Readings Flashcards
(117 cards)
1
Q
What is the definition of region according to the text?
A
It can vary according to the particular problem or question under investigation
There is no consensus on how regions are created or maintained.
2
Q
What does the constructivist view suggest about regions?
A
How we speak about regions has a direct influence on how they shape up politically.
3
Q
What is ontology in the context of this text?
A
The study of the essence of being.
4
Q
What are the two types of ontology discussed?
A
- Material ontology
- Ideational ontology
5
Q
What does material ontology focus on?
A
Essential, tangible, and relatively unchangeable factors as decisive in region formation.
6
Q
What does ideational ontology emphasize?
A
Attributes of the system that only make sense when perceived by cognitive agents.
7
Q
What are transfactual theories?
A
There is observable knowledge generated outside of the researchers’ perceptions.
8
Q
What do phenomenalist approaches argue?
A
There is no objective knowledge.
9
Q
True or False: Phenomenalists argue that regional boundaries are fixed and unchanging.
A
False.
10
Q
What are the four distinct ideal type positions within international relations?
A
- transfactual/material
- transfactual/ideational
- phenomenalist/material
- phenomenalist/ideational
11
Q
What characterizes the Asia-Pacific region according to the text?
A
It is more institutionalised in both political and economic ties.
12
Q
What significant change occurred in the Asia-Pacific since the 1990s?
A
Incorporation of China into the world economic and political system.
13
Q
What is one reason for the limited regionalism in Asia?
affect of states
A
Superpower confrontation prevented consolidation of broader regions.
14
Q
What was the difference in the US approach to Southeast Asia compared to North Atlantic partners?
A
The US wanted bilateral relations with Southeast Asia partners.
15
Q
What challenges do multilateral institutions face in Asia?
why have they failed?
A
They have failed despite the presence of self-interested benefits from cooperation.
16
Q
What is one reason for the lack of multilateralism in Asia?
between US and Asia
A
The discrepancy between US and Asian countries’ power made multilateralism unattractive.
17
Q
What are the three principal components of region building?
A
- Proximity
- Shared interests
- Identity
18
Q
What is one characteristic of the Indo-Pacific region?
A
It lacks proximity and identity despite some shared interests.
19
Q
What is the critique of the Acharya–Buzan project?
A
It reinforces Western dominance by treating Asian IR as a ‘latecomer’ that needs to ‘catch up’ to Western standards.
20
Q
What does Ching-Chang Chen argue about the mere increase of non-Western voices?
A
It may reinforce Western hegemony rather than provide true alternatives.
21
Q
What is the myth of Confucian pacifism?
A
The belief that imperial China followed a peaceful, Confucian-driven foreign policy is largely a modern myth.
22
Q
What are the two historically grounded Confucian traditions in foreign policy according to Zhang?
A
- Inclusivism
- Exclusivism
23
Q
What is the core argument of Zhang’s investigation?
A
Confucian traditions can inform contemporary Chinese foreign policy.
24
Q
What are the two traditions in foreign policy discussed by Zhang?
A
Inclusivism and Exclusivism
25
What is the myth of Confucian Pacifism?
The belief that imperial China followed a peaceful, Confucian-driven foreign policy is largely a modern myth
26
What does Zhang refer to as 'Confucian punitivism'?
The tradition that accepted the use of force when justified by moral imperatives
27
What was the view of early Ming emperors regarding foreign rulers?
Foreign rulers were expected to emulate Chinese virtue; punitive force was justified if they failed
28
What is Inclusivism in the context of Confucianism?
| hint: transformation
A belief in transforming foreign peoples through culture and moral leadership
29
What does Exclusivism emphasize?
Separateness, rigidity, and mistrust, often when China felt threatened or weak
30
What is the foundational belief about foreigners in Chinese thought?
Foreigners were seen as culturally and morally less developed, but not inherently 'other'
31
What critique does Zhang offer regarding modern foreign policy influences?
He critiques leftist ideology, defensive/offensive realism, liberalism, and nationalism as potentially narrow or aggressive
32
What does Zhang suggest as a contemporary alternative to Western-centric realpolitik?
