Theories Flashcards
Barry Buzan and Ole Waever’s theory?
Regional Security Complex
Securitization
A process of politicisation which transforms matters into a security concern and existential threat for the benefit of the respective actor and legitimizing action.
Ian Watson’s argument for the problems with a ‘Global Korea’?
South Koreas new ‘Global Korea’ soft-power policy is counter-productive; Attempts to brand the country as multicultural underpins the ethnic homogeneity and distinctiveness which underpins the existence of national identity and the state in the first place
Michael Austin Japans New Realism?
Argues that Japan’s regional role is changing under Shinzo Abe through a gradual distancing of post-war pacifism
Evidence of Shinzo Abe growing realist stratagem?
- 2013 Creation of National Security Council
- 2014 Weapons Export ban lifted
- 2016 Reforms allowing Japanese support in allies defence
What does Andrew Scobell mean by the idea of “Weapons of Mass Democratization”?
That in the war on whom is truly ‘China’, the ROC has been able to balance the rivalry by establishing a diverging national identity via democratisation; establishing themselves as something more than just a rouge state
What is “Chindia”? - Vincent Wang
The notion that China & India hold the potential to forge a partnership which could make them the most powerful regional unit in global politics
In what THREE forms could a “Chindia” merger take?
A geopolitical entente OR an economic partnership OR a pragmatic mix of the two
What FOUR major factors influence China’s perspective of Russia? (Bobo Lo)
Historical - Largely bad
Power Relations
Personal Dimension -
Cooperation without values
What is ‘Hedging’?
A strategy of pursuing policies which, on the one hand, emphasis neo-realist engagement and balancing. Whilst, on the other, encourage cooperation in respect of the growing economic and political interdependence
Hegemon Stability Theory?
International system is stable with existence of small number of hegemons, fall of hegemon(s) leads to instability
Main theorists of Hegemon Stability Theory?
Charles Kindleberger & Robert Keohane
What is the ‘Hub-and-Spokes’ System?
A series of bilateral relations between numerous East-Asian/Asian-Pacific nations; with the US at the centre
Topic of Evan S.Medeiros?
Why/How China & US hedge
WHY does the U.S. Hedge?
- FIVE of SEVEN Mutual Defence allies in Asia
- Questions over revisionist or limited-aims of China?
- Will these aims change?
HOW does the U.S. AGGRO hedge China?
- Hub-and-Spokes system
- Taiwan Relations Act 1979
- 2004 Israel to India, but no Israel to China weapons sale
- Clinton 2012 Speech, Pivot to Asia
HOW does the U.S. CO-OP hedge China?
- “Responsible Stakeholder” - Robert Zoellick
- Post-1970’s opening up
- Binding into international mechanisms E.g. UN & WTO
WHY does the CHINA hedge?
- Increase influence and leverage
- Uncertainty of neighbours
- Reliant on U.S markets, investment and technology
HOW does the CHINA AGGRO hedge?
- Constrain U.S ability (Anti-Succession Act 2005) “Non-Peaceful Means”
- Support of unfriendly environment (E.g. AIIB)
- Pressure U.S Allies (E.g. Aus to exclude Taiwan from mutual defence treaty)
HOW does the CHINA CO-OP hedge?
- International engagement (E.g. WTO & UN)
- Reaching out to suspicious relations (E.g. Indian Prime-Minster 2003 & Strategic Partnership in 2005)
- ) Growing consortium with West on key issues (E.g. DPRK)
Ohn-Ruchey topic?
China’s changing stance toward DPRK
Ohn-Ruchey’s argument
Rather than outright support as in previous years, China’s perception of DPRK is now, more than ever, actually depending on the context and behaviour of the regime.
Ohn-Ruchey’s assessment on what specifically affects China’s treatment of DPRK
Actions which are technically successful and/or a sign of growing DPRK aggression against China’s interest will be met with condemnation
Whereas, actions which are technically deficient and/or a sign of merely domestic political fractures will coerce a status-quo attitude
Example which supports Ohn-Rucheys argument that China CAN go against DPRK
2013 nuclear test = Chinese consortium with West
YITAN LI’S Constructivist approach to Taiwan Strait?
That despite growing economic integration between the Mainland and Taiwan, the formation of a new Taiwanese identity is underpinning that a merger is less likely to occur than ever
