The impact of changes in state identity on alliance cohesion in Northeast Asia

Download
Author
Koo, Boncheul
Date
2009-12Advisor
Moltz, James Clay
Second Reader
Knopf, Jeffrey W.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This thesis addresses the importance of ideational determinants of cohesion or discord in the Northeast Asian alliances in which the United States has major security interests. Numerous studies have explored the rationale, substance and purpose of these alliances. However, previous studies have been dominated by realists and related balance of power/threat/self-interest approaches and do not provide a clear explanation for unexpected developments among existing alliances. In explaining recent changes within the alliances, relatively little attention has been given to alternative approaches, such as social constructivism. By applying social constructivist theory to the PRC-DPRK and U.S.-ROK alliances in a comparative study, this thesis finds that the increasing divergence of PRC and DPRK identity, values, perception of common interests, and security concerns has led to growing discord and mistrust in their alliance, while the increasing convergence of thinking and common values between Washington and Seoul has become a stronger foundation for their alliance. The thesis concludes with some theoretical and practical implications, as well as policy recommendations for enhancing alliance cohesion.
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
ALLIANCE THEORY: UNDERSTANDING TURKEY'S CHANGING ALLIANCE BEHAVIOR WITHIN NATO
Rodriguez, Peter Sr. (Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2020-06);The current multipolar international system is fraught with uncertainty for states seeking security assurances. Alliances are tools of statecraft used to enhance the security of their members. Over the past seventy years, ... -
The relationship between U.S. military spending and the cohesion of the ROK-U.S. alliance
Kim, Dongwoo (Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2016-12);The ROK-U.S. alliance is facing a new security circumstance due to the rise of China and the deepening nuclear ambition of the DPRK, along with U.S. military spending reduction by the sequestration. The research question ... -
GDP-BASED BURDEN SHARING IN NATO: THE POLITICS OF DEFENSE FINANCING
Drones, Albert J. (Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School, 2018-06);The NATO Allies agreed at the September 2014 Wales Summit to spend at least two percent of their gross domestic products (GDPs) on defense by 2024. This commitment has become a point of contention among the Allies and a ...