Grow beyond labels

Regional power: Asean leaders at the opening ceremony of the 48th Asean Summit and Related Meetings, in Cebu, Philippines, in May. In South-East Asia, Asean is clearly a middle power within and beyond its region. — Reuters

SOME prominent roles countries play or are said to play can be elusive, illusory or simply mythical.

“Middle power” is a classic example. This term became fashionable after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Davos speech about a ruptured global order requiring middle powers to awaken and reclaim their sovereignty. But as usual, the reality of getting from here to there can be murky or messy. Acquiring any power implies more than GDP status in global wealth rankings. It involves national capacity and will to enact policy that can impact distinctly on international affairs.