This study integrates elements of neorealist and neoliberal theories with a model institutional balancing that identifies the conditions under which this form soft occurs. Institutional balancing, i.e. countering pressures or threats through initiating, utilizing, dominating multilateral institutions, is new realist strategy for states to pursue security anarchy. The interplay between distribution capabilities strong economic interdependence shapes states' decisions on when how employ...

Abstract As a geographical concept, ‘Indo-Pacific’ has existed for decades. political and strategic it since 2010 gradually become established in the foreign policy lexicon of some countries, especially Australia, India, Japan United States. However, China seems to be reluctant identify itself as part Indo-Pacific; Chinese leaders believe that US-led Indo-Pacific strategy aims contain China's rise. While battle between two concepts ‘Asia–Pacific’ may fairly easily settled future, US–China...

Abstract Some scholars argue that soft balancing is a typical state behavior against the hegemon under unipolarity. Others contend ineffective. We challenge both arguments and suggest not only product of specific configurations power distribution in system, unipolarity, but also rational another condition, economic dependence. interplay between disparity dependence shapes state's decision choosing different strategies. The higher dependence, more likely chooses to pursue its security. Using...

International Relations literature often refers to states’ motivations as revisionist or status-quo oriented. Such attributions are especially prevalent in discourse on the power-transition theory, suggesting that danger of war rises when a China catches up US. attributions, however, rarely supported by systematic evidence providing direct comparison Chinese and US conduct. We undertake an analysis how these countries have behaved differently over time according their policy pronouncements,...

What will China’s foreign policy be under Xi Jinping, the new Chinese leader in Beijing? Will follow Hu Jintao—his predecessor—or change course of orientation next decade? Engaging current debates over rising and its implications for regional security, we suggest ‘bringing leaders back in’ a study Xi. We apply operational code analysis, political psychology approach, to examine differences similarities Hu’s belief systems. that shares philosophical instrumental beliefs, which implies more...

Abstract Although the term ‘Indo-Pacific’ has become popular in foreign policy discourse of some countries, we have yet to see any significant institution-building Indo-Pacific region. Borrowing insights from functional institutionalism and political leadership studies international regimes, introduce a ‘leadership–institution’ model explore problems prospects institutionalizing Indo-Pacific. Through comparative case study institutionalization Asia–Pacific vs Indo-Pacific, argue that two...

Abstract Revisionism is an important concept in international relations discourse, and it especially prevalent discussions about between China the United States context of a possible power transition. Yet, this has until recently not received systematic research attention that deserves. We present essay different strategies revisionist state may pursue. It builds on recent scholarship by other colleagues drawn from larger project ours to study revisionism historically develop conceptually....

Abstract US decline and retrenchment is increasing the importance of regional dynamics across international system. Over past decade, International Relations scholars have described conceptualized this development variously as ‘de-centred globalism’, a ‘multi-order world’, ‘multiplex world’ or multicultural ‘no one's but links between global levels roles functions institutions in power politics continue to be poorly understood. This special section uses analytical lens soft balancing—that...

This paper engages the ongoing soft balancing debate by suggesting a new analytical framework for states' countervailing strategies—a negative model—to explain why states do not form alliances and conduct arms races to balance against power or threats as they previously did. Negative refers state's strategies diplomatic efforts aiming undermine rival's power. By contrast, positive means strengthen own in world politics. I argue that are shaped level of threat perception regarding its rival....

The establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) signified China's 'charm offensive' towards multilateral institutions and existing global financial governance. If rise China is inevitable, what will future world look like, should other countries be prepared for? Borrowing insights from institutional balancing theory role in foreign policy analysis, this project introduces a 'leadership transition' framework to explain dynamics governance, with AIIB as case study. It...

The bilateral relationship between Australia and China has undergone significant challenges fluctuations in recent years, arousing substantial interest among scholars the field of International Relations (IR). This paper examines Australia's policy changes towards during period 2017–2022 from an IR theory perspective. By critically evaluating strengths weaknesses prevailing arguments through theoretical lenses three paradigms—realism, liberalism, constructivism—this not only provides...

The world is in crisis. ongoing wars Ukraine and the Middle East have made relative peace Asia more precious puzzling. While Asia's unique balance of power, developmental model, cultural heritage played a role maintaining this peace, an often-overlooked factor peace-oriented multilateral arrangements established post-Cold War era. However, intensifying competition between US China has led to over-deterrence, with both nations resorting excessive measures deter each other, as well...

How to understand and explain the evolutions as well predict future directions of bilateral relations between United States China has become an imperative task for both policy makers academic scholars. Borrowing insights from neoclassical realism, this paper suggests a three-stage, perceptual model 'threat–interest' explore dynamics Sino–US 1949 2015. It argues that nature US–China relations, either cooperation or competition, is mainly shaped by perceptions leaders regarding security...

Why did the US prefer multilateral alliances in Europe, but bilateral Asia after World War II? Rationalists and constructivists debate impact of power, institutions, identities explaining this highly contested question. We introduce a new argument embedded prospect theory from political psychology — prospect–threat alliance model to account for variation strategy toward Europe II. Through setting threat level as reference point leaders’ prospects gains or losses, we suggest: (1) high threats...

This article proposes a new concept of 'contested multilateralism 2.0' to describe the puzzling institutional building efforts by non-ASEAN members after 2008 global financial crisis (GFC) in Asia-Pacific. It suggests that different 'multilateralism 1.0' 1990s, which was mainly led ASEAN, this wave has been initiated other powers, such as United States, China, Japan, Australia and South Korea, either forming institutions or reinvigorating existing ones. advances an balancing argument. is...

The sustainable development of rural tourism is conducive to awakening “sleeping” resources, upgrading the industrial structure in areas, enhancing revitalization ability accelerating construction cultural tourism, and promoting strategy revitalization. loyalty tourists has been considered as an important construct describe relationship between growth travelers’ future behavioral intentions. This study aims integrate authentic experience, involvement, place attachment, into research. results...

The bargaining for a new role in world politics presents rising power with strategic dilemma, as the entails position system and social status international society. China’s assertiveness diplomacy after 2008 can be seen ‘role bargaining’ process between China outside world, such global financial through Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This article aims to examine how bargain peaceful way. Based on rational theory theory, we suggest four strategies whereby bargains role: costly...