A constant struggle for power and influence between states has always figured among the main characteristics of international politics. Regional powers can be considered the middle management of world politics: sufficiently powerful to make their mark on the region and take on a political and economic leadership role, but not yet or no longer powerful enough to be able to fill this role at the global level as well.

by Gerhard Wahlers

BRICS – Ambitions for Geopolitical Reform and Chinese Dominance

The BRICS are in crisis. The economic malaise in the majority of member states intensifies asymmetries within the group and thereby consolidates China’s dominance. All members use the BRICS for pursuing their own economic interests and for avoiding isolation whilst making controversial foreign policy decisions. But it is Beijing that strategically uses its growing influence gained by control of access to its markets and investments.

by Christian E. Rieck, Lars Peter Schmidt †, Mark Alexander Friedrich, Jan Woischnik, Alexandra Paulus, Tilmann Feltes, Claudia Crawford, Thomas Awe, Tim Wenniges

How Turkey Can Become an Honest Mediator in the Middle East, Again

Turkey’s former “zero problem” policy transformed into “only problems with neighbours” as the country increasingly became obsessed with being a regional power. Despite its foreign policy failures, Turkey could still become the source for peace and stability in the region. It just needs to return to the foundational principles of Turkish foreign policy: caution, neutrality and peace.

by Hüseyin Bagci, Çağlar Kurç

South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya as Potential Drivers of Peace and Prosperity

Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa are some of the biggest regional powers in Africa. Although they possess an estimable economic and political potential, they do not manage to fulfill it. Quite to the contrary, Africa is the least integrated region in the world economy and repeatedly troubled by internal security issues. Doing better domestically is the first step towards overcoming the obstacles to playing a more important role in global policy making.

by Terence McNamee

Venezuela’s Road to Ruin

Venezuela is facing economic and social collapse, but the government is clinging to its failed course as much as it is clinging to power. Consequently, there is not much hope left for success for either the recall referendum initiated by the opposition or international efforts to initiate a dialogue. If no political solution can be found, the country is at risk of facing catastrophic consequences in view of the deepening crisis.

by Henning Suhr

Vietnam as an Up-and-Coming Actor in South-East Asia

Vietnam is one of the few remaining communist countries on the political world map. It regularly figures low in human rights and rule of law rankings, and the “socialist-oriented market economy” is celebrating its thirty-year anniversary. Vietnam is at risk of being crushed between China’s aggressive conduct in the South China Sea and the USA’s claim to leadership in the region. There are, however, indications that Vietnam may be able to establish itself as an influential actor in the South-East Asia Region in the medium term.

by Peter Girke