Defence Diplomacy Research Articles

South Korea’s Defense Diplomacy for Long Term Capacity Building through International Military Education in the United States

This paper explores the long-term impact of South Korean military education in the United States on South Korea's defense capacity building. Through qualitative case studies, the research examines the evolution of South Korea's participation in US military education programs and the subsequent utilization of US-trained officers within the South Korean military. The findings reveal significant benefits such as enhanced interoperability, modernization of military tactics, and the development of a highly skilled officer corps. However, the study also addresses challenges including cultural barriers, costs, and political polarization. By providing a comprehensive analysis, this research underscores the critical role of international military education in strengthening South Korea’s defense capabilities and fostering enduring defense partnerships between South Korea and the United States.

Defense Diplomacy in Peacekeeping Missions: A Comparative Analysis of the United States And India

Defense Diplomacy in Peacekeeping Missions: A Comparative Analysis of the United States And India

Defense Diplomacy and Disaster Response: Enhancing ASEAN’s Collective Security Capabilities

Defense Diplomacy and Disaster Response: Enhancing ASEAN’s Collective Security Capabilities

Indonesian Defense Diplomacy Through Confidence-Building Measure (CBM) in Southeast Asia

Indonesian Defense Diplomacy Through Confidence-Building Measure (CBM) in Southeast Asia

Defense Diplomacy and Civil-Military Relations in Bangladesh

In a democratic state, it is expected that a balance exists between civil and military power. While the military’s role has been traditionally defined as safeguarding a country’s national sovereignty and security, the modern concept of civil-military relations encapsulates a broader engagement of the military in advancing a country’s diplomacy as well. This article, taking the broader understanding into consideration, probes into the Bangladesh military’s expanding role. While civil-military relations went through much turbulence during the first few decades in Bangladesh’s history, with the restoration of democracy in 1991 the military has been one of the key participants in advancing defense diplomacy. Using several case studies, the article addresses vital questions such as the role of colonial legacies in Bangladesh’s military, how the military has gradually embedded itself in Bangladesh’s social, political, and economic milieu, and how unique civil-military relations have emboldened Bangladesh’s defense diplomacy.

New southern policy as South Korea's defence diplomacy in the Southeast Asia Region

President Moon Jae In announced the New Southern Policy as South Korea's foreign policy in 2017. The policy aims to strengthen the special relationship between South Korea and India and countries in the Southeast Asian region. The New Southern Policy has three pillars (3P) People, Prosperity, and Peace which are the direction of South Korea's foreign policy. In carrying out this policy, South Korea also carries out defense diplomacy through military assistance, sales, and transfer of weapons technology to countries in the Southeast Asian region. This article explains why South Korea uses the New Southern Policy as South Korea's defense diplomacy to Southeast Asian countries through arms sales and transfers. This study uses the velvet challenge framework from Gregory Winger with a qualitative approach and methods of collecting literature study data from books, journals, official government websites, scientific reports/papers, and online news media. The results of this study indicate that South Korea's economic strength through its defense industry has succeeded in introducing weapons products and acquiring new purchasers as indicated by the increasing volume of weapons sales to countries in the Southeast Asian region.

Evaluation Of the Indonesian Languange Training Program at The Defence Languange Training Centre

This program is designed to provide Indonesian language briefings to personnel of friendly countries who will take part in training within the Ministry of Defense and the TNI. In addition, this program is one of the flagship programs of the Ministry of Defense, because it is an effective instrument in defense diplomacy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the implementation of the Indonesian language education and training program at the Ministry of Defense's Badiklat Language Education and Training Center. This study uses a qualitative approach with an evaluative method. This research uses the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, and Product) model developed by Stufflebeam. The data in this study was obtained through observation, in-depth interviews and documentation studies at the Ministry of Defense's Badiklat Language Education and Training Center. The results of this study show that in the context aspect, this program has been designed with a visionary thinking concept based on national interests with a solid background and legal foundation, but the Language Education and Training Center needs to design its organizational vision and mission. In terms of inputs, this program has been well prepared so that this program has adequate carrying capacity. However, it is still necessary to procure information technology experts and physical coaches. The results of the evaluation of the process aspect show that the implementation of this program is running according to plan, both from academic, personality, and physical similarities. The evaluation of the product aspect shows that the success of this program is very satisfactory, namely 100% of students graduate satisfactorily and are able to continue to the next training.

