ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the strategies of middle powers located in security communities, which are regions characterised by security interdependence, and where states do not expect, nor prepare for, the use of force by their neighbouring countries. The chapter focuses on the strategies of Canada, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The former located in a great power centred RSC, and the three latter in a tightly coupled RSC. For each country, we first outline policymakers’ perceived threat environment according to strategy and policy documents. We thereafter present the ends of the military and alignment strategies in each country, and subsequently, the means that the countries have at their disposal or seek to acquire, and the ways approached. Regarding means, all four states were found to have expeditionary warfare as their point of departure. Moreover, all four countries applied a hedging approach in their alignment strategies, meaning that they sought to align with, or cooperate with several actors, in order to promote their status or influence. However, while Canada and Spain mainly sought to increase their influence, Italy and Germany were more motivated by status. Italy has also conducted unilateral operations in North Africa, while Germany has been more constrained in its strategic options. These differences can likely be accounted for by variations in strategic exposure and historical experiences.
