‘The Middle Power Moment’ Revisited in Global Governance: A Chance for MIKTA’s Legitimacy Crisis in Post-Pandemic World?

Abstract

MIKTA – Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey and Australia – emerged in the context of post – 2008 crisis as an informal political grouping such as G20 and BRICS when the world witnessed the discussions on the declining US hegemony and the rise of ‘middle power’ moment in the changing world order. It is argued that despite the joint declarations, its existence brought no contribution for global governance and after seven years of its emergence, its relevance and resilience has started to be questioned. This article asks whether the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic brings risks or opportunities for MIKTA to overcome this crisis of legitimacy. It is argued that the Covid-19 crisis may be regarded as a chance for MIKTA to strengthen its presence in global governance although it presents economic and political challenges for member countries. In order to do this, firstly the discussions on ‘the middle power moment’ for global governance in the Covid-19 world will be analysed and secondly, MIKTA’s legitimacy crisis will be evaluated within this context.