Editing Middle power (section)

{{Short description|Type of state}}
{{Distinguish|Middle Kingdom (disambiguation){{!}}Middle Kingdom|Central Powers}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
[[File:Cumbre de Washington.jpg|thumb|upright 1.20|Leaders of the [[G20]] countries and others present at the [[2008 G-20 Washington summit]]. Most members of the G20 are middle powers, while some are [[great power]]s.]]{{forms of government}}
A '''middle power''' is a state that is not a [[superpower]] or a [[great power]], but still exerts influence and plays a significant role in [[international relations]]. These countries often possess certain capabilities, such as strong economies, advanced technologies, and diplomatic influence, that allow them to have a voice in global affairs. Middle powers are typically seen as bridge-builders between larger powers, using their diplomatic skills to mediate conflicts and promote cooperation on international issues.<ref name="Jordaan 2003 pp. 165–181">{{cite journal | last=Jordaan | first=Eduard | title=The concept of a middle power in international relations: distinguishing between emerging and traditional middle powers | journal=Politikon | volume=30 | issue=1 | date=2003 | issn=0258-9346 | doi=10.1080/0258934032000147282 | pages=165–181| url=https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/394 }}</ref>

Middle powers play a crucial role in the international system by promoting [[multilateralism]], cooperation, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. They are able to leverage their resources and diplomatic skills to advance their national interests while also contributing to global stability and prosperity. As such, middle powers are an important and often overlooked factor in the complex web of international relations.<ref name="Laurence 2023 p.">{{cite book | last=Laurence | first=Marion | title=Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies | chapter=Middle Powers | publisher=Oxford University Press | date=October 18, 2023 | isbn=978-0-19-084662-6 | doi=10.1093/acrefore/9780190846626.013.783 | page=}}</ref>

The concept of the "middle power" dates back to the origins of the European state system. In the late 16th century, Italian political thinker [[Giovanni Botero]] divided the world into three types of states: ''grandissime'' (great powers), ''mezano'' (middle powers), and ''piccioli'' ([[small power]]s). According to Botero, a ''mezano'' or middle power "has sufficient strength and authority to stand on its own without the need of help from others."<ref name="Rudd">Rudd K (2006) [http://eherald.alp.org.au/articles/0906/natp28-01.php Making Australia a force for good], ''Labor eHerald'' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627041402/http://eherald.alp.org.au/articles/0906/natp28-01.php|date=27 June 2007|df=y }}</ref>