Rethinking Asia in World Politics

Rethinking Asia in World Politics
Rethinking Asia in World Politics

Contributor(s): Joanna Ciesielska-Klikowska (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Geopolitics
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: South China Sea; People Republic of China; United States; Asia; Cambodia; Humanized birth; Taiwan issue; cross-strait relations; crisis; ASEAN; diplomatic mission
Summary/Abstract: This book explores the dynamic and multifaceted landscape of Asia's role in global affairs, with a particular focus on the redistribution of power and its implications for Asian-European relations. As the largest continent in the world, Asia holds a pivotal position as a global crossroad, connecting diverse regions and playing a crucial role in international trade and shipping. Its vast landmass and expansive coastline make it an essential hub for economic activities and a strategic link between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The book delves into the growing economic and military power of Asian nations, which has led to heightened competition for influence on political and economic issues, significantly impacting global security and stability. Asia's re-evaluation in global affairs has transformed it from being considered primarily as a recipient or observer to being recognized as a central player shaping regional and global dynamics. The text examines this transformation across various international organizations, where Asian countries actively engage in decision-making processes, contribute to regional cooperation, and promote integration. The book discusses the implications of territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the influence of major powers like China and Japan, which have intensified geopolitical competition in the region. Additionally, it addresses ongoing conflicts and challenges faced by Asia, such as separatist movements and humanitarian crises, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and attracting attention from the international community. Utilizing a comprehensive research approach, the book incorporates literature reviews, data collection, case studies, comparative analysis, and an interdisciplinary perspective. These methodologies provide a robust foundation for understanding the evolving landscape of Asia's role in global affairs and the complexities of its relations with European countries. In conclusion, this scientific publication offers valuable insights into the ever-changing dynamics of Asia's significance in the global arena. It aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse by providing a well-rounded analysis of the subject matter, inviting readers to further explore the complexities and implications of Asia's evolving role in international relations.

Series: Uniwersytet Łódzki

E-ISBN-13: 978-83-8331-310-8
Page Count: 324
Publication Year: 2023
Language: English

Table of Content

Introduction

Introduction
(Introduction)

Author(s):Joanna Ciesielska-Klikowska
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:7-13
No. of Pages:7

Empires Old, New, Reincarnated and Imaginary: Economic Build-ups in Eurasia, China and Russia in Afghanistan Naval Build-ups in the South China Sea Region – Their Forecasted Outcomes

Empires Old, New, Reincarnated and Imaginary: Economic Build-ups in Eurasia, China and Russia in Afghanistan Naval Build-ups in the South China Sea Region – Their Forecasted Outcomes
(Empires Old, New, Reincarnated and Imaginary: Economic Build-ups in Eurasia, China and Russia in Afghanistan Naval Build-ups in the South China Sea Region – Their Forecasted Outcomes)

Author(s):David A. Jones
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics
Page Range:17-40
No. of Pages:24
Keywords:Maritime policy; China; Russia; Afghanistan; South China Sea
Summary/Abstract:Maritime friction among powers, great and small, has escalated in the “Near Seas” region, including East China, Yellow, and South China Seas, largely because China has militarized that region by constructing artificial islands, and then fortifying them. United States warships repeatedly have conducted “Freedom of Navigation Operations” (FOPs) in the region, as have British, Indian, and Japanese warships, with France joining that list in early 2021 also. At the same time, China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” streams economically across Eurasia, with rising debt. This paper will address the objectives of China, the West, and neighbouring Asian countries in terms of increasing, decreasing, or replacing tensions in the region, as “empires” old, new, reincarnated and imaginary converge to participate in this fray. Inevitably, risk prevails, opportunities do also, as once-proud empires such as Britain, France, Russia, and Japan join in to confound if not deter China in its transparent effort as a rising power to control shipping and land transportation in this strategic but fragile corridor that connects Europe and the Middle East with Asia, vital to transporting raw materials, particularly energy, Eastward, and finished products, especially electronics and solar panels, Westward. Crucial issues emerging at a critical time require immediate but careful rethinking of Asia in world politics. Although a pandemic has altered and delayed the course of trade in 2020 and 2021, this may be both blessing and curse, a blessing in the sense that emerging power houses in Asia as well as Oceana have endeavoured to commitmore resources toward augmenting the traditional Western powers, motivating them to become stronger Allies of the West. On the other hand, a curse, to the extent the opportunity for conflict increases as it has unfolded in Afghanistan over the summer of 2021. Perhaps this will inspire a rapprochement with China and instil in China a realistic expectation of achieving economic growth in moderation over a gradual time in contrast to a growth spurt in the short term that would lead to conflict and set China back much as Japanese aggression before 1945 led to warfare ending in Japan’s defeat and Allied victory. A desired outcome such as this may be unlikely, however, given China’s reported inroads into Afghanistan, rising threats to Taiwan.