Sea Power as National Defence: Has Indonesia implemented it?

The objective is to analyze the role of maritime defense in Indonesia's national strength and alliances, examining modern naval capabilities, regulations, investment, and Mahan's Sea Power principles for strategic readiness and economic integration in the 21st century. The research employs a descriptive qualitative method, focusing on in-depth understanding and data interpretation. Triangulation is used for data validity, and analysis follows an inductive approach without generalization. Additionally, it utilizes sea power theory and defense diplomacy concepts to explore Indonesia's maritime strength and diplomatic efforts. Sea Power is an important issue for all countries in the world. Several maritime conflicts have gotten out of control due to a lack of input regarding naval defence strategies. Such as conflicts over the dynamics of China's militarisation in the South China Sea (LCS) region or the Russia-Ukraine Black Sea conflict. Considering Indonesia as a maritime country that is required to immediately provide national defence in the future, to prevent future conflicts, following the application of sea power, Indonesia is considered to have achieved the criteria in this matter. Therefore, through the application of Alferd Thayer Mahan's "Sea Power" theory, researchers try to adapt this theory to several Indonesian efforts in the 21st Century with an interest in highlighting the Indonesian Navy's efforts and strategies in achieving contemporary sea power in the 21st century. With a focus on research into Indonesia's national interests in achieving sea power and Indonesian naval strategy. With the results, it is hoped that readers will be able to realize the importance of the sea and find out to what extent Indonesia has implemented Mahan's theory by examining the two superpower countries, the US and China, which are countries that have applied this theory to their navies

Pentingnya Badan Intelijen Pertahanan dalam Non-Combat Military Mission: Instrumen Perhatian Khusus untuk Peningkatan Kapasitas dan Kapabilitas Pertahanan

This research will focus on the importance of Defense Intelligence Agencies in Non-Combat Military Missions. This research method will use a qualitative approach with case studies to explore the importance of the Defense Intelligence Agency in Non-Combat Military Missions. The data will be collected through in-depth interviews with defense experts, intelligence analysts, and military personnel involved in non-combat missions, as well as through analysis of related documents and official reports. As a result, Military Intelligence has a vital role to play in defense policymaking by providing information to anticipate and confront potential threats, enabling comprehensive threat assessment, and supporting defense diplomacy with accurate intelligence. The establishment of the Defense Intelligence Agency under the Secretary of Defense was proposed because it could coordinate intelligence with military operations, speed up decision-making, and support non-combat missions with strategic intelligence. The agency also strengthens Indonesia's defense diplomacy by providing information for strategic planning and supporting collaboration with the local defense industry, which contributes to enhanced national defense capabilities and economic growth. To be effective, the intelligence function of the Defense Intelligence Agency must synergize with the existing intelligence community, to support Indonesia's mission to become an Asian Tiger.

Defense diplomacy of Japan, China, and Russia in Southeast Asia: Strategies and tactics of implementation

Defense diplomacy of Japan, China, and Russia in Southeast Asia: Strategies and tactics of implementation

Unveiling the Dynamics of Ethiopian Defence Diplomacy: A Focus on Peacekeeping Contributions

This paper mainly addresses Ethiopia's defence diplomacy through its participation in peace support operations. This qualitative research study aims to analyze and synthesize the findings from relevant literature reviews to show to what extent Ethiopia has used peacekeeping participation as a tool of defence diplomacy in contributing to peace and security, especially in the Horn of Africa region. The paper finds that Ethiopian defence diplomacy is essential for Ethiopia to achieve its global foreign policy objectives, promote regional stability and cooperation, and seek regional influence.

‘Defence Diplomacy in Argentina: Finding New Roles for the Military in Democracy’

‘Defence Diplomacy in Argentina: Finding New Roles for the Military in Democracy’

Indonesia's Defense Diplomacy Strategy in Facing China's Gray Zone in the South Chine Sea

