ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a background to and an outline of the research focus of the book. The chapter first introduces the research problem and the questions addressed in the study, while also stating its contributions to research. The chapter thereafter discusses how to define and identify middle powers, before presenting the selection of cases. In this study, we apply a positional approach, focusing on measurable indicators such economic strength, military expenditure, and membership in international organisations. Middle powers can thus be identified through being more resourceful than small states, but less resourceful than great powers and superpowers. This approach contrasts two other common methods, the identity approach and the behavioural approach, which focus on whether a state identifies or acts like a middle power in order to distinguish this category of states. The chapter then outlines the constitutive elements of the dependent variable in the study, defence strategy, and thereafter introduces the theorised intervening variables that help explain differences in the strategies adopted. These intervening variables include influence from regional contexts, strategic exposure, and previous experiences of armed conflict. The chapter finishes with outlining the research design of the study.
