How to compare regional powers: analytical concepts and research topics
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.
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Until nations view exerting regional influence and power based on cooperation rather than zero-sum competition, it will be difficult for the Middle East to attain regional security with or without the Arab League.
“Until nations view exerting regional influence and power based on cooperation rather than zero-sum competition (Nolte 2010, 887), it will be difficult for the Middle East to attain regional security with or without the Arab League.”
From The Arab League has No Bark and No Bite (2020) · cites this paper as Nolte 2010, 887
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Oğuzlu, T., & Parlar Dal, E. (2013) · Turkish Studies · doi:10.1080/14683849.2013.861112 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Beck, M. (2016) · Palgrave Communications · doi:10.1057/palcomms.2016.79 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
The Arab League has No Bark and No Bite
Hedstrom, E. (2020) · Flux: International Relations Review · doi:10.26443/firr.v10i1.28 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
- Authors
- NOLTE, D.
- Affiliations
- Universität Hamburg (DE)
- Corresponding author
- NOLTE, DETLEF
- ORCID
- NOLTE, DETLEF
- Venue
- Review of International Studies
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2010-10
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 04
- Pages
- 881-901
- ISSN
- 0260-2105 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-9044
- OpenAlex
- W2149158318
- Cited by
- 386
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 24 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 17 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 25 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 19 · 2016: 35 · 2015: 27 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 26 · 2012: 13
- FWCI
- 122.68
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Review of International Studies (publishedVersion)
- Social Science Open Access Repository (GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › International Relations and Foreign Policy
- Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Global Peace and Security Dynamics
- Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Political Science Research and Education
- Keywords
- regional power, middle powers, power hierarchies, relative power, analytical concepts, regional governance, international politics, state power
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