In reading this week’s
articles, it became obvious that middle powers are in a unique position because
while they are present and involved in different issues, they are oftentimes
not on a level in which they are able to compete with major powers. Being
removed from this competitive context allows them to relate to major powers in
a non-threatening way. This can be both positive and negative for the country’s
soft power.
On the upside, it means that
the country can approach mediation for other countries in a more objective way.
For example, South Korea is not on the same plane as China and Japan from an
economic or militaristic viewpoint, so as far as hard power goes, it can’t
compare. However, its soft power is respected. According to a survey conducted
by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, South Korean soft power is viewed
more positively by both China and Japan than they view each other’s soft power
(Lee, 4). If South Korea continues to be viewed as an approachable outside
observer, it could use that quality to play a role in important Northeast Asia
mediations, and potentially even turn those discussions in ways that would have
benefits for South Korea.
Further, South Korea’s relatively
recent development into a middle power means it can play the part of an
accessible role model to other countries who hope to progress similarly. By
building strong relationships and extending assistance to other developing
nations, it will increase its soft power with smaller countries who may be
intimidated by larger powers. This strategy is important in order to create
networks of small and middle powers.
Like South Korea’s proximity
to China and Japan, Mexico is a middle power that is located very close to a much stronger and stable power, the United States. However, Mexico’s
soft power strategies have not been as defined or successful as South Korea’s.
One of the dangers of being a middle power is marginalization. In 1990, the international cultural exhibition, Mexico Splendors of Thirty Centuries, did much to present Mexico in a positive light but did not seem to have a long-term or deep impact in the way foreign publics perceived Mexico. It is important
for a middle power to avoid the trap of being seen as purely exotic and
entertaining, as this makes it more difficult for it to seriously contribute to
global affairs in a substantive way.
As we can see from these two
middle powers, being in the middle can have its advantages. While they may not
be calling the shots, they’re in a position to build strong relationships with
those both more and less powerful than they are, if they can establish
themselves as a sophisticated state.
I agree with your perspective that middle countries can have an advantage. They are able to build relationships easier with developing countries as well as serve as mediators because they are less threatening. However I think that you missed one of the most important points.
ResponderEliminarFrom what I gathered on the reading on Australia, one of the largest advantages to being a middle country is that your image is malleable. The problem with smaller countries is that people often don’t know who you are or don’t have a distinct image in mind. With large countries like the U.S. and Great Britain public diplomacy can be very challenging because the country’s image is much more cemented in people’s minds. Everyone knows who the U.S. is, or has seen a movie, tv show, or heard about America. This creates the problem for PD that when people think they already know what America is, it is more difficult to overwrite this image.
For a middle nation it is not as difficult. While people know of them, their ideas about the country are less concrete. They are more open to ideas and images that may conflict with their initial interpretation of the country. In terms of Public Diplomacy this can make things much easier. While Middle Countries don’t have the large budgets that the bigger nations do in many ways they are able to be more effective with what they have.
This is exactly what Australia was able to do when it hosted the Olympics and is what Brazil should try to emulate during its opportunity to host. These large sporting events are in many ways more important to the middle countries because they are given exposure that would normally only be experienced by a larger country. For a few weeks they are able to define the way the world sees them and hopefully have a lasting affect on their image.