Report Courtesy: Körber-Stiftung
17 April 2025

Momentum for Middle Powers: Emerging Middle Powers Report

The world is undergoing profound transformations that are not being driven only by the United States, China or Russia. Small and medium-sized States are carving out a legitimate place for themselves in the emerging new order. This second edition of our annual Emerging Middle Powers Report is a reminder that the signs of the times are showing a new momentum for middle powers.

FILE PHOTO: Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the presidential candidate from National People's Power, addresses his supporters during an election campaign rally ahead of presidential election, on the outskirts of Colombo, Sri Lanka, September 18, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo Courtesy: Reuters
6 March 2025

Sri Lanka balances India and China

Sri Lanka is playing a balancing act as it manages its ties with India and China. It is heavily dependent on the two rival Asian giants for its economic revitalisation and future growth, but it must be strategic in its approach with both countries as it attempts to manage its foreign debt and ensure project sustainability while maintaining geopolitical neutrality.

BERNAMA Courtesy: BERNAMA
13 February 2025

High expectations of Malaysia as ASEAN chair

Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 is pivotal. It will have to steer ASEAN toward regional peace, stability, and prosperity while reinforcing its centrality. All this during a time of heightened geostrategic rivalry, economic deglobalisation, rising protectionism, and nationalist trends.

FILE PHOTO: Chinese President Xi Jinping (C), Vice President Wang Qishan, Politburo Standing Committee member Zhao Leji, National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Chairman Li Zhanshu, Premier Li Keqiang, Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning and Vice Premier Han Zheng arrive for the closing session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China March 10, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins/File photo Courtesy: Reuters
16 January 2025

Preparing China’s economy for 2025

Two important conclaves held in December 2024 - a Politbureau meeting and the Central Economic Work Conference – set the tone for China’s economic focus in 2025. The economy needs a resurgence, given the domestic environment of low spending and the external threat of high tariffs – the outcome of swapping development for security. In 2025, China’s mandarins will try and find a balance between the two.

China_Africa_Forum_49492 Courtesy:
12 September 2024

China-Africa: strategic and strong

The 9th China-Africa Summit, held in Beijing from September 4-6, reflected China’s long-held view that Africa is vital to the world’s future, and therefore to the conduct of Chinese foreign policy. As China expands its strategic footprint on the continent, there is much for India to learn. It must adopt a proactive approach and back its economic and diplomatic initiatives with sustained political will.

231207084123-xi-jinping-eu-leaders-120723 Courtesy:
23 May 2024

Xi’s diplomatic push in Europe

Chinese President Xi Jinping's three-nation tour to France, Serbia and Hungary in early May highlighted China's aim to bolster ties and navigate shifting global power dynamics. The trip's implications are significant for all major powers, including India, which must inject more creativity and energy in building up its strategic partnerships with G7 nations after the elections.

3d25bf28-0a5a-4e50-ad23-96c8659aca34 Courtesy: Bayerischer Rundfunk
16 May 2024

NATO@75

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation turns 75 this year. It has exceeded its original mandate of a collective defence for Europe and is expanding rapidly. From restraining the rise of Russia, it is now seeking non-NATO allies in Asia who wish to restrain China. This requires a nimbler, more dynamic alliance. Can NATO respond to the transformation?

Report Photo Courtesy: Körber-Stiftung
18 March 2024

Listening Beyond the Echo Chamber: Emerging Middle Powers Report

Divergent global reactions to major crises such as those sparked by the war in Ukraine and NATO’s Afghanistan withdrawal have widened the chasm between Western countries and emerging middle powers. This survey, conducted among nearly 1,000 experts from India, Brazil, South Africa and Germany, examines key foreign policy priorities in these countries, and reveals that despite differences, dialogue is possible.