Are the Middle Powers on a Collision Course in the Asia-Pacific?

Abstract

The middle powers of the Asia- Pacific states with some capacity for self-defense and multilateral influence are increasingly asserting a voice on the key security challenges of our time. They are also the focus of much of the United States diplomatic activity following its pivot or rebalance to the region. Not all their influence is benign. While these states have fewer resources and influence than the great powers, they can still cause conflict and pose risks for the regions continued peace and prosperity. This chapter looks at the regions middle powers and examines how they affect the regional security order, both on their own and working with a great power ally, for good and ill.