Middle power hybridising and China

This presentation explores the concept of middle power hybridisation in the context of China's influence. The discussion begins with an overview of the global political economy and the definition of middle powers, including their identification and classification into static, dynamic, natural, and unnatural categories. The presentation highlights the lack of a common definition, identification method, and understanding of middle power statecraft, addressing these gaps through statistical measures.
The analysis includes a detailed examination of middle powers in Asia and the Pacific, using nine statistical indicators to rank countries. The role of great powers, such as China, and their ability to impose or resist changes in the global political economy is contrasted with the limited capabilities of small powers. Middle powers, possessing intermediate resources, must hybridise their statecraft to survive and compete, blending successful strategies from other states with unique national characteristics.
The presentation further investigates China's statecraft and its impact on neighbouring states, identifying which states are likely to hybridise from China and which may resist. It also examines conflicts among middle powers and the strategic implications of China-US cooperation to restrict middle power hybridisation, emphasizing the importance of regional dynamics and great power competition.