Middle-lateralism under international order transition: institutional design in an era of renewed great-power competition

Abstract

This article explores the concept of “middle-laterals” as an emerging category for international cooperation typologies. As states adapt to a multipolar world marked by complex security dynamics, shifting power balances, and transnational challenges, they increasingly seek cooperation formats that balance flexibility with structured engagement. Middle-laterals embody this balance by adopting selective membership, issue-specific focus, and a moderate level of institutionalization, allowing members to pursue shared interests without the binding commitments typical of traditional multilateralism. Through a conceptual analysis, this article identifies the defining characteristics of middle-laterals, including their unique group identity formation, semi-permanent nature, and operational adaptability. It uses the case of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) 2.0 and BRICS Plus to illustrate what a middle-lateral would look like in practice. This article argues that middle-laterals play a critical role in addressing specific global challenges while complementing existing minilaterals and multilateral institutions.