul for Planet Earth
Jaishankar likened the ongoing transformation of the global order to a corporate overhaul. In this analogy, the 'board of directors' is expanding, and 'shareholders' – nations big and small – are becoming more active in debating and shaping the future direction of 'Planet Earth.' He reiterated the need for countries to be more active, engage with each other, and find common ground to advance shared interests, rather than succumbing to a pessimistic view of these profound changes.