Reviving Confucian inclusivism and a strategy of 'inclusive relationalism'
33
What historical view does Zhang challenge regarding Confucian thought?
The myth of Confucian pacifism
34
What were the three theoretical views of colonialism?
* Modernization theory
* Statist theory
* World-system theory
35
What was the role of the state according to statist theory?
The state controlled and guided development, structuring indigenous institutions to serve imperial goals
36
What did world-systems theory argue about colonialism?
Colonialism entrenched global economic inequalities by incorporating colonies as dependent peripheries
37
How did traditional Asian societies respond to European intrusion?
They had long histories of trade, political organization, and cultural development
38
What characterized European colonial expansion in Southeast Asia?
Direct colonization through military power and unequal treaties
39
What were the responses of China and Japan to colonialism?
* China resisted Westernization, leading to instability
* Japan embraced selective Westernization and modernized
40
What were the three major pieces of legislation initiated by Abe in 2006?
* Upgrade of Defense Agency into a ministry
* Establish procedure for national referendum to amend Constitution
* Facilitate changes regarding US forces in Japan
41
What shift does Japan's military engagement reflect according to Hughes?
Expansion beyond traditional domains to include outer space, cyber, and electromagnetic domains
42
What are the four perspectives on Japan's security policy?
* Minimalist defense posture
* Continuity in security policy
* Internationalism and multilateralism
* Enhanced strategic autonomy
43
What does the phrase 'soft balancing strategy' refer to in China's regional strategy?
Developing friendly economic and security relations to expand diplomatic space without direct confrontation
44
What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's purpose?
To combat and contain radical Islam
45
What was the outcome of China's response after the 1997 economic crisis in Asia?
China's swift action was appreciated by other states, increasing its popularity and influence
46
What is a major concern for China regarding Japan's role in the region?
Japan's attempt to gain a leadership role and its close relationship with the US
47
What is the significance of regionalism in China's strategic thinking?
Defined by consensus decision-making and co-existence between diverse civilizations
48
What does the term 'peripheral capitalism' refer to in the context of Taiwan under Japanese rule?
Development served the colonial power's needs rather than local growth
49
What is the preferred approach of China towards regionalism?
A soft approach
## Footnote
Emphasizes informal and non-binding mechanisms over formal treaties.
50
What significant factor affects China's participation in multilateral mechanisms?
Level of institutionalisation
## Footnote
Affects how China engages in regional cooperation.
51
What are Chinese reservations about binding resolutions?
They undermine sovereignty and facilitate limits on China's maneuverability
## Footnote
Reflects concerns over external powers like Japan and the US.
52
Define regionalism as understood by many East Asian countries.
Consensus decision-making, consultative procedures, voluntarism, and non-interference
## Footnote
Reflects a cultural preference against treaty-based organizations.
53
What historical factors influence East Asian countries' views on regionalism?
Experiences of victimization from colonialism
## Footnote
Contributes to a preference for soft approaches and conflict avoidance.
54
What was Deng Xiaoping's focus compared to Mao Zedong?
Creating prosperity for all of society
## Footnote
Deng shifted from Mao's emphasis on class struggle.
55
What significant political event occurred in China in 2012?
A big political scandal that changed expected leadership trajectory
## Footnote
Indicated Xi Jinping would follow a conservative agenda.
56
What slogan did Xi Jinping adopt to promote his vision?
China Dream
## Footnote
Represents aspirations for national rejuvenation.
57
What was the impact of Xi Jinping's administration on media?
Censorship increased, protecting party authority
## Footnote
Criticism of Xi's leadership grew despite tighter media control.
58
What did Xi's administration do to enhance his status?
Changed the constitution to include his thoughts and name
## Footnote
Elevated his status to be equal to Mao's.
59
What is the relationship between the Chinese Communist Party and the military?
The party should control the army, not the vice versa
## Footnote
Reflects Mao's principle of civilian control over the military.
60
What major role did the People's Liberation Army (PLA) play after the Korean War?
Rehabilitation of the post-battle economy and political role
## Footnote
PLA was crucial in domestic political matters.
61
What significant event did the PLA suppress in 1989?
Demonstrations
## Footnote
PLA's actions were pivotal in maintaining party control.
