Power Diplomacy Research Articles

Redefining Middle Power Diplomacy: South Korea’s Strategic Shift towards Global Leadership

This paper explores South Korea’s evolving foreign policy under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, highlighting its shift from a traditional middle power to a “Global Pivotal State” (GPS). The study examines the key drivers behind this transformation, particularly the enhanced U.S.-South Korea alliance, which has allowed South Korea to increase its regional and global influence. Through an analysis of the "Global Pivotal State" policy, the paper delves into how South Korea seeks to expand its leadership role in multilateral diplomacy, focusing on areas such as security, democracy, and climate change. Additionally, the study emphasizes South Korea’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, especially with the U.S., Japan, and Europe, while expanding its diplomatic reach to new regions such as the Indo-Pacific. By leveraging its strengths in green growth, technology, and official development assistance (ODA), South Korea aims to secure leadership in key global issues. Ultimately, the Yoon administration’s vision reflects South Korea's ambition to redefine its role in the international order, positioning itself as an influential actor in global governance.

ASEAN, and Indonesia’s Rising Influence In The Region

When one looks at the world map, Indonesia is not really visible in a very obvious manner, due to it being an archipelago, scattered over thousands of islands in South East Asia. However, when one reads into it, they realize that it is actually the fourth most populous country on earth, and holds quite a bit of diplomatic power as well. Indonesia is one of the founding members of ASEAN, the Association of South-East Asian Nations. ASEAN houses major natural resources, a huge chunk of Earth’s population, and together, the 10 ASEAN member states form one of the busiest trade routes in the world. To keep it simple, ASEAN is a really important organisation, and Indonesia, being one of the founding members, as well as the largest country in it, acts as the de-facto leader. Unfortunately, Indonesia is prone to many natural disasters due to its unfortunate geographic location, smack in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Recent major disasters have weakened Indonesia’s position, and many countries now do not consider Indonesia as the de-facto leader of ASEAN. This research focuses on Indonesia’s rise and fall as the undisputed leader of ASEAN, and what the future holds in store for Indonesia. To conduct this research, numerous research papers have been referred to and cited, as well as fresh information has been collected on a primary data basis. The primary data is collected by interviewing 15 Indonesian citizens, as well as senior officials at the Consulate General of Indonesia, Mumbai. Thus, the research presents the observations derived from interviewing two sides, the perspective of the Indonesian citizens, as well as the perspective of the Indonesian government. The research aims to answer some questions such as if Indonesia is prepared to tackle the current and future issues arising in ASEAN, being the leader. The research goes a step further to figure out if the Pacific Ring of Fire affects the geopolitics of Indonesia, and finally, the research looks at if the Indonesian government, and their people, the citizens look eye to eye? All of the interviews of the Indonesian citizens have been conducted virtually via Google Forms, and a meeting at the Consulate was set up in Mumbai to get the government’s perspective.

India and the Indo-Pacific in the Post-Pandemic World Order

Indo-Pacific is a geopolitical construct that combines the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, representing the new strategic reality of the twenty-first century. Indo-Pacific is also considered significant for countries as it is a strategic and economic domain with a critical role in maritime security and cooperation. With a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, India is now a theatre of opportunity to increase its role regionally and globally. The Indian Ocean carries 90 per cent of India’s trade and its energy sources, and nearly 50 per cent of India’s trade is centred in the IndoPacific region. India’s relations with incredible powers, island nations, and smaller littoral states will significantly shape India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Increasing non-traditional threats and growing challenges from rising China are significant drivers of India’s policy options in the post-pandemic world. India’s soft power diplomacy and bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the region continue to be decisive factors for security and balance of power in the post-pandemic scenario. Thus, the geo-strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific in the post-pandemic era is crucial for India and the countries in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole for their growth, development, and security. Thus, this paper explores India’s crucial role in ensuring the security and equilibrium of the post-pandemic Indo-Pacific through a comprehensive analysis of its strategic initiatives and regional dynamics.

Promoting ASEAN Integration

Abstract This article analyses Vietnam’s proactive and in-depth integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with a particular focus on the first decades of the 21st century. The paper argues that Vietnam’s more active and largely responsible contributions to ASEAN integration are fundamentally shaped by its perceptions on opportunities and challenges caused by China’s rise. By maintaining ASEAN’s non-aligned status, reinforcing its strategic autonomy, centrality, and unification, Vietnam seeks to make the Association strong enough to take a unified position towards China’s aggressive behaviour in the disputed waters close to its shores. However, ASEAN’s internal limitations, China’s great power diplomacy, and geo-strategic constraints, as well as countervailing incentives, lead us to expect there will be further challenges to Vietnam’s efforts.

