Theories

Question 1

Barry Buzan and Ole Waever’s theory?

Answer 1

Regional Security Complex

Question 2

Securitization

Answer 2

A process of politicisation which transforms matters into a security concern and existential threat for the benefit of the respective actor and legitimizing action.

Question 3

Ian Watson’s argument for the problems with a ‘Global Korea’?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Michael Austin Japans New Realism?

Answer 4

Argues that Japan’s regional role is changing under Shinzo Abe through a gradual distancing of post-war pacifism

Question 5

Evidence of Shinzo Abe growing realist stratagem?

Answer 5

• 2013 Creation of National Security Council
• 2014 Weapons Export ban lifted
• 2016 Reforms allowing Japanese support in allies defence

Question 6

What does Andrew Scobell mean by the idea of “Weapons of Mass Democratization”?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What is “Chindia”? - Vincent Wang

Answer 7

The notion that China & India hold the potential to forge a partnership which could make them the most powerful regional unit in global politics

Question 8

In what THREE forms could a “Chindia” merger take?

Answer 8

A geopolitical entente OR an economic partnership OR a pragmatic mix of the two

Question 9

What FOUR major factors influence China’s perspective of Russia? (Bobo Lo)

Answer 9

Historical - Largely bad

Power Relations

Personal Dimension -

Cooperation without values

Question 10

What is ‘Hedging’?

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Hegemon Stability Theory?

Answer 11

International system is stable with existence of small number of hegemons, fall of hegemon(s) leads to instability

Question 12

Main theorists of Hegemon Stability Theory?

Answer 12

Charles Kindleberger & Robert Keohane

Question 13

What is the ‘Hub-and-Spokes’ System?

Answer 13

A series of bilateral relations between numerous East-Asian/Asian-Pacific nations; with the US at the centre

Question 14

Topic of Evan S.Medeiros?

Answer 14

Why/How China & US hedge

Question 15

WHY does the U.S. Hedge?

Answer 15

1. FIVE of SEVEN Mutual Defence allies in Asia
2. Questions over revisionist or limited-aims of China?
3. Will these aims change?

Question 16

HOW does the U.S. AGGRO hedge China?

Answer 16

1. Hub-and-Spokes system
2. Taiwan Relations Act 1979
3. 2004 Israel to India, but no Israel to China weapons sale
4. Clinton 2012 Speech, Pivot to Asia

Question 17

HOW does the U.S. CO-OP hedge China?

Answer 17

1. “Responsible Stakeholder” - Robert Zoellick
2. Post-1970’s opening up
3. Binding into international mechanisms E.g. UN & WTO

Question 18

WHY does the CHINA hedge?

Answer 18

1. Increase influence and leverage
2. Uncertainty of neighbours
3. Reliant on U.S markets, investment and technology

Question 19

HOW does the CHINA AGGRO hedge?

Answer 19

1. Constrain U.S ability (Anti-Succession Act 2005) “Non-Peaceful Means”
2. Support of unfriendly environment (E.g. AIIB)
3. Pressure U.S Allies (E.g. Aus to exclude Taiwan from mutual defence treaty)

Question 20

HOW does the CHINA CO-OP hedge?

Answer 20

1. International engagement (E.g. WTO & UN)
2. Reaching out to suspicious relations (E.g. Indian Prime-Minster 2003 & Strategic Partnership in 2005)
3. ) Growing consortium with West on key issues (E.g. DPRK)

Question 21

Ohn-Ruchey topic?

Answer 21

China’s changing stance toward DPRK

Question 22

Ohn-Ruchey’s argument

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Ohn-Ruchey’s assessment on what specifically affects China’s treatment of DPRK

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Example which supports Ohn-Rucheys argument that China CAN go against DPRK

Answer 24

2013 nuclear test = Chinese consortium with West

Question 25

YITAN LI’S Constructivist approach to Taiwan Strait?

Answer 25

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