Can Minor Powers Swing between Major Powers under a Competitive International System?

What is it about?

Can minor Global South powers benefit from the current competitive world order? Conventional research posits that minor powers can swing between major power rivals and benefit from both. However, this study posits that minor powers may rely on major ones within an asymmetric alliance. It analyses the case of the Central African Republic (CAR), based on French and English news media, since it shows a typical pattern of Russian involvement in the Global South. The paper reveals two findings. First, CAR turned to Russia due to a lack of viable alternatives for support. At the beginning of the Touadéra administration in 2016, any other country except Russia did not provide CAR to appropriate support. Second, while it has helped Touadéra to consolidate an authoritarian regime in CAR, Russia impedes CAR's efforts to diversify its diplomatic relationships. Therefore, the article finds it difficult for minor powers to swing between major powers.

Featured Image