India and the Indo-Pacific in the Post-Pandemic World Order

Indo-Pacific is a geopolitical construct that combines the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, representing the new strategic reality of the twenty-first century. Indo-Pacific is also considered significant for countries as it is a strategic and economic domain with a critical role in maritime security and cooperation. With a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, India is now a theatre of opportunity to increase its role regionally and globally. The Indian Ocean carries 90 per cent of India’s trade and its energy sources, and nearly 50 per cent of India’s trade is centred in the IndoPacific region. India’s relations with incredible powers, island nations, and smaller littoral states will significantly shape India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Increasing non-traditional threats and growing challenges from rising China are significant drivers of India’s policy options in the post-pandemic world. India’s soft power diplomacy and bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the region continue to be decisive factors for security and balance of power in the post-pandemic scenario. Thus, the geo-strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific in the post-pandemic era is crucial for India and the countries in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole for their growth, development, and security. Thus, this paper explores India’s crucial role in ensuring the security and equilibrium of the post-pandemic Indo-Pacific through a comprehensive analysis of its strategic initiatives and regional dynamics.

UZBEKISTAN’S STRATEGIC APPROACHES OF TO THE SHANGHAIS COOPERATION ORGANIZATION: EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES FOR “MIDDLE POWER” DIPLOMACY

The article studies the key factors (security, geopolitics, economy) that directly impact the strategy of the Republic of Uzbekistan towards the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It is revealed that this strategy always has been based on following priorities: (1) ensuring national and regional security in Central Asia (2) preserving independence in foreign policy (3) balancing the interests of major powers in Central Asia (4) preventing hegemony of a single state or a group of states within the SCO (5) using the SCO to implement Uzbekistan's priorities in trade, economy and transport interconnectivity. Due to the current transformation of the SCO and intensification of geopolitical competition among its major members the necessity of applying middle-power diplomacy within the Organization has been identified. Uzbekistan's potential to conduct «middle power diplomacy" in the SCO has been justified.

CHINA'S SOFT POWER DIPLOMACY IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS: STRATEGIES, MEANS AND IMPLICATIONS

The concept of soft power has become increasingly significant in the realm of international politics. As nations seek to exert their influence on the global stage, the ability to shape the preferences and perceptions of others through non-coercive means has emerged as a vital tool. China, with its rapidly growing economic and political clout, has substantially engaged in exercising strategies and means as soft power politics to accomplish its presence in the global politics. This research paper examines China's soft power diplomacy in international politics, focusing on the strategies and means employed by the Chinese government to enhance its global influence. The primary objective of this research is to investigate how China strategically employs soft power and assess the implications of these strategies on international politics. To achieve this, the study utilizes a qualitative approach, considering key indicators such as culture, diplomacy, education, and public opinion. By examining China's soft power initiatives and their effects, this research sheds light on the evolving dynamics of international politics in the 21st century, where soft power plays a significant role in shaping global perceptions and relations

Indonesian And Malaysia Sea Defense Strategies In Responding The South China Sea’s Threats

The South China Sea is a source of conflict between China and Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia because China claims the nine-dash lines that pass through the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone and the Malaysian territory. This area has high fishery potential and is the main route for global trade, so the maritime defense strategies of the countries concerned are very crucial. This research method uses qualitative data sources using literature studies. The results of the analysis and discussion show that there are differences between Indonesia's and Malaysia's maritime defense strategies, which are influenced by factors such as the fact that Malaysia is one of the ASEAN countries that claims the South China Sea area. However, Indonesia and Malaysia have similarities by using soft power diplomacy and track-3 multi-track diplomacy in dealing with these threats, one of which is due to the economic cooperation of the both countries with China.

Civil Diplomacy and Civil Society Breaking the Traditional Diplomatic Model: A Case Study of Civil Organizations and Civil Diplomacy in Chinese Society

Civil society organizations and Civil Diplomacy are some of the important research contents of diplomacy, as well as the emerging diplomatic groups and organizations in the post-epidemic era. Broadly speaking, civil society organizations refer to social intermediary organizations other than government parties, enterprises, and institutions. The development of China’s civil diplomacy is a multi-dimensional and multi-level process, that plays an important role in China’s diplomatic system, and its development not only reflects the changes in China’s relations with the world but also the transformation of China’s foreign policy and the construction of great power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. In the past, national and international organizations that participated in diplomatic activities in the image of the state did not have the figures of civil organizations. After the epidemic, more and more civil organizations express their political positions and values through the power of public opinion and the media to indirectly change the pattern of the international community, and use their power to enhance the soft power of official diplomacy, which has become an indispensable voice and force in today’s international community. Here, this paper will take Chinese civil diplomacy and civil society as examples to analyze the reasons, impacts, and prospects of the development of civil diplomacy in international governance.

