How to compare regional powers: analytical concepts and research topics

TLDR

The concept of regional power is widely used in IR, yet scholars disagree on its defining characteristics. The article proposes an analytical concept of regional powers that distinguishes them from middle powers and explores the implications of their rise for international politics and regional governance. The authors review theoretical approaches to power hierarchies, develop analytical dimensions to differentiate and compare regional powers, and link these to the traditional middle‑power framework. The study suggests that the rise of regional powers could reshape international politics and underscores the likely importance of regional governance structures.

Abstract

Abstract Although the concept of regional power is frequently used in International Relations (IR) literature, there is no consensus regarding the defining characteristics of a regional power. The article discusses different theoretical approaches that address the topic of power hierarchies in international politics and make reference to the concept of regional power. Marking differences as well as common ground with the more traditional concept of ‘middle powers’, the article outlines an analytical concept of regional powers adequate for contemporary IR research. The analytical dimensions of the framework may be employed to differentiate regional powers from other states and to compare regional powers with regard to their power status or relative power. Furthermore, the article investigates the possible repercussions of the rise of regional powers for international politics and discusses the probable importance and functions of regional governance structures for regional powers.