“MIDDLE POWERS” AS AN ELEMENT OF THE MODERN WORLD SYSTEM: ON THE THEORETICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONCEPT

Abstract

The main theoretical approaches to the analysis of the concept of “middle power” are examined: hierarchical, regulatory, and behavioral. Each of these approaches uses a different set of criteria for inclusion of a state in the category of “middle powers”. However, only the integrated use of all these methodological approaches allows to evaluate the complex and multidimensional structure of the concept. In addition, an idea about the use of the term to particular international actors, states are given. Which countries fall under the definition of “middle power”? What are the similarities and differences in their foreign policy? What characteristics should have the state, claiming the status of “middle power”? The the controversial issues of the use of the term are analyzed. If the “middle powers” take place in the pyramid between “great’ and “small”, then where is the difference between them? How to determine the boundary between the most advanced “small” power and weakest power of the “middle grade”? Under what conditions successful “small power” overcomes the barrier and falls into the category of “medium”? Similar issues arise with respect to the top of the pyramid. If the conditions of the bipolar system of the category of “great powers” could be determined more or less objectively, taking into account international influence, today researchers say about the serious erosion of this group. In these circumstances, to distinguish between decaying “great power” and ambitious developing country “middle rank” as well extremely difficult.