Inclusive Society Institute CEO at the FOGGS Open Consultation

On 15 September 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Inclusive Society, Daryl Swanepoel, participated in the FOGGS Open Consultation on “Shaping Global Governance Through Middle Power Capabilities.” This virtual consultation formed part of the FOGGS Open Consultation Mondays series, a platform designed to explore critical issues in global governance and the evolving role of middle powers.

Background and purpose of the event

As geopolitical rivalries intensify and competition among major powers grows, existing governance structures have revealed their limitations. In this shifting landscape, middle powers have emerged as crucial actors, recognised for their diplomatic skill, commitment to multilateralism, and capacity to build consensus. These states are uniquely positioned to act as bridges within a fractured global system, advancing peace, sustainability and fair economic practices.

The session’s objectives were to:

• Identify areas of influence where middle powers can make a difference, including peacebuilding, climate action and sustainability.

• Map out institutional pathways within the UN, regional organizations and bilateral relations that enable middle powers to exert influence.

• Define their unique capabilities, from leadership approaches and economic positions to legacies of global engagement.

• Empower middle power policymakers to take initiative and foster change on the global stage.

CEO’s intervention

In his contribution to the discussion, Mr Swanepoel addressed a central challenge confronting middle powers: how to navigate potential sanctions or punitive measures from superpowers that seek to constrain their autonomy. He underscored that when middle powers attempt to advance alternative pathways of governance or justice that do not align with the interests of dominant states, they often face retaliation.

As an example, he referred to the US push-back against South Africa’s action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning Israel, framing it as a case where a middle power’s principled stance in defence of international law attracted resistance from the global superpower.

Significance of the discussion

Mr. Swanepoel emphasised that such dynamics highlight the importance of collective resilience among middle powers, the diversification of partnerships and instruments to withstand coercive measures and the advancement of inclusive multilateralism where all states, not only the most powerful,  have a voice in shaping global rules.

By raising this issue, he contributed to a broader debate on how middle powers can move from being vulnerable actors caught in superpower competition to becoming proactive shapers of fair and sustainable global governance.