62
What historical significance does the Diaoyu/Senkaku dispute hold?
Focal point of Sino-Japanese relations and historical grievances
## Footnote
Dispute highlights unresolved historical enmity.
63
What is the main obstacle to cooperation between South Korea and Japan?
Historical memory and anti-Japanese sentiments
## Footnote
These sentiments hinder shared identity and cooperation.
64
What are the four models explaining North Korea's nuclear program?
* Security model
* Domestic politics model
* Symbol/norms model
* Leverage model
## Footnote
Each model reflects different motivations behind nuclear development.
65
What was a major consequence of the dissolution of the Soviet Union for North Korea?
Significant economic crisis and famine
## Footnote
Affected trade and led to increased military focus.
66
What does the term 'One China policy' refer to?
The principle that there is only one sovereign state under the name China
## Footnote
Central to diplomatic relations between China and Taiwan.
67
What is the significance of the 'China-US security dilemma'?
An entrenched obstacle to moving towards desecuritisation
## Footnote
Reflects mutual suspicion and arms buildup.
68
What does 'desecuritisation' mean in the context of Northeast Asia?
Transforming mutual security concerns into peaceful cooperation
## Footnote
Aims to reduce tensions and foster trust.
69
True or False: The US pivot to Asia was initiated by President Trump.
False
## Footnote
The pivot was initiated by President Obama.
70
Fill in the blank: The PLA is considered a faction of the _______.
[Chinese Communist Party]
71
What is the 'People's War' doctrine?
Guerrilla warfare as a military strategy
## Footnote
Emphasizes popular support and civilian involvement.
72
What was the Great Leap Forward and its outcome?
A disastrous campaign leading to famine
## Footnote
Initiated by Mao, it aimed for rapid industrialization.
73
What does the term 'collective leadership' refer to in China's political structure?
Consensus in Politburo decision-making
## Footnote
Aimed at preventing concentration of power.
74
What was the impact of the 1989 protests on the Chinese Communist Party?
Brutal crackdown revealed party's lack of legitimacy
## Footnote
Highlighted the struggle between reformers and leftists.
75
What does 'regime survival model' imply regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons?
Nuclear weapons help maintain the regime
## Footnote
Seen as essential for internal control and solidarity.
76
What was the status of Taiwan's sovereign recognition at the beginning of the Cold War?
Secure due to US focus on international communism
## Footnote
The US explicitly supported Taiwan during this period.
77
What event in 1969 impacted Taiwan's sovereignty?
Taiwan's sovereign recognition became more precarious
## Footnote
This change was influenced by shifting international dynamics.
78
What was Taiwan's stance on the islands being returned to Japan?
Did not accept that the islands should be returned to Japan.
79
What narrative was used regarding Japan's intentions?
| regarding island disputes
Japanese intentions brought back feelings about Japanese imperialist aggression.
80
What was Taiwan's opportunity during uncertainty regarding the islands?
To perform statehood and present itself as the defender of Chinese interests.
81
What did the late 1970s to 1971 period reveal about Taiwan's domestic pressures?
Facilitated assertions of territorial sovereignty by Taiwan.
82
What did public discourse claim about the islands?
| from a Chinese perspective
The islands were unjustly stolen by Japan.
83
What was the significance of the islands in Taiwan's identity?
Symbol of statehood and means to engage in bordering practices.
84
What did the ROC's loss of sovereignty signify?
Major impact on how the conflict was framed and developed.
85
How did the US's recognition of the PRC affect Taiwan?
ROC became a non-state actor as the US recognized PRC more.
86
What are the two normative orders for territorial disputes in East Asia?
* Traditional order
* Public law of Europe
87
What did UNCLOS change about maritime sovereignty?
Defined multiple spheres of overlapping rights, responsibility, and political authority.
88
What challenges does the maritime rules-based order face?
Absence of unified regime and unclear types of maritime features.
89
What are the five major controversies in the Diaoyu/Senkaku islands dispute?
* Whether the islands were terra nullius
* Both countries claim sovereignty over the islands
* Historical records and colonial rule
* Status of the islands after WWII
* China's claims to sovereignty in the 1970s
90
What does the term 'terra nullius' refer to in this context?
