Strengthening Multilateralism amid Strategic Protectionism and Global Technology Competition: A Middle Power Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55960/jgf.v10i1.324Keywords:
Economic statecraft, Middle powers, Multilateralism, Strategic protectionism, Technology competitionAbstract
Global geopolitical fragmentation has reduced the effectiveness of multilateral institutions while shifting international competition beyond military and political dimensions toward strategic protectionism and technological rivalry. This paper examines how middle powers respond to these transformations in strengthening multilateralism. A qualitative approach using policy discourse analysis was applied to the official proceedings of the Jakarta Geopolitical Forum (JGF) X/2026, comprising the Opening Remarks, Keynote Address, ten invited presentations, the Conference Summary, and supporting academic literature and international policy documents. The analysis integrates Middle Power Theory, Economic Statecraft, and Technology Competition as complementary analytical frameworks. The findings indicate that middle powers strengthen multilateralism through issue-based coalitions, adaptive diplomacy, and credible leadership. Strategic protectionism has expanded beyond trade policy to encompass financial systems, critical minerals, sustainable industrial policies, and global supply chains, while technological competition increasingly depends on human capital, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence governance. This paper contributes an integrated conceptual framework demonstrating that diplomacy, strategic economic instruments, and technological capabilities are mutually reinforcing dimensions that enable middle powers, particularly Indonesia, to strengthen multilateralism and enhance their role as rule shapers amid global geopolitical fragmentation
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