Purpose: This study aims to identify an effective strategy for Indonesia to counter China's gray zone tactics in the South China Sea. Theoretical Reference: Employing a quantitative method with a descriptive approach rooted in the positivist philosophy, this research follows the principles outlined by Sugiyono (2011). This method is chosen for investigating specific populations or samples, with a focus on quantitative/statistical data analysis to test predetermined hypotheses. Method: The research employs multiple regression analysis to assess the significance of Soft Power Diplomacy and Smart Power Diplomacy strategies as essential national resources for persuading China to undertake desired actions in addressing the challenges posed by China's Gray Zone in the South China Sea. Smart power, as defined by Jr J.N. (2007), involves integrating soft and hard power for a comprehensive strategy. According to R. Wilson (2008), smart power effectiveness lies in combining a robust military force with investments in alliances, partnerships, and cooperation. Result and Conclusion: The findings indicate that both Soft Power Diplomacy and Smart Power Diplomacy are influential tools and strategies within Indonesia's foreign policy context to effectively navigate and counteract China's Gray Zone activities in the South China Sea. Implications of Research: The identified strategies hold significant implications for shaping Indonesia's defense diplomacy against China's gray zone tactics, emphasizing the importance of integrating soft and hard power elements for a more comprehensive and efficient approach. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the field by highlighting the relevance and effectiveness of Soft Power Diplomacy and Smart Power Diplomacy as key components in Indonesia's defense diplomacy strategy, providing a nuanced understanding of countering China's Gray Zone activities in the South China Sea.

From alliance building to strategic partnerships:a historical analysis of defence diplomacy

From alliance building to strategic partnerships:a historical analysis of defence diplomacy

Modern Defense Diplomacy of India, Indonesia, Malaysia – Challenges and Priorities

Modern Defense Diplomacy of India, Indonesia, Malaysia – Challenges and Priorities

Państwa Grupy Wyszehradzkiej (V4) wobec wojny w Ukrainie. Dyplomacja obronna podczas pierwszego roku wojny

Tense Russian-Ukrainian relations, sparked by the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Ukraine’s pro-European and pro-NATO ambitions, led to a Russian invasion on the country, significantly undermining the sense of security in the region. Especially the countries in close proximity to Ukraine, including Visegrad Group states, felt the threat from Russia and took a series of actions to provide a solid and decisive response to Moscow’s neo-imperial actions. The support extended had a multidimensional character, encompassing political, diplomatic, military, financial, and humanitarian areas, playing a fundamental role in sustaining Ukraine’s functioning and its military capabilities, particularly in the initial period after the invasion. The aim of the article is to synthetically depict, from a Polish perspective, the engagement of Visegrad Group countries in implementing the ideas and tasks of defense diplomacy in the first year of the war in Ukraine, from February 24, 2022, to February 24, 2023.

The Use of Technology as the Indonesia's Strategy to Counter China's Gray Zone Operations in the North Natuna Sea

Ever since the end of World War II, the Republic of China (ROC), led by the Kuomintang Party and continued by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) led by the Communist Party, with its Eleven Dash Line (EDL), has claimed almost 90% of the South China Sea (SCS) waters, including the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, and all sea structures in that area. In 1953, the EDL was renamed to the Nine Dash Line (NDL) because China gave the area of the Tonkin Gulf to North Vietnam, led by Ho Chi Minh, which was still at war against the French and South Vietnam. China’s NDL claim has overlapped with Brunei’s claim, specifically Louisa Reef located on its continental shelf, Malaysia’s claim covering a portion of SCS in northern Kalimantan (Borneo), which includes at least 12 maritime structures in the Spratly Islands, among others, the coral reefs Swallow, Adraiser, and Marivelles. Additionally, the Philippines' claim includes the northernmost part of the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, known as Kalayaan in the Philippines. Vietnam's claim encompasses the Paracel and Spratly Islands, including 25 rock and sand formations and islands such as Spratly Island, Namyit Island, and Barque Canada Reef. The overlapping claims, which also occurred between Brunei and Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, and Malaysia and Vietnam, have increased tension and incidents in the SCS, particularly between the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam against China due to China’s actions forcefully imposing its claim. This has made the situation more complex and fragile, leading the international community to term the overlapping claims as the South China Sea (SCS) Dispute. has no claim in the SCS, and no other country has a claim over Indonesia. However, in 2009, when China registered its new map of NDL claim with the United Nations (UN), it included part of Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea (NNS). The UN rejected this claim since it was not based on international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). Indonesia firmly denied that claim as it goes against Indonesia’s law and UNCLOS 1982. Due to increasing Chinese actions in imposing its claim on part of the IEEZ in the NNS, including Gray Zone Operations (GZO) maneuvers, Indonesia has risen to defend its sovereign rights in the NNS. According to UNCLOS 1982, in the IEEZ at the NNS, as a coastal state, Indonesia "has sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring and exploiting, conserving and managing the natural resources, whether living or non-living resources, of the waters superjacent to the sea-bed and off the sea bed and its subsoil, and with regard to other activities for the economic exploitation and exploration of the zone such as the production of energy from water, currents, and winds" (Article 56; 1 a). To overcome any disturbance and threat toward Indonesia’s sovereign rights in its EEZ in the NNS, Indonesia needs to convince China to nullify its IEEZ NNS’ claim. Indonesia needs to launch total diplomacy toward China, including cultural diplomacy, economic diplomacy, and defense diplomacy combined with and supported by defense capability. In this regard, Indonesia should increase its defense capability, particularly in the NNS, to guard the works, personnel, and equipment of the activities of natural resources exploration and exploitation. The enlargement of defense capability, including the quality and quantity of equipment and weaponry such as patrol boats, troopships, warships, hunter jets, fighter jets, radar systems, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), should be done by optimizing the use of advanced technology. Determining the performance strategy, as well as the use of technology and interoperability systems in developing the defense equipment platform, information and communications technology such as Big Data and Data Links, can be a solution to increase and integrate the defense system, capability, and operational implementation. In this case, particularly by the Indonesia Navy and Air Force, by integrating various defense equipment owned and used. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Indonesia’s strategy to counter China’s Gray Zone Operations in the North Natuna Sea.

