Middle Powers in Asia Pacific Multilateralism: A Differential Framework (Bristol Studies in East Asian International Relations)

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 during the creation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and East Asia Summit. Through its analysis, the book argues that middle powers pursue dilution of major power stratificatory forces, as well as functionally differentiated roles for themselves in multilateral diplomacy.

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.