The Middle Power Offensive, 2002–3

The chapter examines the position of SMPs after critical phases of regime formation to demonstrate how these states rapidly adjust their diplomacies to new conventions of global governance. SMPs are inclined to emerge as forerunners of the mission envisioned in new conventions because they pragmatically recognise the need to maximise their influence within existing frameworks rather than pursue revisionist agendas. They will therefore prefer to enhance the developmental objectives of newly formed frameworks and work from within the system, rather than seek the abolition of these frameworks and the establishment of alternative ones. This is not only because of their incapacity at promoting radical restructuring but also because of their unwillingness to upset existing agreements and cause disorder in global governance. In their efforts at benefiting from newly established conventions, SMPs will take advantage of agreed commitments and responsibilities to pursue a more offensive coalition-building approach to secure the developmental provisions that are proposed by new conventions. While SMPs may pursue assertive bargaining tactics, their aim is not to cause deadlock in international institutions since they always retain a fundamental commitment to the stability of global governance.