Middle powers seek to redefine global order amid geopolitical shifts and superpower rivalry
via The Reporter Ethiopia7 min read
The global order, established after World War II, is undergoing significant changes, moving from idealism to a multipolar system marked by rivalry and coercion. This shift has been accelerated by the actions of superpowers, particularly the United States, under President Donald Trump, leading to disruptions in global supply systems and international relations. Consequently, middle powers and developing countries are increasingly forming alliances to reshape the global order, driven by declining trust in superpowers and international institutions like the UN. This movement is characterized by a push for multilateral foreign policy and coalition building, rather than unilateral decision-making. Middle powers, including Canada, India, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and many G20 members, are employing "niche diplomacy" to pursue limited foreign policy objectives. While not challenging the international system's status quo, they aim to restore multilateralism under new global terms. Canada, in particular, has been active in charting new paths, as highlighted by Canadian PM Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum, emphasizing the capacity of intermediate powers to build a new order based on values like human rights and sustainable development. Canada is also diversifying its international partnerships, including strengthening ties with Ethiopia and other African nations, in response to US tariff policies and rhetoric. An event at Addis Ababa University, or
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Must ReadThe Tigray People Liberation Front TPLF Central Committee is holding a high-stakes meeting in Axum, sparking fears of a political rupture in Tigray. The meeting, which began on April 15, 2026, is expected to address the fallout from the extension of Interim Administration President Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede’s mandate. This issue has exposed a growing divide between the TPLF and the current regional leadership. Regional political leaders suggest the TPLF may seek to reject the interim administration and restore its pre-war government structure. Yosef Berhe, vice chairman of the Baytona Party, believes the TPLF aims to dismantle the interim arrangement and reinstate the previous regional government, potentially framing this as a grassroots demand. Alemseged Aragay, vice chairman and foreign relations head of the Tigray Independence Party TIP, warned that the situation is at a dangerous turning point, with the TPLF now openly rejecting the extension of President Tadesse’s tenure, despite previously aligning with his interests. The controversy follows an April 8 announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister extending Lieutenant General Tadesse Worede's term by another year. The TPLF stated this extension violates the Pretoria Agreement and lacks legitimacy. President Tadesse acknowledged the opposition, stating that while rejecting his appointment is a right, the rejection itself is "childish." He also revealed that the Tigray region's budget has been cut since Octob
Ethiopia's official creditors committee OCC reports that the country has not yet finalized restructuring agreements with bondholders and commercial creditors that meet its comparability of treatment CoT requirements. The committee, co-chaired by China and France, rejected an agreement in principle reached in January between the Ethiopian government and holders of its one billion dollar Eurobond, citing concerns about fairness to other creditors. This rejected agreement included a 15 percent haircut, a new USD 850 million bond maturing in 2029, and a USD 350 million principal repayment due in July 2026. While negotiations with bondholders are ongoing, an agreement in principle has been reached with one large commercial creditor that is assessed as meeting CoT. The report, presented at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, notes that Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia are pursuing debt treatment under the G-20 Common Framework. Ethiopia's credit rating remains in default after the government failed to service a USD 33 million coupon in December 2023. Finance Minister Ahmed Shide attended the Spring Meetings, providing updates on Ethiopia’s debt restructuring and calling for continued engagement from creditors and support from international financial institutions.
Must ReadWildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, has begun operations in Ethiopia, providing Ethiopian producers with access to a digital marketplace for international customers. Founded in 2004, Wildberries recorded nearly USD two billion in revenue in 2018 and a gross merchandise value exceeding USD 70 billion last year. The company operates in nearly a dozen countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. Ethiopia is Wildberries' first African market, aiming to offer local merchants immediate access to an international e-commerce infrastructure for direct exports of goods like coffee, textiles, and leather products. This expansion follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Ethiopian Investment Holdings in November 2025 to develop the nation’s e-commerce infrastructure. A statement after the launch ceremony indicated that Ethiopian Investment Holdings and Wildberries are considering a joint venture. The Russian retailer also has a strategic partnership with Ethio Post, a state-owned enterprise within the Ethiopian Investment Holdings portfolio. Wildberries representatives stated that Ethio Post is a key logistics partner, and they plan to collaborate on local deliveries, storage, processing, and last-mile capabilities in Ethiopia. A top priority for Wildberries in Ethiopia is to roll out the marketplace domestically for Ethiopian customers and sellers. Yidnekachew Worku, a state minister of Trade, noted that Ethiopia’s postal service has undergo
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