Bruce and I have had some back and forth recently on the definition and importance of Middle Powers in the current global order. I thought that it would be valuable to invite Bruce into the virtual studio to discuss the role and influence of the Middle Powers. In particular I wanted to review with Bruce his recent writings with several colleagues on \u2018democratic multilateralism\u2019 and \u2018competitive multilateralism\u2019. How could these shape global governance efforts going forward in light of the growing tensions between the two leading states \u2013 the United States and China.\nBruce Jones is currently the director and a senior fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy of the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution; he also works with the Center for East Asia Policy Studies. Bruce is as well a consulting professor at the Freeman Spogli Institute at Stanford University. Jones previously served as the vice president and director for the Foreign Policy program. Jones\u2019 research expertise and policy experience is in international security. His current research focus is on U.S. strategy, international order, and great power relations. Recent publications include an article in Foreign Affairs, \u201cCan Middle Powers Lead the World Out of the Pandemic? Because the United States and China Have Shown They Can\u2019t\u201d