The global geopolitical landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by shifting alliances and the rising influence of non-traditional power brokers. To better understand these dynamics, the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is pleased to announce its continued partnership with Körber-Stiftung for the third annual Körber Emerging Middle Powers (KEMP) Report.
Building on the insights from the 2024 and 2025 editions, this year’s survey focuses on a world in flux, the global roles of the US, China and Russia, and the state of the international trade system, among other critical foreign policy issues.
Tracking shifts in strategic thinking
The annual KEMP report offers a valuable comparative look at geopolitical perspectives across key nations. For this year’s edition, KEMP is again surveying national foreign policy experts in Brazil, Germany, India and South Africa, and is joined by Indonesia for the first time.
While middle powers are ranked below superpowers, they maintain considerable diplomatic weight and influence within the global system. Highlighting this significance, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently emphasised the importance of these nations working together during times of global rupture in his speech at the World Economic Forum.
Previous surveys have explored critical themes, including:
- Strategic Non-Alignment: How emerging middle powers define their autonomy in a multipolar world.
- Global Governance: Perspectives on the reform of international institutions and multilateralism.
- Foreign Policy Priorities: How South Africa’s strategic goals compare to those of its global peers.
Why your perspective matters
As this research enters its third year, the input of South African-based practitioners, academics, and policy enthusiasts is essential. This data provides researchers and decision-makers with empirical evidence on how global perceptions and foreign policy approaches are evolving.
Your participation ensures that the South African perspective is accurately reflected alongside its international counterparts, contributing to a more balanced understanding of global diplomacy.
How to participate
We invite foreign policy practitioners, academics and policy enthusiasts in South Africa to share their insights.
If you are interested in participating, please email Gustavo de Carvalho at gustavodecarvalho@saiia.org.za for a direct link.
The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and the deadline for completion is 6 March 2026.
