Middle Powers and Soft-Power Rivalry: Egyptian–Israeli Competition in Africa

Abstract Scholars of international relations have long recognized the importance soft power in great powers’ hegemonic designs. In contrast, we know little middle employment noncoercive strategies attraction and, particular, how operates context middle-power antagonism. We suggest that, first, enhances coalition-building for powers. Contrary to expectations that states join forces against a shared threat, use via development aid produces an “Us” versus “Them” distinction target unites them absence common enemy. Second, states’ soft-power are likely support coalition maintenance so as it does not challenge national interests. Utilizing extensive archival and interview-based data, examine featured Egyptian–Israeli competition across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) from 1957 1974. demonstrate beyond agenda setting, therefore providing novel evidence interplay between interstate antagonism noncoercion world politics.