Issue Watch point: small and middle powers with room to manoeuvre form more flexible alignments

Summary

This issue is the third watch point in the report's story about smaller states gaining influence. As small and middle powers become more influential and gain more room to manoeuvre, they could build new kinds of alignments. These alignments would be more flexible, forming around specific economic, human rights, environmental or strategic issues. Rather than fixed blocs, groupings might shift as the issues change. The watch point builds on the report's observations about emerging alliances and the expansion of groupings such as BRICS. It suggests the structure of international cooperation itself may become more fluid.