Al Jazeera's Inside Story programme aired a segment on Thursday analysing the feasibility of a collective economic framework among so‑called middle‑power states. The discussion brought together scholars, policy analysts and diplomats to assess whether nations that are not dominant global actors could coordinate a shared agenda on trade, investment and development.
The panel highlighted that middle powers such as Canada, Australia, South Korea, Mexico and several African and Latin American countries have expressed interest in diversifying supply chains and reducing reliance on existing major blocs. Participants noted that these states possess comparable economic size, export structures and strategic interests, which could provide a basis for cooperation.
Key challenges identified included the need for a common set of rules, the difficulty of aligning divergent domestic priorities, and the geopolitical pressure exerted by larger powers that dominate current trade institutions. The segment also referenced the experience of existing groupings like the BRICS and the G20, suggesting that any new alliance would have to navigate similar issues of governance and decision‑making.
Analysts on the programme argued that a successful middle‑power coalition would require a clear institutional framework, transparent dispute‑resolution mechanisms, and a shared vision for sustainable development. They pointed to recent bilateral agreements among some of the countries as potential building blocks for a broader multilateral arrangement.
The discussion concluded that while the concept of a middle‑power economic alliance remains attractive, its realization depends on sustained diplomatic engagement, the willingness to compromise on national interests, and the capacity to present a unified front in global economic negotiations. Al Jazeera noted that the topic is likely to re‑emerge as countries continue to seek alternatives to the existing trade order.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/inside-story/2026/9/17/can-middle-powers-come-together-to-build-a-new-economic-alliance-2?traffic_source=rss.