Geopolitical rivalry among the United States, China, and Russia is fragmenting the international system and placing new pressures on states caught in between. For middle powers, today’s environment presents both risk and opportunity: how they choose to align, hedge, or engage can either deepen polarization or help stabilise contested regions and institutions.
This debate explores why middle powers matter more than ever—and how their choices are shaping global politics. The discussion will examine how middle powers turn strategic autonomy into real-world influence. Participants will explore practical diplomatic tools such as bridge-building between rival blocs, coalition-building across regions, mediation in conflicts, and strengthening economic connectivity.
Drawing on concrete examples, the event will unpack how middle powers convene actors, create trusted spaces for dialogue, and play a pivotal role in sustaining cooperation and multilateralism in an increasingly divided world.
Speakers
- Mr Steve Killelea, Founder and Executive Chairman, Institute for Economics and Peace
- Ambassador Thomas Greminger, Executive Director, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
- Ambassador Peter MacDougall, Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations Office at Geneva and the Conference on Disarmament
- (Moderator) Dr Christina Schori Liang, Head of Counterterrorism and PVE, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
