What Would a Global Order of Middle Powers Look Like?

On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, New America and Project Starling hosted an exciting conversation during United Nations High-Level Week.

We explored three central questions. What would it mean to re-imagine a new global order? Should a reimagined order be based on shared values? What are the near coalitions that need to happen?

The discussions offered some important insights:

• There was broad agreement that the time for action is now and that the current multilateral system is approaching a breaking point.  That said, we are still lacking a clear blueprint on how to shape the future toward the system we want to see. 
• Regaining public support for multilateralism will require  concrete steps to tackle real issues and address the economic insecurity felt by so many while demonstrating the centrality of global cooperation to a promising future.
• It is time for middle powers to step up. After 80 years of waiting for great powers to lead, there is a space, with great powers unable or unwilling, to break the mold and act. 
• Reform the current system rather than try to rebuild it from scratch. Middle power leadership requires a functioning multilateral system. There is opportunity to build upon what exists and shape institutions that support a promising future. 
• Build a coalition of the willing. The moment calls for a  flexible network of states, united by both trust and self-interest, that are ready and capable to step up. 
• Hold principles to account. As we rethink the system, equity, solidarity, and sustainability must be central. 
• Peace and Security remains challenging. Without the active engagement of the great powers, middle powers will likely find an international security system difficult to maintain.