This paper analyses the strategic evolution of France and India in response to the intensification of Sino-American great power competition. The theoretical foundation is that the world order...Show moreThis paper analyses the strategic evolution of France and India in response to the intensification of Sino-American great power competition. The theoretical foundation is that the world order transitioned to multiplexity. A multiplex world order is defined by interaction capacity, which is a state’s capability to move ideas, goods, people, money, and armed forces across the system. A key observation is that emerging powers can more easily assume leadership positions in a multiplex world than during polarity. The case study of France and India demonstrates that both states recognise a changing world order. As an established middle power, France is concerned about a changing order. India, on the other hand, views it as a chance to gain power and influence. Both focus on diplomacy and capacity-building measures in their relationships with others, especially other middle powers. Additionally, both reject balancing and bandwagoning while instead building strategic autonomy. The study underscores how multiplexity empowers middle powers to strengthen their autonomy and actively shape global dynamics amid great power competition, contributing to a deeper understanding of contemporary international relations.Show less
Security Force Assistance (SFA) operations have increasingly become the cornerstone of NATO’s foreign interventionism. Logically, the great powers of the Alliance would be expected to be the...Show moreSecurity Force Assistance (SFA) operations have increasingly become the cornerstone of NATO’s foreign interventionism. Logically, the great powers of the Alliance would be expected to be the primary contributors to NATO SFA missions. Yet, middle and smaller powers appear to be the main troop providers to these operations. This research project aims to investigate how the quest for international reputation impacts the participation of middle powers in NATO SFA operations. This objective is achieved by taking the participation of Italy in NATO’s Resolute Support Mission (RSM) in Afghanistan and NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) as a case study. This paper reaches two main findings. First, Italy participated in RSM and NMI to enhance its reputation within NATO and within the broader international community, rather than out of strictly security motives. Second, when Italian policymakers employed stronger reputation-related rhetoric, they deployed a higher number of troops to the selected operations. This study concludes that middle powers that seek to enhance their international reputation participate in NATO SFA operations through higher troop deployments.Show less