Sea Power in South-East Asia

Sea Power in South-East Asia
(Sea Power in South-East Asia)

Author(s):Adrian Rafał Szumowski
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:41-61
No. of Pages:21
Keywords:Sea Power; South China Sea; aircraft carrier; People Republic of China; United States
Summary/Abstract:At the beginning of the 21st Century, South-East Asia is gradually becoming one of the major hubs for international tensions and conflict on a global scale. With surge of People Republic of China capabilities connected with Soft and Hard Power, and re-igniting interest of remaining global players, this region is witnessing adaptation of new strategies and tools not only for war, but also for political and economic expansion. The main aim of this paper is to examine development of tools and strategies associated with sea power, which were developed to manage and exploit during standoff and potential conflict in the region. New quality of international environment is introducing change and evolution to the classical concept associated with classical understanding of sea power – how it is produced, measured, and exploited in contemporary situation. Main hypothesis of this paper will state, that with surge in cost and sophistication of sea power platforms, the primary users are devising new avenues to project their influence in disputed areas of South-East Asia. However, its final usefulness still needs to be tested in real-space entanglements. The paper will be subdivided on four separate parts. First will be devoted to original concepts of Sea Power, according to its founders, such as Alfred Thayer Mahan, Julian Corbett and John Fisher, whose created foundations of what is contemporary known as a Sea Power. Second will embrace the specifics of South-East Asia as a particular region for deployment of Sea Power. It will investigate its political, economic, social, and cultural landscapes ant their ties to Sea Power. Third will investigate the potential change in the nature, strategies and tools associated with Sea Power. And fourth part will encompass possible scenarios for Sea Power implementation in the South-East Asia conflict zone.

Troubled Waters: the Taiwan Issue since the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis

Troubled Waters: the Taiwan Issue since the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis
(Troubled Waters: the Taiwan Issue since the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis)

Author(s):Anna Voloshina
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:63-85
No. of Pages:23
Keywords:PRC; Taiwan issue; cross-strait relations; crisis; USA; status quo
Summary/Abstract:Over the last seventy years the Taiwan Strait has been widely seen as a place where the next major conflict between the great powers could start. The last time when Asia found itself on the brink of war over the future of the island nation was the Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1995–1996. In this article, the author examines the crisis background, events and consequences and suggests that the confrontation marked the emergence of a new status quo in the strait area, the one of a structural deadlock. This paper provides an analysis of the three subsequent periods (2000–2008, 2008–2016 and since 2016 until the present) in the evolution of that status quo. The author argues that in the recent years the situation in the Taiwan Strait has been shifting towards increased turbulence. The study identifies the major factors that are eroding the “pillars” of the status quo and, thus, have a destabilizing effect on the relations between Beijing, Washington and Taipei. As such factors are of a structural nature the author concludes that the room for maneuver for each side of the triangle is becoming increasingly narrow. It enhances the risk of a structural deadlock escalating into an armed conflict.

China, Central Asia and a Changing Global Order

China, Central Asia and a Changing Global Order
(China, Central Asia and a Changing Global Order)

Author(s):Bart Dessein
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:89-106
No. of Pages:18
Keywords:China; Kazakhstan; Uzbekistan; Kyrgyzstan; Turkmenistan; Tajikistan; Xinjiang; Great Wall; Belt and Road Initiative; Silk Road
Summary/Abstract:The following paper addresses the issue of presenting the historical significance of China’s cultural influence in the region of the contemporary Central Asian republics – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan, and in the contemporary Autonomous Region Xinjiang. Using historical texts, the author analyses the place of the Central Asia issue in the thought and strategic plans of successive Chinese authorities. The author points to the importance of building, including metaphorically, the Great Wall and highlights the contemporary importance of developing economic and political relations between China and the countries of the region. The paper emphasizes that the Great Wall did not prevent cultural influences from the north entering China and was a ‘border,’ not a ‘limit,’ in the same way that also the Silk Roads that cut into China’s western borders were channels of intercultural exchange. The text concludes that in the contemporary period, the Central Asian region could and should become a region of intercultural exchange in a constantly changing global order.