Confidence Building Measures Among East African Community for Strengthening Peace in the Region

The East Africa Community (EAC) comprises various instabilities, including violence, humanitarian crises, environmental issues, and conflicts, both within and between states. In response, these countries have established defense diplomacy, which involves the non-violent utilization of military resources to pursue peace and stability in the area. Their goal is to create a unified force to address common threats that endanger peace and stability within the region. Defense diplomacy encompasses a strategic engagement, Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), Capacity Building, and the cultivation of international reputation. The fundamental question arises: How can the EAC engage in security cooperation amid the multitude of issues faced within the region? Our article aims to comprehend the implementation of CBMs among member states, focusing on enhancing interoperability within a case study of regional security cooperation aimed at implementing peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Our research employs qualitative analysis using the concept of Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBM) and applies DIME theory to illustrate the process of establishing and strengthening trust among member states in the region. The primary outcome of this study underscores the critical role played by diplomacy and military strategies in resolving peace and security issues in the DRC

Indonesian Leadership Policies and Strategies In Facing The South China Sea Conflict

This research examines Indonesia's role in managing the South China Sea dispute using a conceptual framework of regional leadership that involves five models of leadership role impact. Indonesia's role in the South China Sea conflict is categorized as active but with limited impact. Despite Indonesia's active involvement in South China Sea conflict resolution efforts for over two decades, its impact has not reached the expected level. Indonesia has engaged in various cooperations and diplomacy that have successfully prevented open conflicts in the South China Sea region. Nevertheless, Indonesia's role in supporting internal solutions for the disputing parties remains limited due to several factors beyond Indonesia's control. These factors include the complexity of competition with China's power, low levels of trust among member states, a lack of technical cooperation in governing the South China Sea region, and the dilemmas of defense diplomacy with countries outside the region. This research highlights that Indonesia has the potential to act as a mediator and mediator in managing the South China Sea disputes, especially in non-traditional security issues such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU Fishing). Focusing on non-traditional security diplomacy may help minimize the impact of conflicts and enhance cooperation in the South China Sea region.

Defence diplomacy of the Bucharest Nine (B9) countries during the war in Ukraine. The balance of the first year of the war

The article concerns the cooperation of NATO’s eastern flank countries in support of war-torn Ukraine. The aim of the discussion is to show the actions of the B9 countries, implementing the ideas and tasks of defence diplomacy, undertaken during the first year of the war (24 February, 2022 – 24 February, 2023). This support took place in several key areas: political, diplomatic, military, and humanitarian. It was of fundamental importance for maintaining the functioning and stability of Ukraine and its fighting capabilities, especially in the early period after the Russian Federation’s invasion. The author tried to verify the following: how was Ukraine supported in practice? Did all B9 countries equally and with the same level of commitment provide assistance in all the identified areas? What factors could potentially strengthen or weaken the B9 countries’ involvement in implementing the ideas of defence diplomacy in Ukraine? The analysis was based on current data and materials made available over the past year in the media and on the Internet.