Observational analysis highlights the role of middle powers in shaping norms, suggesting they can uphold liberal democratic values even without superpower dominance.
Middle powers, while unable to dictate the international order, wield significant influence through strategic geographic positions and critical economic roles. They leverage their power by saying ‘no’ and using economic denial, as seen in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. These states can shape norms and sustain liberal democratic values, even without a dominant superpower.
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Yvonne Chiu (2025) studied this question.
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