Burmese Buddhist Idealism from U Thant to Aung San Suu Kyi. Two Case Studies of Myanmar’s Political Thought

Burmese Buddhist Idealism from U Thant to Aung San Suu Kyi. Two Case Studies of Myanmar’s Political Thought
(Burmese Buddhist Idealism from U Thant to Aung San Suu Kyi. Two Case Studies of Myanmar’s Political Thought)

Author(s):Michał Lubina
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:107-118
No. of Pages:12
Keywords:Burma; Myanmar; U Thant; Aung San Suu Kyi; Myanmar’s Political Thought; Burmese Buddhist Modernists
Summary/Abstract:Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi remains a puzzle. Not a long time ago a global democracy icon, she now faces harsh criticism for her actions in governance. Much has been written about her policies yet there is little attempt to trace the intellectual sources of her policymaking. This article will try to fill this gap by showing that important sources of Suu Kyi’s governing philosophy can be found in 1950s intellectual climate of Burma. Suu Kyi in her political thought follows the (completely forgotten now) tradition of Burmese Buddhist modernists of 1950s whose most famous representative was U Thant. Suu Kyi is quite like them in many regards including the inability to successfully govern a country.

Proliferation of RTAs in the World Economy as a Consequence of the Crisis within the WTO – the Case of Agreements between the EU and ASEAN Countries

Proliferation of RTAs in the World Economy as a Consequence of the Crisis within the WTO – the Case of Agreements between the EU and ASEAN Countries
(Proliferation of RTAs in the World Economy as a Consequence of the Crisis within the WTO – the Case of Agreements between the EU and ASEAN Countries)

Author(s):Elżbieta Majchrowska
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:119-148
No. of Pages:30
Keywords:ASEAN; EU; FTA; RTA; WTO
Summary/Abstract:Proliferation of RTAs in the World Economy as a Consequence of the Crisis within the WTO – the Case of Agreements between the EU and ASEAN CountriesThe ever-expanding and progressive crisis in fulfilling its key roles by the World Trade Organization (WTO) is the main reason behind the proliferation of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) all over the world. The growing trend in this regard could also be observed in actions taken by the European Union. The EU’s current policy of diversification and intensification of trade relations involves mainly the conclusion of numerous Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). A clear tendency, in this context, is a special interest in markets of the Asia-Pacific region, owing to their enormous economic potential. Of particular note, in this context, are the bilateral agreements concluded with countries of the ASEAN group, which, as a whole, constitute EU’s third largest trading partner outside Europe. These agreements, leading towards restarting negotiations of the ambitious region-to-region FTA with ASEAN, are particularly significant to reinforcing EU’s position in this economically important area, also, in light of other crucial agreements concluded in the region, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) or the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Ensuring better access to the dynamic ASEAN market is a priority for the EU. This region is critical to European economic interests, which was emphasized in the trade and investment strategy for the EU – “Trade for All,” presented in 2015. In the face of the multilateral crisis within the WTO, the EU, as the most active participant of RTAs in the world economy, will, therefore, concentrate onimplementing its current policy and activities in this regard – negotiating RTAs. This solution, owing to its discriminatory nature, further complicates world trade, however, on the other hand, it grants the EU greater bargaining power. Changing this situation requires reforming the WTO and rebuilding the organization’s position in the world trade system.

Overlapping Regionalism in East Asia: A Critical Review on Mega-Free Trade Agreements

Overlapping Regionalism in East Asia: A Critical Review on Mega-Free Trade Agreements
(Overlapping Regionalism in East Asia: A Critical Review on Mega-Free Trade Agreements)

