Washington’s increasingly assertive foreign policy is prompting middle powers to reassess their strategic alignments and embrace a multipolar world order, according to analysis from international scholars.
Middle Powers Navigate a Shifting Global Order
Just over one month into 2026, the actions of the United States are introducing new uncertainties into the world order, leading middle powers – allies and non-allies alike – to re-evaluate their perceptions of the U.S. and acknowledge the growing reality of multipolarity.
Brazil’s Defensive Multipolarity
Brazil’s strategic thinking in the Western Hemisphere has been significantly shaped by renewed U.S. “assertiveness” in military and economic terms. U.S. policy toward Venezuela, including unilateral sanctions and threats of coercion, signaled a willingness to reassert hierarchical control in its near abroad, according to Feliciano de Sá Guimarães, academic director and senior researcher at the Brazilian Center of International Relations.
Brazil views multipolarity not as an ideological choice, but as a defensive strategy to preserve autonomy and diversify partnerships. The country seeks to expand diplomatic options through South-South cooperation, engagement with China, and multilateral mediation, while avoiding direct confrontation with Washington. Brazil’s vision of multipolarity prioritizes flexibility and avoids rigid alignment, seeking a system with diffused power and softened hierarchies.
Brazil aims for incremental transformation within existing frameworks, deepening participation in issue-based coalitions on climate change, development, digital governance, and global health. Cooperation with other middle powers is central to this strategy, utilizing platforms like the G20 to function as connectors and translators across rival coalitions, promoting dialogue and preventing fragmentation.
Canada’s Response to U.S. Assertiveness
Following threats from the U.S. president to effectively annex Canada and impose tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals received a strong mandate to assert Canada’s autonomy and diversify its linkages away from the U.S., stated Radhika Desai, a professor at the University of Manitoba.
Carney recognized the international system’s move toward multipolarity, urging “middle powers” to understand the world as it is and adapt accordingly. Desai argues that accepting multipolarity is both inevitable and desirable, potentially leading Western countries to prioritize their people’s interests and pursue sustainable growth.
However, diversifying away from the U.S. presents challenges for Canada and other Western nations, requiring a clear understanding of the kind of multipolar world they want to build and genuine partnerships. Desai cautioned against attempts to resurrect Western domination, emphasizing the need to look beyond traditional alliances and engage with players like China and Russia without Cold War biases.
South Korea’s Proactive Approach
South Korea is proactively responding to threats posed by hegemonism and unilateralism through upholding the UN Charter, rallying support among middle powers via platforms like the G20 and MIKTA (Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, and Australia), and actively participating in global governance institutions, according to Jaewoo Choo, a professor at Kyung Hee University.
Seoul recognizes the inevitability of a multipolar world and seeks to safeguard its role in shaping a future multipolar governance system. South Korea views China’s role as equally significant as the U.S., recognizing Beijing’s potential to shape the global order through constructive engagement and its efforts to promote a more equal and orderly multipolar world.
China’s success will depend on broad international support and responsiveness to the ideas and priorities of middle powers.
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