Overcoming Controversies in East Asia
Overcoming Controversies in East Asia
Contributor(s): Tomasz Kamiński (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Theory
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: China; China Sea; Chinese nationalism; Japanese economy; Sino-Japanese relations; security policy; North Korea; nuclear weapons; Philippine military; Europe–China cooperation; Visegrad Group (V4);
Summary/Abstract: Controversies, sometimes bitter controversies, are an inherent element of international relations. Conflicting interests, different values, overlapping spheres of influences... all this make dispute settlement mechanisms crucial elements of international system. Searching for cooperation mechanisms that may help in overcoming existing controversies in Asia is the main topic of this monograph.The monograph is based on the case studies in which authors analyse disagreements as well as collaborations between different actors in Asia. They are chosen different point of views that might be roughly divided into two groups. The first set of authors tries to look at regional or even internal problems that have international impact. The second group gives an outlook on the controversies linked to rising global presence of Asia n countries, in particular China.
Series: Uniwersytet Łódzki
- E-ISBN-13: 978-83-8088-759-6
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-83-8088-758-9
- Page Count: 323
- Publication Year: 2017
- Language: English
Introduction
Introduction
(Introduction)
- Author(s):Tomasz Kamiński
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Editorial
- Page Range:7-10
- No. of Pages:3
- Price: 4.50 €
The Chinese Nationalism and Foreign Policy Component in Mass Consciousness in China
The Chinese Nationalism and Foreign Policy Component in Mass Consciousness in China
(The Chinese Nationalism and Foreign Policy Component in Mass Consciousness in China)
- Author(s):Dmitry V. Kuznetsov
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences
- Page Range:13-37
- No. of Pages:25
- Keywords:China;nationalism;foreign policy;public opinion;Chinese nationalism;
- Summary/Abstract:The research describes the phenomenon of Chinese nationalism in the context of the foreign policy component of the mass consciousness of residents in China. The ideas of Chinese nationalism become more popular both on the individual level and the level of mass consciousness. This is according to opinion polls, data from the media, as well as views widely spread among the intellectual elite.Between 2000–2010 there was a significant rise of nationalism in China. The reason was the transformation of Chinese public opinion. Under the influence of progress in the development of China, people have come to realize that modern China certainly plays a crucial role in world politics and economics.A characteristic feature of modern Chinese nationalism is that it proliferates far outside of China. Currently, its main content is a growing anti-American and anti-Japanese views.The ideas of modern Chinese nationalism have become most prevalent among the younger generation of Chinese citizens. These processes are partially controlled by the PRC authorities, who need the population to have certain ideological orientation.Considering the rise of nationalism in China we can see the appearance of the ‘Chinese Dream’ concept in 2012.
- Price: 4.50 €
Womenomics: The Assumptions and Effects of Abenomics’ Third Arrow
Womenomics: The Assumptions and Effects of Abenomics’ Third Arrow
(Womenomics: The Assumptions and Effects of Abenomics’ Third Arrow)
- Author(s):Agnieszka Batko
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Economic policy
- Page Range:39-54
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Japanese economy;womenomics;Japanese job market
- Summary/Abstract:In 2012, after being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Japan for the second time, Shinzō Abe introduced his plan of reviving the Japanese economy. This set of reforms, named Abenomics after the PM’s name, was designed to secure the state’s position within the region. This agenda consists of the three so-called ‘arrows’ that concern the changes in the fiscal policy, monetary policy, and fundamental structural changes. One of the key concepts of the third arrow is Womenomics, which concentrates on persuading Japanese women to act more actively on the job market and seek opportunities to advance their careers. Despite being one of the most developed countries in the world, the gender gap is apparent with regards to the workforce and it does have a significant impact on the state of the Japanese economy.The purpose of this article is to present the assumptions of the Womenomics concept and to determine how it is being applied by the current Japanese government. This analysis will then focus on estimating the already perceptible effects of introducing Womenomics with regards to two aspects. Firstly, the study will evaluate the consequences for the Japanese economy through applying the statistical data in quantitative research. Secondly, it will also contain references to the social level as this model poses a series of evident challenges to the traditional concept of the role of women in Japanese society.
