The Rise of China

This chapter introduces the concept of Chinese exceptionalism as a framework for studying China’s political worldview and international relations. It argues that a discourse of Chinese exceptionalism has permeated Chinese scholarly circles as a mode of political inquiry into China’s international relations and vision of global order. Consequently it argues that a framework of exceptionalism provides a more comprehensive explanation of China’s international politics and foreign policy behavior. The chapter also discusses the research design of this study, which is based primarily on elite interviews and discourse analysis. It concludes with an outline of the remaining eight chapters of the book, and how they relate to the broader theme of Chinese exceptionalism.

Hedging and grand strategy in Southeast Asian foreign policy

This article examines recent interest in hedging as a feature of international politics in the Asia Pacific. Focusing on the small states of Southeast Asia, we argue that dominant understandings of hedging are misguided for two reasons. Despite significant advances in the literature, hedging has remained a vague concept rendering it a residual category of foreign policy behavior. Moreover, current accounts of hedging tend to overstate the strategic intentions of ostensible hedgers. This article proposes that a better understanding of Southeast Asia’s foreign policy behavior needs to dissociate hedging from neorealist concepts of international politics. Instead, we locate the concept in the context of classical realism and the diplomatic practice of second-tier states. Exploring Southeast Asia’s engagement with more powerful actors from this perspective reveals the strategic limitations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the dilemma that Southeast Asian states face from a rising China challenging the status quo in the western Pacific.

Topical issues of the security strategy of small states

The goal of this article lies in examination of the topical issues of modern security strategy implemented by small states. For achieving the set goal, the author solves the following tasks: 1) define a “small country” as a concept of modern political science; 2) outline the current needs and problems of small states; 3) analyze the existing and possible security strategies of small states. Analysis is conducted on the security strategies used by small states, as well as the policy of small states in the current complicated international situation that threatens the security of all mankind. The Modern small states face a range of problems related to security, which determine their foreign policy behavior and security strategies. Small states are much more vulnerable than major powers, and thus are limited in their domestic and foreign policy. In order to enhance their security and sustainability, as well as have greater influence and meet their own economic and political needs, the small states either seek partners and allies to fulfill their goals or remain neutral. The security strategies of small states are aimed at improving their chances to stay the course and conduct their independent policy in the modern conditions of civilizational clash and escalating confrontation. Depending on their geography, historical fate, and existing limitations from the perspective of economic, political, and territorial capabilities, the small states choose different behavioral models in their foreign policy.

Topical issues of the security strategy of small states

The goal of this article lies in examination of the topical issues of modern security strategy implemented by small states. For achieving the set goal, the author solves the following tasks: 1) define a “small country” as a concept of modern political science; 2) outline the current needs and problems of small states; 3) analyze the existing and possible security strategies of small states. Analysis is conducted on the security strategies used by small states, as well as the policy of small states in the current complicated international situation that threatens the security of all mankind. The Modern small states face a range of problems related to security, which determine their foreign policy behavior and security strategies. Small states are much more vulnerable than major powers, and thus are limited in their domestic and foreign policy. In order to enhance their security and sustainability, as well as have greater influence and meet their own economic and political needs, the small states either seek partners and allies to fulfill their goals or remain neutral. The security strategies of small states are aimed at improving their chances to stay the course and conduct their independent policy in the modern conditions of civilizational clash and escalating confrontation. Depending on their geography, historical fate, and existing limitations from the perspective of economic, political, and territorial capabilities, the small states choose different behavioral models in their foreign policy.

The Kingdom and the Glory?

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has faced a number of serious challenges to its geopolitical position in the Persian Gulf regional security complex. Having long relied upon the United States as a guarantor of its security, recent friction between Washington and Riyadh, coupled with what appeared to be a burgeoning rapprochement between the US and Iran, has caused policymakers in Riyadh to reconsider Saudi foreign policy behavior.

Egypt’s Middle Power Aspirations Under el-Sisi

In the international system, states whose capabilities are neither too great nor too small are called middle powers. At a general level of analysis, a middle power could be identified using three approaches: its possession of material capabilities, the way it acts and the way its policymakers perceive its foreign policy identity. The first, often called the “position” approach, sketches at length relevant quantifiable factors, such as geographic location, size, population, gross domestic product (GDP), and defense spending. Yet, a state’s ownership of material capabilities does not in itself indicate that it wants to embrace an assertive and active foreign policy. Therefore, in the late 1980s and early 1990s a shift took place, to the “behavioral” approach, which examines the foreign policy behavior of states to identify and understand middle powers. The third approach, the “identity” approach, considers how policymakers think about the foreign policy identity of their states. This approach presents a straightforward method of identification that has a reasonable power of prediction. It informs us of the kind of foreign policy behavior likely to be followed.

Chinese-Language Discourse on Regime Change

Chapter 2 uses an original dataset of Chinese-language sources to understand Chinese views on the connection between regime change and intervention, and unpacks why China finds regime change so problematic. Unlike intervention, which may be permissible under specific conditions, regime change is systematically dismissed. China’s controversies over regime change fall into five categories: defining which actor has the authority to impose regime change; critiques about the aftermath of regime change; misgivings about how regime change affects China’s overseas interests, the role of the United Nations in executing regime change, and how regime change presents challenges to China’s core interests. Most importantly, Chinese writings reflect concerns regarding cases of regime change setting a precedent for actions against China. This chapter adds to an emerging literature that discusses the issue of regime change for China’s foreign policy behavior.