Book Manuscript in Preparation
Connection Strategies of Asia-Pacific Secondary States: Security Cooperation and Network Power
This book examines how Asia-Pacific secondary states enhance their security and autonomy in a complex strategic environment. Existing studies on balancing, bandwagoning, and hedging rely on linear frameworks that position secondary states along a spectrum of alignment – with the US, China, or somewhere in between. However, these approaches oversimplify the multi-agent environment in which they operate. To better understand their security cooperation behaviors, this book introduces a new framework that examines how secondary states navigate the broader network structures they are embedded in. Building on the network power perspective, I argue that secondary states actively cultivate and manage cooperative security ties to enhance their security and strategic autonomy. This book identifies three key connection strategies: (1) vertical diversification with competing great powers, (2) horizontal diversification with peer secondary states, and (3) bridging disconnected or weakly connected states.
To explore this argument, this book sheds light on joint military exercises (JMEs) as important yet understudied measures of interstate security cooperation in international relations (IR). Today, states pursue both traditional security (deterrence-oriented cooperation with allies or friends) and cooperative security (reassurance and confidence-building-oriented cooperation with non-allies or even foes). Drawing on original mixed-method evidence, including network analysis, descriptive statistics, and case studies, this book uncovers significant patterns of security cooperation often overlooked in existing literature, which tends to emphasize formal alliances. Using a unique dataset of JMEs and strategic partnerships in the Asia-Pacific (1970–2024), the book reveals that over the past two decades, U.S. junior allies and strategic partners, even those with territorial or maritime disputes with China, have increasingly conducted JMEs with Beijing while pursuing cooperation with the U.S. and other peer secondary states. These security cooperation patterns indicate the emergence of a heterarchical structure, evolving from a fragmented hub-and-spokes system to a more integrated, less centralized network with reduced peripheral segmentation. By examining how secondary states navigate this complex environment to enhance their strategic autonomy amid U.S.-China competition, the book offers valuable insights for U.S. grand strategy, regional order, and stability. On November 21, 2024, I held a book proposal and manuscript workshop at W&M with the support of the GRI, in which Stacie Goddard (Wellesley College) & Tom Long (University of Warwick) participated as external discussants.
Connection Strategies of Asia-Pacific Secondary States: Security Cooperation and Network Power
This book examines how Asia-Pacific secondary states enhance their security and autonomy in a complex strategic environment. Existing studies on balancing, bandwagoning, and hedging rely on linear frameworks that position secondary states along a spectrum of alignment – with the US, China, or somewhere in between. However, these approaches oversimplify the multi-agent environment in which they operate. To better understand their security cooperation behaviors, this book introduces a new framework that examines how secondary states navigate the broader network structures they are embedded in. Building on the network power perspective, I argue that secondary states actively cultivate and manage cooperative security ties to enhance their security and strategic autonomy. This book identifies three key connection strategies: (1) vertical diversification with competing great powers, (2) horizontal diversification with peer secondary states, and (3) bridging disconnected or weakly connected states.
To explore this argument, this book sheds light on joint military exercises (JMEs) as important yet understudied measures of interstate security cooperation in international relations (IR). Today, states pursue both traditional security (deterrence-oriented cooperation with allies or friends) and cooperative security (reassurance and confidence-building-oriented cooperation with non-allies or even foes). Drawing on original mixed-method evidence, including network analysis, descriptive statistics, and case studies, this book uncovers significant patterns of security cooperation often overlooked in existing literature, which tends to emphasize formal alliances. Using a unique dataset of JMEs and strategic partnerships in the Asia-Pacific (1970–2024), the book reveals that over the past two decades, U.S. junior allies and strategic partners, even those with territorial or maritime disputes with China, have increasingly conducted JMEs with Beijing while pursuing cooperation with the U.S. and other peer secondary states. These security cooperation patterns indicate the emergence of a heterarchical structure, evolving from a fragmented hub-and-spokes system to a more integrated, less centralized network with reduced peripheral segmentation. By examining how secondary states navigate this complex environment to enhance their strategic autonomy amid U.S.-China competition, the book offers valuable insights for U.S. grand strategy, regional order, and stability. On November 21, 2024, I held a book proposal and manuscript workshop at W&M with the support of the GRI, in which Stacie Goddard (Wellesley College) & Tom Long (University of Warwick) participated as external discussants.
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Refereed Journal Publication
“South Korea’s Mismatched Diplomacy in Asia: Middle Power Identity, Interests, and Foreign Policy.” International Politics, vol. 55, 2018, pp. 242-263, with Leif-Eric Easley. Refereed Articles In Progress "Security Cooperation Strategies of Secondary States in the Asia-Pacific (1970–2024): Joint Military Exercises & Network Power." Revised & Resubmitted to Journal of Peace Research (JPR) ““Alone” at the Top? Unipole Without Followers or Authority” (with David C. Kang). Revised & Resubmitted to Journal of Global Strategic Studies (JoGSS) “The Autonomy-Loyalty Dilemma of Junior Allies: The Case of the US-South Korea Relations.” Under Review “Peace of Mind: Pacifist Beliefs and Cooperation Despite Mistrust in East Asia.” Under Review Other Publications “Unipolarity, Hegemony, and Moral Authority: Why China Will Not Recreate the Tributary System in the 21st Century.” The Long East Asia: Governing China in the 21st Century, edited by Zhengxu Wang, Palgrave Macmillan, 2023, pp. 175-198, with David C. Kang. “China’s Behavior in Maritime Dispute with its Neighbors: The Double-edged Sword Model,” in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database, December 14, 2015, https://repository.library.georgetown.edu/handle/10822/1029854 “Fishery Disputes Between China and the Two Koreas,” in E-International Relations, June 20, 2013, https://www.e-ir.info/2013/06/20/fishery-disputes-between-china-and-the-two-koreas/ Google Scholar ORCiD Faculty Sponsor: Wargaming Lab at William & Mary
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