global governance

Traditional international relations theory has long defined “middle powers” by quantifiable metrics—GDP ranking, military expenditures, or population size—casting them as countries that occupy a second tier between great and small states. Under this vertical, power-based view, middle powers are seen as materially weaker than great powers but stronger than small nations. However, this framework no longer captures the dynamic influence these states exercise in today’s multipolar world. Instead, a horizontal definition—emphasizing geopolitical position, diplomatic agility, and coalition-building capacity—more accurately reflects how countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and Turkey now shape regional and global affairs.

In June 2020, President Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC in response to investigations into alleged war crimes by Israel, while proposing a controversial plan for Gaza's reconstruction. This article explores the implications of these actions on international law, U.S.-Israel relations, and the broader geopolitical landscape. The article examines critical reactions from various actors, the potential impact on Palestinian autonomy, and the shifting perceptions of the U.S. role in international governance.