ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the strategy of middle powers located in security regimes, which are regions where states view each other as rivals, but the existence of multilateral agreements decrease the risk of conflict. The chapter focuses on Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, and South Africa. For each country, we first trace the development of policymakers’ threat perceptions. We subsequently analyse the ends, means, and ways approached by each country, in order to identify and typify their strategies. Regarding the strategies, there was a great deal of divergence. Thus, in terms of alignment strategy, Australia applied a bandwagoning for profit strategy, South Africa applied multiple-courting, while Indonesia and Brazil followed isolationistic approaches. The states also differed in their military strategies, with Indonesia and South Africa seeking survival through unilateralism while simultaneously developing capabilities for expeditionary warfare. While Brazil also followed a unilateral approach, the state sought influence and status, and balanced its military means. In contrast, while seeking influence and increasing its capability for expeditionary warfare, Australia adhered to multilateralism. These differences are likely due to variations in historical experiences and strategic exposure, including differences in the level of great power penetration within the region and in experiences of domestic turbulence.