The legal concept of land that is not claimed by any state.
91
What does China argue about the history of the islands?
That Japan illegally invaded and occupied the islands during the Sino-Japanese war.
92
What is Japan's argument regarding the islands' status after WWII?
That the islands were administered by the US and then rightfully returned to Japan.
93
What is the significance of the San Francisco treaty in the dispute?
China views it as invalid because it was not part of the negotiations.
94
What does the term 'national rejuvenation' refer to in the context of China?
The belief in restoring China's historical status as a superpower.
95
What are the three approaches to national rejuvenation outlined by Xi Jinping?
* Passive to hide capabilities and bide time
* Proactive connected to peaceful rise
* Chinese dream
96
What are the two grand strategies China has had since 1949?
* Survival (1949-1989)
* Rejuvenation (1992-present)
97
What does the strategy of 'hiding and biding' entail?
Caution, restraint, and a low profile to avoid provoking others.
98
What is the Belt Road Initiative's purpose?
To reform the international order and benefit regions left behind by globalization.
99
What does Xi's approach of 'reassure, reform and resist' signify?
China's strategy to address international concerns while asserting its core interests.
100
What does 'maritime territorialisation' refer to?
The process of conflating land and sea territory for excessive sovereign claims.
101
What does the Belt Road Initiative aim to reform?
The international order
## Footnote
It is presented as beneficial for countries left behind by globalization.
102
What are some criticisms of the Belt Road Initiative?
* Outlet for Chinese companies to address problems
* Expansion of China's economic footprint
* Driven by local actors' self-interest
* Not serving larger national purposes
103
What military modernization trend is partly due to the US rebalance toward Asia-Pacific?
Increased modernization of military
## Footnote
This reflects China's hardened approach to assert sovereignty claims.
104
Did China participate in the international tribunal regarding maritime conflicts?
No
## Footnote
This indicates China's stance on sovereignty and maritime rights.
105
What was the effect of the South Korea and US agreement on China?
It was seen as a challenge to China’s core interests
## Footnote
This reflects the geopolitical tensions in the region.
106
What was the shift in US perception towards China after the Trump election?
From constructive engagement to a fundamental challenge
## Footnote
This indicates a significant change in foreign policy approach.
107
What crisis is the liberal international order currently facing?
A crisis of legitimacy and social purpose
## Footnote
This has been exacerbated by rising economic insecurity.
108
What characterizes a 'thin' order in liberal institutionalism?
Rudimentary rules and institutions for limited cooperation and exchange
## Footnote
This contrasts with a 'thick' order that has dense agreements and shared commitments.
109
What does the term 'democratic decoupling' refer to?
A systematic gap between constitutive features of democracy
## Footnote
It indicates improvements in election quality but a decline in civil and political rights.
110
What are some internal pressures contributing to democratic decline in Asia-Pacific?
* Political polarisation
* Rapid political mobilisation of diverse groups
* Failure of democratic institutions to cope with new demands
111
What is the definition of democratic backsliding?
| hint: state-led
The state-led debilitation or elimination of political institutions sustaining democracy
## Footnote
This includes recession and breakdown but not autocratic consolidation.
112
What are the challenges faced by developing countries regarding ageing populations?
* Poverty levels
* Decline of support systems
* Underdeveloped pension and healthcare systems
113
What is a significant challenge for developed countries with ageing populations?
Increasing labour shortages
## Footnote
This is due to a shrinking age-dependency ratio.
114
What factor is strongly connected to income in relation to ageing populations?
Percentage of population above the age of 65
## Footnote
This highlights socio-economic disparities in ageing.
115
What does the term 'autocratisation' refer to?
Substantial decline of core institutional requirements for electoral democracy
## Footnote
It indicates a move towards authoritarian governance.
116
What role do private sector and not-for-profit organizations play in developed and developing countries regarding ageing?
Their roles differ significantly across countries
## Footnote
This highlights variations in support systems for the elderly.
117
What is the significance of the term 'democratic regression'?
It describes the erosion of democratic qualities
## Footnote
This can occur in both established and emerging democracies.
