Middle Powers in Asia Pacific Multilateralism: A Differential Framework

Description

Drawing on insights from differentiation theory, this book examines the participation of middle powers in multilateralism. Taking Australia, Indonesia and South Korea as examples, the book examines these countries' roles in regional organizations, and particularly their creation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and East Asia Summit. Through its analysis, the book argues that middle powers pursue a weakening of 'stratificatory differentiation', targeted in particular at major powers, and a strengthening of 'functional differentiation' in which middle powers can assume key roles. The book sets out a valuable new framework to explain and understand the behaviour of middle powers in multilateralism.

Sarah Teo is an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Regional Security Architecture Programme at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

"Can middle powers in the Asia-Pacific pursue multilateralism in the face of increasing great power rivalry? This book employs differentiation theory for an innovative approach to this timely question." Mathias Albert, Bielefeld University "Combining realist concerns for power politics and sociological concerns for how things come to be, this book's examination of Australia, Indonesia and South Korea illuminates the connection between middle powers and multilateralism. Worth reading for anyone interested in the mix of powers that constitute international politics." Alice Ba, University of Delaware