Small states anticipate great powers’ needs, but great powers fail to consider smaller states’ perspectives.
The South China Sea is a major test for ASEAN’s credibility in managing regional security. Leadership on the issue is needed, even at the rhetorical level, beyond discussions on a Code of Conduct that has been marked by diplomatic delay.
Small States Thinking Like Great Powers
Small states often must anticipate the needs of great powers in order to secure their own interests on the world stage. However, great powers are not as adept at taking the concerns and worldviews of smaller states into consideration.
The Challenge for China‘s External Relations
In China, the hawks’ disregard for the security concerns of neighboring states has become a significant obstacle in managing external relations. This has…
