Building Middle Power Multilateralism: How to Shape Capable Alliances

October 6–7, 2026 | Berlin, Germany

As the international order faces growing geopolitical tensions, economic inequalities, and challenges to multilateral cooperation, middle powers have an opportunity to help shape a more inclusive and effective global system.

On October 6–7, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace convened scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from across the globe in Berlin to explore how middle powers can move beyond shared interests toward concrete cooperation and effective alliances.

Over two days, participants examined opportunities for middle-power cooperation across six key areas: multilateralism, international norms, climate change, global security, artificial intelligence, and international trade and development.

A central takeaway was the need to move from conceptual debates toward practical solutions. Discussions highlighted three complementary approaches: defending existing international norms and institutions, reforming structures that no longer deliver, and creating new mechanisms for cooperation where necessary.

Participants also identified existing pockets of effective international cooperation that middle powers could strengthen and expand. Particular attention was given to areas where public support for international action may exceed governments' willingness to cooperate, including multilateralism, climate action, and AI regulation.

Beyond these issues, discussions underscored the importance of addressing economic inequality, tax justice, and democratic resilience as potential areas for future coalition-building.

How can middle powers translate shared interests into lasting partnerships? Which coalitions are most likely to deliver meaningful results, and what tools are needed to make them effective?

These questions will guide the project's next phase. Building on the workshop discussions, participants will develop policy papers and actionable recommendations for decision-makers. Potential follow-up activities include targeted policy consultations, Track 1.5 dialogues, and engagement through existing international networks and platforms.

Drawing on the global networks of FES and Carnegie, the project aims to bring these findings to policymakers and stakeholders in middle-power countries across the Global North and South in 2027.

The ambition is clear: to turn middle-power cooperation from an emerging idea into a practical force for strengthening multilateralism and addressing shared global challenges.