- Price: 4.50 €
Failed Attempts at Sino-Japanese Security Cooperation
Failed Attempts at Sino-Japanese Security Cooperation
(Failed Attempts at Sino-Japanese Security Cooperation)
- Author(s):Karol Żakowski
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:55-70
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Sino-Japanese relations; security policy; foreign policy
- Summary/Abstract:The aim of this chapter is to analyze the reasons of failure in establishing a stable framework for Sino-Japanese security cooperation after the end of Cold War. Since the 1990s both countries have tried many times to strengthen mutual trust, institutionalize military exchange or create a telephone hotline for emergency situations, but so far these efforts have remained futile. While in 2006–2010 it seemed that China and Japan started overcoming mutual prejudices, the situation deteriorated after the two East China Sea incidents in 2010 and 2012. The article argues that both countries have been unable to develop a full-fledged cooperation in the security field due to history problems, contrasting visions of regional security system, territorial disputes, and rivalry for leadership in East Asia.
- Price: 4.50 €
North Korea’s Fourth Nuclear Test
North Korea’s Fourth Nuclear Test
(North Korea’s Fourth Nuclear Test)
- Author(s):Kahraman Süvari
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:71-86
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:North Korea; nuclear weapons; nuclear testing
- Summary/Abstract:North Korean state media announced on January 6, 2016 that North Korea had successfully conducted its fourth underground nuclear test. Most importantly, it was also claimed by the North that it was a hydrogen bomb test. It is already known that North Korea previously performed three underground nuclear tests in 2006, 2009, and 2013. Despite all the pressure from the international community, why did North Korea conduct the fourth nuclear test? The main aim of this study is to examine North Korea’s 2016 nuclear test. The study consists of three parts. Firstly, the four nuclear tests performed by the North since 2006 will be analyzed. Although it is highly controversial that North Korea’s fourth nuclear test was a hydrogen bomb test, as a matter of fact it was a test of a nuclear explosive device. But, how was the last nuclear test different from previous tests? In the second section, the possible reasons behind the fourth nuclear test will be discussed. Different factors might drive the North to perform the nuclear testing. However, in this study, it is argued that North Korea’s leadership carried out the fourth nuclear test mainly because it wants to strengthen its nuclear deterrent against the perceived threats to itself. Lastly, the study will end with a general assessment about the main findings.
- Price: 4.50 €
Defence Reform and Military Modernization in the Philippines in the perspective of the South China Sea Conflict
Defence Reform and Military Modernization in the Philippines in the perspective
of the South China Sea Conflict
(Defence Reform and Military Modernization in the Philippines in the perspective
of the South China Sea Conflict)
- Author(s):Péter Klemensits
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:87-103
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:the Philippine military; South China Sea; military modernization
- Summary/Abstract:By the end of the 20th century, the Philippine military became one of the weakest armed forces in Southeast Asia. For the past five decades, the Philippine military has had to fight and contain communist insurgents and Islamist groups alike, and thus the army has long been focussed on internal defence. However, after several incidents with China in the South China Sea, the presidency of Benigno S. Aquino III brought about significant changes, and serious steps have been taken to reform the defence establishment and upgrade the military.The author examines the main aspects of the defence reforms then the political-military aims of the government in the context of the South China Sea conflict. In conclusion, the article argues that the change of the international and domestic security environment compels the cabinet to try to upgrade the armed forces capabilities and achieve a minimum credible defence posture. The process however required careful balancing from the cabinet between the strategic directions and development options, not forgetting the financial constraints and the political factors as well.
- Price: 4.50 €
Europe–China economic cooperation after official Belt and Road initiative announcement
Europe–China economic cooperation after official Belt and Road initiative announcement
(Europe–China economic cooperation after official Belt and Road initiative announcement)
- Author(s):Dorota Roszkowska, Emilia Matlaszek
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:107-122
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:economic cooperation; Belt and Road; European economic policy; Europe–China cooperation
- Summary/Abstract:The official announcement of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative in September 2013 opened a new chapter, not only in the economic and political history of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), but also at least 60 other countries, including European ones. Therefore, the OBOR initiative can be considered as an instrument enabling greater Sino-European economic connectivity. There are a few different forms of high-level meetings, organized to create space for European-China discussions. The most significant are EU–China Summits, Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM), and 16+1 Summits (China–Central Eastern Europe Initiative). The guiding documents, agreed during those events shape in a significant way, future political and economic relations. After September 2013, important conclusions, which are consistent with OBOR presumptions, were made. For example, the the EU–China discussion on a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) has started, EU–China Connectivity Platform, has been created. In October 2013, the Peoples Bank of China and the European Central Bank signed a bilateral local currency swap arrangement. Finally, at the beginning of 2016, China became the 67th member of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Despite those achievements, most of European Union’s (EU’s) countries represent different interests, what can hinder further developments. China’s B&R Initiative is undoubtedly a priority in Beijing’s foreign policy. European countries should make their best to capitalize on the opportunities it provides. It seems to be possible only if European countries would have a common position vis-à-vis Beijing.