Author(s):Burcu Ermeydan
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:149-166
No. of Pages:18
Keywords:Overlapping Regionalism; East Asia; Mega-FTAs; RCEP; CPTPP; IPEF
Summary/Abstract:Despite the existence of region-wide economic networks and the proliferation of regional cooperation processes in the 1990s and 2000s, East Asia is still one of the under-institutionalized regions in the world. In the absence of a single regional organization covering all regional states, the region is fragmented among regional organizations/groups, most of which geographically overlap due to multi-membership. In the literature on regionalism, this phenomenon has been recently conceptualized as “overlapping regionalism,” which has been observed worldwide. Indeed, East Asia constitutes a special example of overlapping regionalism with its current regional setting because of the high number of overlaps under regional organizations, initiatives, and agreements. Yet, the region has not been extensively examined in the emerging literature on overlapping regionalism. This paper aims to discuss overlapping regionalism in East Asia and its effects. It asks two central questions: why do regional states implement regional initiatives that geographically overlap, and how do overlapping regional initiatives affect regional states’ positions in the current setting of regional architecture in East Asia and vice versa? In order to answer these questions, it first proposes an analytical framework to examine overlapping regionalism. Later, it focuses on selected geographically overlapping free trade agreements like Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). It evaluates political and economic factors and determinants of the emergence of these overlapping regional initiatives within the East Asian context. East Asia constitutes a distinctive example in termsof overlapping regional initiatives. It argues that rivalry among the big powers of the region, hedging strategies of middle and small powers, and the looselyinstitutionalized structure of the regional governance are the primary reasons behind their emergence.

Contrived Citizenship in Olympic Competition: Politicisation of the Olympic Games – to Divide Instead of to Unite when Para-diplomacy is Abused

Contrived Citizenship in Olympic Competition: Politicisation of the Olympic Games – to Divide Instead of to Unite when Para-diplomacy is Abused
(Contrived Citizenship in Olympic Competition: Politicisation of the Olympic Games – to Divide Instead of to Unite when Para-diplomacy is Abused)

Author(s):David A. Jones
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:167-186
No. of Pages:20
Keywords:Olympic Games; sport; citizenship; sponsorship; competition
Summary/Abstract:An Olympian Spirit is an ideal goal envisioned to bring outstanding athletes in many sports together in objective competition. Historical rules have been strict, some nations have skirted accepted regulations. Then more recently, multiple standards have been relaxed to the point where they seem to be non-existent or mandatory more on some than on others: both nations and athletes. This is para-diplomacy gone wild in the wrong direction. Examples are bountiful: changing of citizenship vicariously, representing countries without citizenship, testing positive for contraband substances then being allowed into competition, denial of a place in competition because the brand on a snowboard is not that of an Olympic “sponsor,” and the list goes on. Olympic training is gruelling. To allow an unqualified athlete to compete deprives a qualified athlete of an opportunity that can be life-changing. Same for fictional disqualification, medal stripping or reduction on pretext technicalities, raiding by some countries of athletes born and trained in other countries. Standards must be uniform, applicable to all competitors, enforced punctiliously by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Alternatively, right-thinking countries will consider withdrawing from the Olympics. Is the Olympic goal only to make money, to generate media contracts, to pander to sponsors? What sanctions are appropriate? If an athlete wins a medal under a “false flag,” should that award be transferred to her/his real country? When an athlete violates a material rule, should the team of athletes representing that athlete’s country be sanctioned? If fairness is to dominate, what is fair?

Rethinking Agriculture Development in the Greater Mekong Subregion Countries

Rethinking Agriculture Development in the Greater Mekong Subregion Countries
(Rethinking Agriculture Development in the Greater Mekong Subregion Countries)

Author(s):Elena Burova
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:187-200
No. of Pages:14
Keywords:agriculture; Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS); agriculture development; agriculture productivity
Summary/Abstract:The agriculture remains a strategic sector of the economy, despite the widespread decline in its share in GDP production and employment. Its development is observed as a key factor in maintaining food security, as well as reducing poverty. The GMS’s agriculture is characterized by lagging growth rates in comparison with other sectors of the national economy. However, the GMS’s agriculture has shown positive changes. First of all, countries in the region are following a path of intensification, so the yield has increased steadily, although its strong dependence on variable weather conditions is major risk. Much of the agricultural land in the GMS is prone to floods, droughts or both. At the same time, despite the growth in labor productivity, its increase was not significant. The structure of agricultural production has begun to change. Traditionally monoculture production, specializing in rice cultivation, is gradually diversifying into secondary cash crop production, which is helping to increase cash production and agricultural exports. Agriculture in the GMS has been shifting from traditional subsistence to modern commercial farming. Peasant farms are increasingly oriented to the regional and world markets. They begin to produce products with comparative advantages, participating in the regional division of labor. The construction of vertically integrated enterprises and value chains within the framework of the GMS is also taking place. The positive effect of integration processes is the convergence of prices on the regional agricultural market and direct impact on global consumers. This article examines the features and achievements of agriculture, as well as highlights the challenges and problems.