Middle Power Cyber Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: An Analysis Through the Lens of Neo-Middle Power Diplomacy

Middle Power Cyber Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: An Analysis Through the Lens of Neo-Middle Power Diplomacy

A REVIEW ON BANGLADESH-CHINA-INDIA-MYANMAR ECONOMIC CORRIDOR IN THE CONTEXT OF BANGLADESH’S INTEREST

Carrying out study on BCIM economic corridor is extremely important; because, Bangladesh is surrounded by India, Myanmar and China, where Bangladesh needs to maintain friendly relations with these three neighboring countries. China is rising rapidly in terms of socio-economic and political development in the South, Southeast and Northeast Asian region. China has the highest foreign currency reserves through which many countries of South, Southeast and Northeast Asia might be economically benefitted. Besides, India is a big country with huge population which might be a potential development partner of South and Southeast Asian countries. On the other hand, Myanmar has huge reserves of gas, oil and other mineral resources from which Bangladesh can be greatly benefitted. This study has found that the BCIM economic corridor is very significant for Bangladesh’s regional connectivity, people to people contacts, cultural exchanges, soft–power diplomacy and economic interests. This study has a geostrategic and development cooperation implication for the South Asian region. This study is an important policy paper for Bangladesh’s geopolitical and economic interests.

South Korea’s middle power diplomacy and the South China Sea disputes

ABSTRACT The middle power concept is versatile enough to categorise any states in the middle range of the world order that display certain behavioural characteristics known as middle power behaviours. Meanwhile, the adoption of the middle power concept as an explicit policy position by Korean IR scholars and policy researchers can shape and influence the actual policy practice as South Korea’s academic discussions on ‘middle power diplomacy knowledge’ (MPD) have advanced with the purpose of serving its national interests. This research sought to better conceptualise South Korea’s middle power diplomacy particularly on the South China Sea disputes between the USA and China and determine whether or not it is essential for its national interests through active Korean IR scholars’ and policy researchers’ perspectives. It found that there is more uncertainty or concern about employing ‘middle power diplomacy’ due to their assessment of finding greater drawbacks than benefits. Yet, the utmost reason behind such discrepancy stems from the epistemic fallacies prevalent in the middle power scholarship. Ultimately, discussions on South Korea’s middle power diplomacy should begin with the awareness of such fallacies and attempt to address them by critically examining the ontology of South Korea’s middle power categorisation, which leads one to question what kind of reality entails South Korea’s being a ‘middle power’ in the SCS disputes and, from there, determine its appropriate role.

BRICS as a Catalyst for Global Governance Transformation: Beyond Western Perceptions

Scholarship on global political economy and global peace and security governance often depicts BRICS members as emerging powers with relatively limited experience in international leadership. These depictions underscore their contested regional leadership and ambiguous institutional, political, ideological, and socio-economic capacities to influence and reshape the global governance system. However, this article challenges some of these characterizations of BRICS members as inaccurate and rooted in Western exceptionalism. Employing a qualitative secondary research approach, it aims to analyze the role of BRICS as a new model for global governance by examining key institutional and political initiatives undertaken by the bloc, as well as by each of its member states.The analysis reveals that institutional initiatives such as the New Development Bank (NDB) demonstrate the BRICS’ capacity to deploy a combination of hard and soft power tools, thereby contributing to the emergence of multipolarity in the global governance architecture. These initiatives have exposed the world's developing regions to new experiences, resources, and understandings of the priorities of emerging powers. Furthermore, political responses to crises, such as turmoil in Zimbabwe, Libya, and Mali, as well as nuclear issues in Iran, where BRICS members have assumed mediatory, supportive, or leading roles, have sparked renewed interest in understanding BRICS as an alternative to traditional conceptions of global peace and security governance. Significantly, BRICS’ soft power diplomacy plays a pivotal role in projecting the bloc as an advocate of alternative global governance architecture and in dispelling negative perceptions. This objective is achieved through the BRICS’ transformative agenda, which offers alternative pathways for attaining international public goods in developing regions with shared historical and ideological affinities.

Cultural and creative industries and theatre praxis in a digital epoch

Culture is closely related to civilization and all observable civilizations are derived from one form of culture to the other. The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) usually takes advantage of the vast cultural heritage of a given people as sources of inspiration for their artistic enterprise to thrive. At the heart of creativity in every pluralist society is culture. This is evident in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, among others, where the cultural market offer muse for artists. This paper examines the ways through which the creative industry can tap from the rich resources inherent in the cultural market. It uses the Concept of Cultural and Creative Industries as a theoretical anchor to argue that the CCIs are valuable assets capable of instituting development ethos which can move a state from nationhood to civilization. The study gets its data from the instrumentality of documentary observation a la desk review of books, journals and other bibliotheca. It concludes that the theatre possess the innate ability to make Nigeria relevant in terms of soft power diplomacy in world politics and development.

