Why bother with emerging middle powers when most of the international discussion since Donald Trump took office for the second time is dominated by the great-power politics of the United States and its global implications? Because the world is undergoing profound transformations that are not being driven only by the United States, China or Russia. Small and medium-sized states no longer participate in global affairs at the whim of great powers: they are carving out a legitimate place for themselves in the emerging new order. This second edition of our annual Emerging Middle Powers Report is a reminder that the signs of the times must be read accordingly; that is, as showing a new momentum for middle powers.

A closer look at the geopolitical situation and experts’ opinions in India, Brazil, South Africa, and Germany, helps to describe this dynamic.