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Middle Power Influence in the International System

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Book cover Middle Powers and Commercial Diplomacy

Part of the book series: Studies in Diplomacy ((STD))

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Abstract

Richard Rosencrance has stated that ‘history is a laboratory in which our generalizations about international politics can be tested.’1 This chapter discusses the generalizations about middle power influence in international politics in three contending perspectives: classical realism, hegemonic stability theory and middle power approaches. Classical realism sees middle power influence in balances of power in multilateral structures. Hegemonic stability theory anticipates significant middle power influence in hegemonic structures, and especially during periods of hegemonic decline. Middle power approaches expect middle power influence in multilateral structures.

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Notes

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© 1999 Donna Lee

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Lee, D. (1999). Middle Power Influence in the International System. In: Middle Powers and Commercial Diplomacy. Studies in Diplomacy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780333984352_2

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