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Journals / Telakki Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 5 Sayı: 8

The Quest for Strategic Autonomy Among Medium-Sized States in the Face of Global Crises: A Comparative Analysis Through Poland, South Korea, and Brazil

Orta Ölçekli Devletlerin Küresel Krizler Karşısında Stratejik Otonomi Arayışı: Polonya, Güney Kore ve Brezilya Üzerinden Karşılaştırmalı Analiz

Cüneyt Yılmaz(15 KASIM KIBRIS ÜNİVERSİTESİ, SİYASAL VE SOSYAL BİLİMLER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0003-1655-588X
Pages
20–46
Publication Date
2026-08-26
DOI
—
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

By doing so, the study aims to contribute to both the theoretical and empirical literature on strategic autonomy and the international behavior of medium-sized states.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the pursuit of strategic autonomy by medium-sized states within an increasingly crisis-driven and multipolar international system through a comprehensive comparative perspective.
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Key Findings & Data:In the existing international relations literature, the concept of strategic autonomy has predominantly been discussed in relation to great powers, regional integration projects, and debates on hegemony, while the policy responses and decision-making practices of medium-sized states during periods of global crisis have received relatively limited scholarly attention.
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Conclusion & Impact:By doing so, the study aims to contribute to both the theoretical and empirical literature on strategic autonomy and the international behavior of medium-sized states.
🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Stratejik Otonomi · Orta Ölçekli Devletler · Küresel Krizler

Abstract

This study examines the pursuit of strategic autonomy by medium-sized states within an increasingly crisis-driven and multipolar international system through a comprehensive comparative perspective. In the existing international relations literature, the concept of strategic autonomy has predominantly been discussed in relation to great powers, regional integration projects, and debates on hegemony, while the policy responses and decision-making practices of medium-sized states during periods of global crisis have received relatively limited scholarly attention. Addressing this gap, the article conducts a comparative case study of Poland, South Korea, and Brazil, three states operating in distinct regional and geopolitical contexts. The study explores how economic disruptions, security challenges, and crises of global governance shape foreign policy preferences and strategic positioning in these countries. The analysis is grounded in major international relations theories, particularly realism and liberalism, while also drawing on contemporary discussions within the strategic autonomy literature. The research relies on official policy documents, reports published by international organizations, and peer-reviewed academic sources as its primary data set. The article argues that medium-sized states should not be understood merely as reactive actors constrained by great power politics, but rather as capable agents that employ multidimensional strategies to expand their relative autonomy within the international system during periods of global crisis. By doing so, the study aims to contribute to both the theoretical and empirical literature on strategic autonomy and the international behavior of medium-sized states.

Özet

Bu çalışma, küresel krizlerin yoğunlaştığı ve çok kutupluluğun belirginleştiği çağdaş uluslararası sistemde, orta ölçekli devletlerin stratejik otonomi arayışlarını karşılaştırmalı bir perspektiften incelemektedir. Uluslararası ilişkiler literatüründe stratejik otonomi kavramı çoğunlukla büyük güçler, bölgesel entegrasyon projeleri ve hegemonya tartışmaları bağlamında ele alınmış; orta ölçekli devletlerin kriz dönemlerinde geliştirdikleri dış politika ve ekonomik diplomasi stratejileri ise görece sınırlı biçimde analiz edilmiştir. Bu makale, söz konusu boşluğu doldurmayı amaçlayarak Polonya, Güney Kore ve Brezilya örneklerini karşılaştırmalı vaka analizi yöntemiyle ele almaktadır. Çalışmada, ekonomik dalgalanmalar, güvenlik tehditleri ve küresel yönetişim krizlerinin bu devletlerin karar alma süreçleri üzerindeki etkileri ayrıntılı biçimde incelenmektedir. Analiz, realizm ve liberalizm başta olmak üzere çağdaş uluslararası ilişkiler teorilerinin yanı sıra stratejik otonomi literatürünün sunduğu kavramsal araçlardan yararlanmaktadır. Resmî politika belgeleri, uluslararası örgüt raporları ve hakemli akademik çalışmalar temel veri kaynaklarını oluşturmaktadır. Makale, orta ölçekli devletlerin kriz dönemlerinde yalnızca büyük güçler arasında denge kurmaya çalışan pasif aktörler olmadığını; aksine çok boyutlu ve esnek stratejiler geliştirerek uluslararası sistemde görece özerk hareket alanları yaratabildiklerini ortaya koymayı hedeflemektedir. Bu bağlamda çalışma, orta ölçekli devletlerin küresel krizler karşısındaki konumuna ilişkin teorik ve ampirik literatüre özgün bir katkı sunmayı amaçlamaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Yılmaz, C. (2026). The Quest for Strategic Autonomy Among Medium-Sized States in the Face of Global Crises: A Comparative Analysis Through Poland, South Korea, and Brazil. Telakki Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, Cilt: 5 Sayı: 8, 20–46. https://ajindex.com/articles/1630481

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