Middle-Power Multilateralism: Redefining Global Governance
Learn how middle powers like Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, and Mexico are driving reforms in the UN, IMF, and WTO through BRICS+ and G20. A deep dive into middle-power multilateralism and global governance transformation.
Middle-Power Multilateralism and Global Governance Reforms
The debate on middle-power multilateralism has gained renewed significance in 2025 as Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa leverage their leadership roles in BRICS+ and the G20 Troika to advocate for reforms in global governance, climate finance, and digital equity. These nations are pushing for a fairer, more representative international order reflecting the realities of a multipolar world.
Who Are Middle Powers?
Middle powers are countries that hold moderate but credible economic, diplomatic, and strategic influence—strong enough to shape, though not dominate, global governance. They often act as bridges between developed and developing blocs, facilitating dialogue and cooperation across regions.
The term originated in post–World War II diplomacy, but its relevance has grown with the emergence of dynamic economies participating in BRICS, G20, and other multilateral forums.
According to the Carnegie Endowment (2023), middle powers such as Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, and Mexico share three defining traits:
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Regional leadership potential that enables them to anchor stability and cooperation in their regions.
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Pluralistic political systems that legitimize their multilateral engagement.
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Commitment to collective problem-solving and rule-based global governance rather than unilateral dominance.
They seek a global voice proportional to their developmental and demographic weight, aspiring to reform rather than reject the current multilateral system.
Why Do Middle Powers Want Reforms in Multilateral Institutions?
The demand for reform stems from structural inequities in the current global governance framework. Institutions created in the mid-20th century—like the UN Security Council (UNSC), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Trade Organization (WTO)—continue to reflect outdated power hierarchies that marginalise emerging economies.
1. UN System:
Developing democracies such as Brazil and South Africa have long demanded permanent representation in the UNSC to reflect contemporary geopolitical and demographic realities. Their argument emphasizes inclusivity and legitimacy in global decision-making.
2. Financial Institutions:
The G20 Eminent Persons Group Report (2018) revealed that IMF quota shares underrepresent emerging economies by nearly 40% relative to their global GDP share. This imbalance undermines fair participation in financial rule-making and crisis management.
3. Trade and Climate Governance:
Countries like Indonesia and Mexico have consistently pushed for greater flexibility under the WTO’s Special and Differential Treatment provisions and for inclusive climate finance frameworks.
These demands echo the principles articulated in India’s Economic Survey 2022–23, which argued for reforming global financial systems to support equitable green transitions and sustainable development.
Thus, middle-power reform efforts are not anti-multilateral but pro-democratisation, aiming to make global institutions more inclusive, accountable, and multipolar.
How Are They Approaching Such Reforms?
Middle powers adopt coalitional and institutional strategies instead of confrontational diplomacy. They balance between North–South and South–South partnerships, fostering pragmatic cooperation across geopolitical divides.
Brazil:
Through BRICS, Brazil co-founded the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, promoting financial autonomy for the Global South. President Lula da Silva’s current term reaffirms Brazil’s commitment to environmental diplomacy and multilateral engagement via the OECD and UNFCCC.
Indonesia:
Its Global Maritime Fulcrum (GMF) framework positions Indonesia as a neutral maritime balancer connecting the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN regions. By joining BRICS in 2025, it strengthens its position in reform-oriented coalitions while maintaining ASEAN leadership and regional stability.
South Africa:
As the 2023 BRICS Chair and a G20 Troika member (2024–25), South Africa champions African representation, climate justice, and sustainable development financing. It acts as a bridge aligning the priorities of BRICS and the G20, amplifying the Global South’s collective voice.
Mexico:
Despite being part of USMCA, Mexico is cautiously diversifying its partnerships under President Claudia Sheinbaum. By attending BRICS summits as an observer and pursuing new trade alignments beyond the U.S., Mexico seeks strategic autonomy while maintaining economic pragmatism.
Conclusion
Middle-power multilateralism marks a transformative phase in global governance, as emerging democracies reposition themselves as agents of reform rather than mere participants. By promoting inclusivity, equitable finance, and digital fairness, countries like Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, and Mexico are shaping a more representative, multipolar international order that better aligns with 21st-century realities.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
