Abu Dhabi: Participants in the closing plenary session of Hili Forum 2026, titled "The Role of Middle Powers in a Fractured Global Order", discussed the growing geopolitical and economic importance of middle powers in an increasingly complex international landscape.Speaking during the session, Carl Bildt, Co-Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations and former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, said recent global developments have highlighted the need for countries to work together in addressing emerging geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.Bildt referred to a speech delivered by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, describing it as a significant moment in drawing attention to what he called the erosion of the rules-based international order and the need for greater cooperation among middle powers.Defining middle powersBildt said he had reservations about how the term "middle power" is commonly used, arguing that it remains difficult to define precisely.He noted that questions arise when attempting to classify countries of varying sizes and capabilities, suggesting that the concept carries multiple interpretations depending on the context.He also questioned the description of the current international environment as a "fractured world order", saying that while existing rules and institutions are facing increasing pressure, many elements of the international system remain intact.According to Bildt, the task facing middle powers is to support international legitimacy and uphold common rules as much as possible.The changing nature of powerBildt argued that traditional definitions of power, often linked to military strength, are becoming less relevant.He said recent conflicts have demonstrated the limits of military power, noting that while wars can be initiated, achieving the intended political objectives has become increasingly difficult.At the same time, he said alternative forms of influence have become more important, including technological power, soft power and what he described as "smart power".He cited countries such as the UAE and Kazakhstan as examples of states that have successfully employed these tools to increase their international influence.Networks of trustAccording to Bildt, the modern international system requires a network-based understanding of power.He said every country possesses influence in specific sectors, even if only a few possess influence across all sectors.Because of this, countries must build networks of trusted relationships across multiple issues and regions in order to protect their interests and strengthen their capabilities."In this sense, every country today is a middle power," he said, arguing that no country possesses absolute power and that military strength alone is no longer sufficient.Technology and resilienceBildt highlighted the growing importance of technology in shaping economic and geopolitical influence.Referring to Sweden's defence industrial base, he said strategic investments in technology and innovation have become increasingly important in strengthening national capabilities and international partnerships.He also noted the role of advanced technology companies in the global economy, pointing to examples from Europe and Asia that demonstrate how influence can stem from technological leadership rather than geographic size.Global value chainsBildt emphasised the extent of global interconnectedness through supply chains and value chains.He said countries have become deeply integrated into international production networks and therefore need robust systems to protect critical supply chains and ensure resilience.While acknowledging that complete protection is impossible, he stressed the importance of building flexibility into economic systems."If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, you must adapt. If war breaks out anywhere in the world, you must adapt," he said.Flexibility in a changing worldConcluding his remarks, Bildt said that the ability to adapt, combined with networks of trust between governments and the private sector, will increasingly determine a country's influence and ability to protect its interests.He argued that flexibility in policymaking, international cooperation and technological capabilities will remain essential as countries navigate an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable global environment.
