ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the theory of master role transition for the interaction between small powers and regional powers. A master role transition is the replacement of a dominant and salient role by an inactive or dormant role located within the Self’s role repertoire due to Others’ demands and cues. To design the theory, it reviews three main literature groups. First, it reviews Role Theory main concepts focusing on their necessity to incorporate asymmetric relationships in terms of imbalanced role interactions between small powers and regional powers. It also shows how these imbalanced role interactions between small powers and regional powers can produce role learning in regional powers. Second, it reviews the literature on regional powers to show how small powers can change regional powers’ perceptions about themselves. Third, it reviews small power studies to show that the use of role-based models represents a fruitful research agenda that can bring new pieces of evidence of small powers’ real influence in global and regional affairs.