Overcoming Animosities: History Issues and Japan’s Cooperation with Southeast Asia

Overcoming Animosities: History Issues and Japan’s Cooperation with Southeast Asia
(Overcoming Animosities: History Issues and Japan’s Cooperation with Southeast Asia)

Author(s):Karol Żakowski
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:203-216
No. of Pages:14
Keywords:Japan; Southeast Asia; international relations; Fukuda Doctrine
Summary/Abstract:Although anti-Japanese sentiments in Southeast Asia initially remained strong after the Second World War, since the 1970s, Tokyo has managed to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with many Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Cordial relations between Japan and Southeast Asian states contrasted with periodic reemergence of history issues between Japan and China or South Korea. This article examines the causes of this difference. It analyzes the international and domestic factors behind rapprochement between Japan and such states as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam. It is argued that reconciliation with ASEAN countries was a part of Japan’s foreign policy strategy. Initially, it was aimed at promoting mutually beneficial trade through the Fukuda Doctrine, but over time, it started serving as one of the ways of containing and counterbalancing China’s rise in the region.

Game Theory as A Method of Analysis of Visits to Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese Prime Ministers: Case Study Based on Jun’ichirō Koizumi’s Visits

Game Theory as A Method of Analysis of Visits to Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese Prime Ministers: Case Study Based on Jun’ichirō Koizumi’s Visits
(Game Theory as A Method of Analysis of Visits to Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese Prime Ministers: Case Study Based on Jun’ichirō Koizumi’s Visits)

Author(s):Maciej Pletnia
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:217-230
No. of Pages:14
Keywords:Yasukuni; politics of memory; nationalism in Japan; game theory
Summary/Abstract:This paper aims to use game theory to analyze the decision-making process associated with Japanese prime ministers’ visits to the Yasukuni shrine. The central thesis of the research is that it is possible to construct a model that enables the analysis of past visits to the shrine and assess the probability of such visits in the future. The presented research is a case study based on Jun’ichirō Koizumi’s visits during his term as Prime Minister of Japan. The model used for the analysis is based on the ‘chicken dilemma’ and is an example of a non-cooperative and repeated game. Relying on the model also allows us to juxtapose foreign pressures with those exerted by domestic interest groups, as preliminary findings suggest that using game theory to analyze visits to Yasukuni provides a better understanding of the rationality underlying the decisions to visit the shrine. Overall, the research presented here is preliminary and should be continued to deepen the analysis and develop a more accurate model.

From Pork-Barrel Machine to Relevant Policy Communication Platform? Transition of LDP’s Personal Support Group Koenkai in the Japanese Political System

From Pork-Barrel Machine to Relevant Policy Communication Platform? Transition of LDP’s Personal Support Group Koenkai in the Japanese Political System
(From Pork-Barrel Machine to Relevant Policy Communication Platform? Transition of LDP’s Personal Support Group Koenkai in the Japanese Political System)

Author(s):Zachariasz Popiołek
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:231-252
No. of Pages:22
Keywords:Japan; political system; political parties; Koenkai
Summary/Abstract:Koenkai 後援会 individual support group of Japanese politicians has become phenomenon that has no equivalent in any Western democratic country. It emerged on political scene long before introduction of universal suffrage, have spread in the post-war period of rapid democratization due to electoral campaign constraints, and survived until today despite of major evolutions of political environment. The aim of this paper is to show the historical trajectory of individual support groups development and attempt to answer the question if Koenkai’s funds distribution function-claimed in previous research remains valid. To prove the above I have examined previous research, utilized data of public opinion pools executed by Akarui Suishin Kyokai (Clean Election League) and financial reports submitted by support groups to electoral commissions in each of 47 prefectures and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Circulation and Exportation of the Japanese Childbirth Model in Southern-East Asia Preliminary Insights from Cambodia

Circulation and Exportation of the Japanese Childbirth Model in Southern-East Asia Preliminary Insights from Cambodia
(Circulation and Exportation of the Japanese Childbirth Model in Southern-East Asia Preliminary Insights from Cambodia)