One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiatives: Advantages and Challenges of Policy

China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative is a comprehensive economic interdependent relation which aims to increase regional connectivity and is an enhancement of its geopolitical interest for the benefits of herself, Asia, as well as in European states. This paper is an attempt to analyse the advantages and challenges of One Belt One Road Initiative. China has become a significant influence in economic for eighteen out of the last twenty centuries. Today, China has also taken a move forward in turning its economic success into a diplomatic power comparison with other nations in the region. China’s OBOR plan is not only another new path on the Silk Road but a comprehensive and ambitious strategic policy for Eurasia. Through this viewpoint, the scope of China’s short-and long-term priorities may be inferred, including internal development, steady economic growth, deepened change, and opening up to the outside world. In turn, the same policy presents China with an ability to strengthen its soft power, improve ties with its neighbours, oil stability, and cooperative partnerships with government, as well as cooperation in global governance bodies and contributors to the global economy. This paper employed the qualitative methods. The findings of this research are The OBOR Initiative able to generate higher economic revenue to China and within the region through various of projects as well as encourage a better flow of trade goods, increase investment, and connects people. Also, the initiative could strengthen the economic cooperation between China and participating states. The OBOR Initiative provides an avenue to its government to establish a series of relations with participating states. As a result, these relations have created a positive impact on trade flow and integration not only in ASEAN but also towards other nonparticipating states. Thus, such connections create higher international trade which ultimately increased Chinese and participating states economic revenue.

신냉전 시대 국제정치 유형학

신냉전 시대 국제정치 유형학

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.

Splitanje globalne sistemske promene diplomatskom moći - koraci Evopske unije

This research seeks to provide a viable understanding of the main specificities of incongruences of reality with the theoretical assumptions on the working of the international by developing the concept of diplomatic power. The relational theoretical perspective on diplomacy as the peaceful search for the consent on just and commonised sharing of life, time, and planet affords the conceptualisation of diplomatic power as the non-episodic offering to others what they need, when, how, and for as long as they need it free from conditions and expectations of returns. The inquiry focuses on how diplomatic power is weaving out of several relational threads of relationships, the one of mutuality transcending the hegemonic "complex interdependence". In this futuring process, the unfolding of diplomacy transforms the global relations system, prefigurating its emergent participatory democratic structures. The People's Republic of China mobilised offerings to others of what they need conditionality free or nonrewarding for their conduct favourable to its interests have been the challenge to the European Union and the United States of America. Comparing their efforts, backed by the Group of 7, to counter China's diplomatic power has proved impotent even when they combined their diplomatic power. Yet, the enlarged supply of options empowers long-marginalized states. The conflictual dynamics driven by the European Union and the United States of America competing with the People's Republic of China is undermining the possibility of mutuality as a new relational pattern to order the world safe for just humanity on a secure planet.

The Soft Power Synergy: Ayurveda and Yoga in Contemporary Diplomacy

Ayurveda and Yoga which are the part of ancient Indian system of life have become the symbols of India’s soft power diplomacy in international forum. These customs and patterns embody the core values of cultural norms and values and have great implications of enhancing overall health and harmony between the soul and the body. At first, Ayurveda and Yoga play the role of the link and communication between countries in terms of the shared cultural values and ethical standards, which are based on the ideas of health and relaxation. These activities consist of Ayurveda wellness facilities and Yoga diplomacy initiatives to strengthen the two countries’ relations while fostering the levels of consciousness and well-being of the global society. However, in addition to the cultural strategic relations, Ayurveda and Yoga are the other important economic diplomacy of India. The increasing global concern towards natural health remedies makes India, a major exporter of Ayurvedic antibiotics and other well-being products. At the same time, the demand for Yoga generates a lot of business: workshops, professional boot camps, and well-being tourism centres that positively affect India’s economy. Last, between their globalization, Ayurveda and Yoga have faced criticism of cultural imperialism, and between the quality of products and services and their becoming a commodity. India manages these threats through endorsing local culture and ethic, protecting the product originality and fostering proper cultural transfer. Thus, India meets these challenges and raises awareness of Ayurveda and Yoga as an Indian contribution to global health and cultural events and meetings. The abstract signifies how Ayurveda and Yoga symbiotically develop India’s soft power diplomacy, exceeding cultural, social, and economic dynamics. By influencing these old traditions and values, India improves its global impact. It promotes a more interrelated and cordial global society stranded in common and shared values of healthiness, knowledge, and consciousness.

Soft power diplomacy: A pathway to security and development in Nigeria

Soft power diplomacy: A pathway to security and development in Nigeria