Award for research on great power diplomacy

Magnus Hilding Lundström, doctoral student in political science at the Swedish Defence University, has been awarded the 2024 Best Article Prize by the Central European Journal of International and Security Studies for a study exploring why great powers describe certain geographical regions as their spheres of influence.

“It feels unexpected, an honour, and great fun to receive the award,” says Magnus Hilding Lundström.

He receives the award for his article The ‘Geographical Here’ and the Pursuit of Ontological Security: Spheres of Influence Narratives and Great Power Identity in Times of Threatened Status, published in November 2024.

Focus on great power diplomacy

The article examines why great powers, in their public diplomacy, refer to certain geographic areas as their “spheres of influence.”

“This might seem counterproductive, as it risks undermining their actual influence. Smaller states may feel offended and instead turn to the great power’s rivals for support,” says Lundström.

To explain why great powers still behave in this way, he introduces a new concept: The geographical here. The concept draws on a theory about how states seek a sense of security in their identity – referred to as ontological security. The geographical here is based on the idea that certain places hold special meaning for great powers because they are linked to their international status.

Asserting spheres of influence to reinforce self-image

The article shows that states are more likely to speak of spheres of influence when they perceive their great power status to be under threat. In doing so, they attempt to reinforce their self-image as strong and influential global actors.

“This matters because such statements can have significant consequences for global politics. For example, comments made by the U.S. presidential administration regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal have attracted widespread attention,” Lundström explains.

Rising uncertainty in international relations

When great powers express interest in specific regions in this way, it can shift the dynamics between countries. Smaller states may begin to seek new alliances, which can in turn heighten great powers’ sense of insecurity. This could lead them to act more assertively – for instance, by demonstrating military capability – in order to assert their power.

The research is based on analyses of policy documents and other public diplomacy from three U.S. presidential administrations: Obama (2009–2017), Trump (2017–2021), and Biden (2021–2024).
“I focused on how these administrations discussed status and geographic space, specifically with regard to Latin America,” he says.

Diplomacy’s role in international politics

The findings contribute to a better understanding of why regions beyond a state's own borders can be important to its sense of international status.

“They also help explain why some diplomatic statements – which may at first seem illogical or costly – are still made. At the same time, the study underlines the importance of public diplomacy in international affairs,” says Magnus Hilding Lundström.