Author(s):Clémence Schantz, Pascale Hancart Petitet
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:253-265
No. of Pages:13
Keywords:SEA; Japan; Cambodia; childbirth; maternal health care; social policy
Summary/Abstract:Globally, maternal health matters and birthing ideologies and practices still generate much controversy. On the one hand, those who are promoting the medicalization of childbirth argue that the mortality and morbidity risks justify the imposition of biotechnological standards and practices. On the other hand, activists for demedicalization of birth are denouncing gynecological and obstetric violence, and pointing the pathologies induced by overuse of technologies. These movements, which are part of the current’s feminist calls, advocate a women’s reappropriation over their own bodies. The paper, based on long term and more recent ethnographical investigations aims to explore these political, cultural and social controversies by examining the recent initiatives in reproductive health domain carried by Japanese cooperation in South-East Asia. Since the 2000s, JICA (Japanese agency for international cooperation), as part of its infrastructure development, institutional strengthening and training programs, has indeed carried out numerous initiatives. One aims at improving the quality of maternal health care with two main objectives: the reduction of cesarean section rates and the humanization of birth.

Humanitarian Intervention and the Religious Ethos of Japan

Humanitarian Intervention and the Religious Ethos of Japan
(Humanitarian Intervention and the Religious Ethos of Japan)

Author(s):Edoardo Pieroni
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:267-285
No. of Pages:19
Keywords:Japan; Myanmar; security; humanitarian intervention; religion
Summary/Abstract:The recent military coup d’état in Myanmar has triggered widespread indignation and concern in the international community. The Tatmadaw have deposed a freely elected government led by the National League for Democracy, interrupting a decade-long process of democratization and repressing the ensuing civil protests with violence. Liberal democracies worldwide issued joint statements of condemnation as well as sanctions targeting the economic interests of the Burmese military. Among them, Japan has been a notable exception in taking significant measures against armed violence. Despite being a democracy pledging to pursue a diplomacy based on freedom, the rule of law and basic human rights, Japan tends to assume passive stances towards violence perpetrated abroad. Drawing from ontological security theory, the article tries to explain this attitude by taking into account Japan’s religious ethos. It is shown that the normative framework underlying Japan’s religious traditions is in stark contrast with the Western, individualistic principles on which humanitarian interventionism is based.

The V4 – ASEAN Perspectives Cooperation and Diplomatic Missions in Southeast Asia and Central Europe

The V4 – ASEAN Perspectives Cooperation and Diplomatic Missions in Southeast Asia and Central Europe
(The V4 – ASEAN Perspectives Cooperation and Diplomatic Missions in Southeast Asia and Central Europe)

Author(s):Lukáš Laš
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:289-306
No. of Pages:18
Keywords:ASEAN; consulate; cooperation; diplomatic mission; embassy; V4
Summary/Abstract:This paper provides an overview of diplomatic missions between Central Europe and Southeast Asia and draws a picture of the political, economic, and cultural interactions between the countries of the two regions on vertical and horizontal levels. Desktop research is combined with selected theoretical views on diplomatic representation and international cooperation. A particular attention is paid to the interaction of the Visegrad Group (V4) countries with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Descriptive empirical views are interpreted in a growing “Indo-Pacific” context. The potential of the V4-ASEAN cooperation format is recognized but not yet fulfilled, which is expected to change with implementation of the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Poland–China Educational Cooperation before the COVID-19 pandemic: University of Łódź Case Study

Poland–China Educational Cooperation before the COVID-19 pandemic: University of Łódź Case Study
(Poland–China Educational Cooperation before the COVID-19 pandemic: University of Łódź Case Study)

Author(s):Bartosz Kowalski
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:307-322
No. of Pages:16
Keywords:Poland–China relations; sister cities; regional cooperation; University of Łódź; China studies; Asian studies
Summary/Abstract:This article examines the University of Łódź’s educational cooperation before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing educational and research interactions within the broader framework of Poland-China bilateral relations, both from historical and contemporary perspectives, the author argues that the intensity of contacts between University of Łódź and Chinese counterparts has often been dependent upon fluctuations in the political relations between the two countries and that despite initial enthusiasm the cooperation is now heading on more realistic tracks.

Conclusions

Conclusions
(Conclusions)

Author(s):Joanna Ciesielska-Klikowska
Language:English
Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Sciences
Page Range:323-324
No. of Pages:8

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Rethinking Asia in World Politics Rethinking Asia in World Politics

Introduction

Introduction (Introduction)