Shifting Power in Asia-Pacific?

Abstract

This book investigates whether a power shift has taken place in the Asia-Pacific region since the end of the Cold War. By systematically examining the development of power dynamics in Asia-Pacific, it challenges the notion that a wealthier and militarily more powerful China is automatically turning the regional tides in its favour. With a special emphasis on Sino-US competition, the book explores the alleged linkage between the regional distribution of relevant material and immaterial capabilities, national power and the much-cited regional power shift. Acknowlegements -- 1 Opening the Floor: The Rivalry Between Eagle and Dragon in Asia-Pacific -- 2 Theoretical Framework: Realism as a Lens for Analysis -- 3 Power in International Affairs -- 4 Towards a Middle Power Theory in International Affairs -- 5 Taking Stock of Asia-Pacific's Tangible Power Changes -- Measuring Aggregate Power -- 6 Determining the (Almost) Intangible: Measuring Relational Power -- 7 Australia -- Trading With the Dragon, But Flying With the Eagle -- 8 Pakistan -- "Iron Brother" to Beijing, Reluctant Partner for Washington -- 9 Japan -- Warm Ties to Washington, "Cold Politics" With Beijing -- 10 Republic of Korea -- No Longer a Small "Shrimp Among Whales" -- 11 Thailand -- Bending With the Wind Again? -- 12 Indonesia -- Rowing Between Two Reefs Once More -- 13 Conclusion -- Does "Rising" in Power Equate to "Shifting" of Power?