The Models of the Implementation of Role by Emerging Powers in International Relations and Consequences on the Political - Security Strategies

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Associate professor of political science, Yazd university, Yazd, Iran.

10.22059/jpq.2025.385124.1008241

Abstract

Introduction
The term "emerging powers" refers to a distinct category of states that have gained prominence in the contemporary international system due to their growing economic capabilities, diplomatic influence, and recognition by established powers (Mahrenbach, 2019: 217). These actors actively engage in international regimes and institutions, employing strategic tools to expand their role and reshape global governance. However, emerging powers are not a monolithic group; they exhibit varied behavioral patterns, institutional engagements, and strategic objectives. This diversity necessitates a typological approach to better understand how different categories of emerging powers formulate distinct foreign policy strategies. The research question is: how can emerging powers be categorized into distinct typologies, and what kinds of foreign policy strategies does each typology produce? This study aims to analyze the role models of emerging powers and assess their impact on political-security strategies. Given the relative scarcity of theoretical frameworks in this area, this research seeks to contribute to the literature by developing a structured typology that links power attributes to strategic behavior.
 Methodology
The method of this research is the matching of case with theory. For this purpose, the desired patterns are identified firstly and then they are applied to different countries. In addition, in order to achieve the goals of the research, these cases should be compared, qualitatively.
 
Results and discussion
The research findings demonstrate that emerging powers operate according to three distinct models: security powers, trading powers, and civilian powers. Each model represents a different strategic orientation in international relations, with significant implications for foreign policy formulation and implementation.
Security powers concentrate their capabilities on defending their fundamental existence against perceived threats from both domestic and international sources beyond their immediate sphere of influence. This concept bears resemblance to Mackinder's continental power ideal from the 18th and 19th centuries, which posited that such powers could resist threats from sea powers (Blagden & Levy, 2011: 190). These states pursue territorial security objectives regardless of material costs or benefits, employing strict military balancing strategies to achieve their international goals. Political leaders following this model emphasize military capabilities, territorial control, and hard power dynamics in global affairs, believing that maximizing hard power forms is essential for achieving foreign policy objectives (Goksel, 2023: 83).
In contrast, trading powers prioritize economic cooperation and peaceful relations with other states through strong economic ties, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic influence. These powers prefer soft power instruments over hard power to achieve their goals, utilizing business incentives, investments, and economic support as key tools for both internal development and external policy objectives. Their strategic approach revolves around competition for markets and economic advantage with other states and international actors. Trading powers typically evolve through four key transitions: from inflationary interventions to sustainable growth; from macroeconomic to microeconomic governance; from broad interventionism to targeted strategies; and from welfare-state models to efficiency-focused policies. Given the substantial costs associated with military balancing, these states shift toward hedging strategies (Darakhshandeh Lazarjani and Shafi'i, 2012), which involve improving economic and diplomatic relations even with potentially threatening states. Turkey's approach toward Greece since 2003 exemplifies this model, as Ankara has sought to advance its interests through expanded economic and political-diplomatic relations with various regional and global actors while maintaining balanced relations between different power centers.
The civilian power model emerged following the collapse of the Soviet Union, representing states that aim to demilitarize international relations and avoid militaristic approaches toward other countries. This model emphasizes values, democratic principles, and social issues arising from the international system as key influences on state behavior (Hersich and Seydi, 2007: 21). Civilian powers reject arbitrary and unilateral actions, preferring conflict resolution through participation, mediation, and arbitration. A defining characteristic of civilian powers is their acceptance of the international status quo, leading them to avoid strategies that might fundamentally alter existing power structures - what Morgenthau would describe as avoiding imperialistic tendencies (Morghenta, 1401). This explains why post-Cold War Germany and Japan have secured their positions through strategic alliances with the United States rather than independent power projection. Unable to pursue formal power projection strategies, these states have adopted informal approaches through civilian power mechanisms (Maull, 1991: 69). Such powers typically employ peaceful means, particularly multilateralism, to achieve foreign policy objectives (Pehlivanturk & Demirtas, 2018: 2), combining strategies of accommodation and hedging. India's post-Cold War foreign policy illustrates this approach, as New Delhi faced economic pressures and growing Chinese threats while aspiring to great power status. This led India to abandon non-alignment policies in favor of closer ties with the United States (Ollapally, 2018: 61), demonstrating how civilian powers navigate complex international environments through balanced strategic positioning.
Conclusion
Emerging powers do not rely on a single strategy to achieve their foreign policy objectives. Instead, their chosen approach often depends on the role they perceive for themselves within the international arena. Based on these roles, three primary strategies can be identified: the security state, the commercial state, and the civil power. Security states, such as Iran and Russia, typically adopt a hard balancing strategy to advance their interests internationally. In contrast, some powers classified as commercial states tend to employ a hedging strategy, balancing engagement with caution. An interesting category is that of powers using an adaptation strategy, which we can term “civil powers.” These states aim to avoid militarism, favoring peaceful means and diplomacy to achieve their goals. In summary, these strategies—geopolitically oriented security power, commercial power, geoeconomic-oriented power, and civil power—are largely rooted in different geocultural ideals. However, it is important to recognize that not all countries neatly fit into these categories. Some may deviate from the typical pattern and pursue strategies that diverge from the classifications discussed here.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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  • Receive Date: 11 November 2024
  • Revise Date: 10 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 May 2025

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