- Price: 4.50 €
Opportunities Amidst Uncertainties China–EU Security Cooperation in the context of the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative
Opportunities Amidst Uncertainties
China–EU Security Cooperation
in the context of the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative
(Opportunities Amidst Uncertainties
China–EU Security Cooperation
in the context of the ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative)
- Author(s):Gu Hongfei
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:123-136
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:China–EU relations; security cooperation; OBOR Initiative
- Summary/Abstract:How does China seek security cooperation on the vast Eurasian continent? For China, this geopolitical border is becoming more and more important. A new generation of Chinese leaders put forward the ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) Initiative for the Eurasian continent has brought new opportunities for cooperation, but it also brings new security challenges. Is it possible for Europe to have more security cooperation and interaction with China? As an important power worldwide, China and the European Union (EU) could share common interests in maintaining international and regional peace and stability. As the security challenges are becoming increasingly complex and transnational, the EU and China will assume more responsibility for peace and security matters. This paper aims to have a general, yet strategic assessment of China’s security cooperation towards the European Union. It starts with a brief overview of China–EU security cooperation during the past decade, then analyze the opportunities and challenges of China and the EU’s security cooperation in the context of OBOR Initiative, and put forward some feasible suggestions for the future cooperation.
- Price: 4.50 €
Bridging the Visegrad Group and East Asia Through Cooperation
Bridging the Visegrad Group
and East Asia Through Cooperation
(Bridging the Visegrad Group
and East Asia Through Cooperation)
- Author(s):Lukáš Laš
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:137-154
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:Visegrad Group (V4); cooperation; trade; East Asia
- Summary/Abstract:The re-emergence of East Asia brought more interactions of Asian capital and peoples with the countries of the Visegrad Group (V4). China, the Republic of Korea, Japan have a history of relations with Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The moderate discovering of Asia by the V4 in the last decade is being substituted by growing Central European governmental initiatives to attract capital, products, tourists, and to cultivate cooperation with East Asia. The paper is devoted to a review of Visegrad–East Asia relations with a focus on trade cooperation. Its goals are to reflect on current trends and to popularize the Visegrad brand of the EU in Asia.
- Price: 4.50 €
Cooperation or Confrontation? Assessing the American ‘Pivot’ to Asia in Context –Is It a Western ‘Neo-Liberealism’Response to China’s New ‘Open Door’ Approach to Europe?
Cooperation or Confrontation? Assessing the American ‘Pivot’ to Asia in Context
–Is It a Western ‘Neo-Liberealism’Response to China’s New ‘Open Door’ Approach to Europe?
(Cooperation or Confrontation? Assessing the American ‘Pivot’ to Asia in Context
–Is It a Western ‘Neo-Liberealism’Response to China’s New ‘Open Door’ Approach to Europe?)
- Author(s):David A. Jones
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:155-173
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:China; ‘Dollar Diplomacy’; ‘Neo-Liberealism’; ‘Open Door’; ‘Structural Liberalism’
- Summary/Abstract:Much attention has surrounded ‘America’s Pivot to Asia’, hyped in fanfare, castigated by China, welcomed by smaller Asian states in the context of wishful maritime security, all involving an air and naval pivot to Asia by the United States. Less attention has focused on a Western economic pivot to Asia, a significant American financial presence, including World Bank (WB) cooperation under American leadership with the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) under Chinese leadership. Although the AIIB stands to become theoretically an antithesis of the WB, recently the AIIB changed course quietly, grounding its funding in US dollars instead of Chinese RenMinBi, itself borrowing from the WB to support derivative loans from the AIIB to developing nations! This chapter addresses the significance of what appears facially to be a ‘carrot and stick’ approach, focusing particularly on opportunities for Sino-American and Sino-European cooperation instead of confrontation, then forecasting ways such cooperation will promote progressive military de-escalation. Is this financial cooperation a form of 21st century ‘Dollar Diplomacy’ that will result in an American military pivot away from Asia? If so, it contains some hallmarks of what some might consider ‘Structural Liberalism’ or neo-liberalism in a neo-realist package, possibly to be labeled ‘neo-liberealism’.
