IL COMPORTAMENTO DELLE MEDIE POTENZE IN AMBIENTE ANARCHICO - UN MODELLO

This article proposes a theoretical model to study the behaviour of middle powers in the international system, as well as an empirical historical case study. In this perspective, the article is organized as follows. First, it shows that there is a gap as far as theoretical contribution to the topic is concerned. Secondly, it focuses attention on the incentives which define what a middle power’s dominant strategy is. Then, proceeding from the hypothesis that this class of states maximizes its advantage supporting international stability, it describes six different types of middle power and their behaviour. Finally, the last part of the work illustrates how the model fits with the case of Prussia’s foreign policy during the first part of the XIX Century.