The multi-lateral, rules-based legal order, gradually developed since the end of the Second World War, has been shattered. We have entered an era defined by geopolitical turmoil and great power rivalry, rising nationalism and populism, and weakening of international institutions. The Hobbesian reality that remains is detrimental to all in the long run, but it is especially threatening for nations that are not superpowers.

Consequently, the need for an alternative is apparent. One possible alternative lies in the combined strength of middle powers. Individually, Europe as well as countries like Canada, Japan, Indonesia, South-Korea, Brazil, Nigeria, Saudi-Arabia, South Africa, Argentina and Australia wield significant hard, economic and soft power. Yet, none is strong enough to ensure the desired outcome alone or to directly face superpowers. Together, they theoretically share a strong interest in recreating some rule-based order that safeguards their interests and offers individuals predictability and stability. Can they deliver on that potential? How do elites and citizens imagine the order that will emerge, what principles and logic are currently being discussed?

Leiden researchers engage and collaborate with external partners, including ministries, embassies, civil society and industry, to explore both the opportunities and challenges of such a coalition stepping in to recreate a form of rule-based order. We combine theory with pragmatism, drawing on interdisciplinary insights from history, economics, international relations, law, political science, public administration and more. We investigate what middle power entails, what drives and what obstructs middle power collaboration, how a new system could be designed and what legal and institutional structures it might rest on. Crucially, we also ask important normative questions: how should a new system be organized? Which or whose, values should define middle power collaboration? And how can new forms of cooperation address the failures, flaws and injustices of the old order?

Stakeholders and staff can contact the lead team for this topic directly. The team members are:

• Armin Cuyvers (Voorzitter, hoogleraar Europees Recht)
   
• Antoaneta Dimitrova (hoogleraar Vergelijkende Bestuurskunde)
   
• Sarah Wolff (hoogleraar International Studies and Global Politics)
   
• Nikoleta Yordanova (universitair hoofddocent Politieke Wetenschap)
   
• Belle Beems (themacoördinator, universitair docent Europees Recht