Hedging Strategies in Southeast Asia: ASEAN, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam and their Relations with China

This book examines the relations of ASEAN, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam with China in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the South China Sea dispute, arguing that they pursue a hedging strategy to expand their strategic options while maintaining strong security relations with Washington. It introduces a new hedging concept that considers the perceptions of the hedger on the risks and opportunities of the relations and the strategic value of potential hedging partners.

Format: Hardback
Length: 148 pages
Publication date: 08 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam's relationships with China in the backdrop of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the South China Sea dispute. The author posits that ASEAN and these three Southeast Asian governments adopt a hedging strategy in response to the growing influence of China. Hedging, as opposed to the traditional bandwagoning and balancing approaches, offers smaller powers a broader range of strategic options. While a hedging strategy may incorporate elements of both bandwagoning (e.g., in economics) and balancing (e.g., in security affairs), its primary objective is to foster closer economic ties with Beijing while maintaining robust security relations with Washington.

A groundbreaking aspect of the new hedging concept is its recognition of the perceptions held by the hedgers regarding the risks and opportunities associated with their relations with the hedging target, as well as the strategic value of potential hedging partners. This comprehensive approach provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between nations and their strategic choices in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

The comprehensive hedging framework and the significant empirical findings presented in this book will appeal to scholars and researchers across a wide range of disciplines, including International Relations, Security, Political Geography, Economics, History, and Asian Studies. By examining the intricate dynamics between ASEAN, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as their interactions with China, this book offers valuable insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape and the strategies employed by nations to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing global order.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032075167