- Price: 4.50 €
The impact of the US Rebalancing Policy toward Asia Pacific on International Relations in the region
The impact of the US Rebalancing Policy toward Asia Pacific on International Relations in the region
(The impact of the US Rebalancing Policy toward Asia Pacific on International Relations in the region)
- Author(s):Kamer Kasım
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:177-190
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:U.S.; China; Asia-Pacific; rebalance; Obama; China Sea
- Summary/Abstract:The importance of Asia-Pacific region in United States (US) foreign policy increased in recent years. The US paid special attention to the region during the Obama era declaring the region as a ‘pivot’. The US rebalancing policy has economic, political/diplomatic, and military dimensions aimed to increase the US presence in the region and close cooperation with the US’s allies. The growing influence of China in combination with the South and East China Sea problems led to the US administration coming up with the rebalancing strategy. The US conducted this policy together with its engagement with China. Therefore, China’s perception of the US rebalancing as a kind of containment strategy would not be helpful for the continuation of the strategy. Lack of harmony and disagreements among the US allies in the region challenged the rebalancing policy. The increasing importance of the region in the world economy and the existence of problems in South and East China Sea mean that the US would continue political, economic and military engagement in the region. This paper analyses the main parameters and shortcomings of the US rebalancing strategy in Asia-Pacific and its regional and global implications.
- Price: 4.50 €
Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – is cooperation possible?
Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – is cooperation possible?
(Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – is cooperation possible?)
- Author(s):Mateusz Smolaga
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:191-213
- No. of Pages:23
- Keywords:ADB; AIIB; development banks
- Summary/Abstract:The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a well-known financial institution operating in the Asia-Pacific region since 1966. The rise of this multilateral organization was sponsored mainly by Japan, for which, no doubt, it is still an important instrument of external policy. However, nowadays the ADB constitutes 67 members (48 regional and 19 non-regional), including PR China. With an impressive budget (ca. $20 billion) and focus areas ranging from social development to information technologies, the ADB is an important source of development funding.The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a rather new initiative, only opening up for business in January 2016. Based in Beijing, it is a multilateral organization comprising 57 founding members (37 regional members and 20 non-regional partners), excluding Japan and the United States. The creation of the AIIB is a reaction to the fiasco of the transformation of global financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group. China’s intentions in initiating the AIIB are clearly something other than altruism. It might be seen as part of a win-win economic cooperation strategy that could benefit both regional and national development processes. Like the ADB, the AIIB focuses on the development of infrastructure and other productive sectors in the Asia-Pacific region.The question is, should we anticipate strong rivalry between these two institutions, as political realism would suggest, or will the ADB and the AIIB find a way to offer their best to the Asia- Pacific countries without any major conflict?
- Price: 4.50 €
Constructing a desired image of China: Picture of territorial controversies in Chinese language textbooks
Constructing a desired image of China: Picture of territorial controversies in Chinese language textbooks
(Constructing a desired image of China: Picture of territorial controversies in Chinese language textbooks)
- Author(s):Joanna Wardęga
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Political Sciences
- Page Range:215-232
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:Chinese language textbooks; Confucius Institute; soft power
- Summary/Abstract:China is one of the Asian countries, whose borders are contested by different actors on the geopolitical stage, who do not agree on the Chinese version of geography. As China is strengthening its soft power, one of the tools for the spreading of the Chinese version of the map of Asia are textbooks for teaching the Chinese language. Since 2004 China has been setting up Confucius Institutes around the world to spread its language and culture. There are some concerns and controversies arousing around Confucius Institutes, seen as Chinese government-backed institutions present on Western universities, and questions about their role in creating Chinese soft power.The purpose of this article is to understand one aspect of language education, that is how the Chinese territory is shown to the students of the Chinese language in the textbooks that are used in the Confucius Institutes.
- Price: 4.50 €
