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Rising China, pivotal middle power South Korea, and alliance transition theory

Author

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  • Woosang Kim

    (Department of Political Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea)

Abstract

The alliance transition theory is developed by incorporating the pivotal middle power’s role into Organski’s power transition theoretical framework. The theory posits that the situation of parity of alliance power between the dominant power’s alliance camp and the rising dissatisfied challenger’s camp is likely to lead to major war; and, further, that the pivotal middle power is able not only to help reinforce the dominant state’s power preponderance over its potential challenger but also to play a mediating role of persuading the rising potential challenger to be more satisfied with the status quo. Applying the alliance transition arguments to the East Asian region, the theory suggests that a pivotal middle power such as South Korea can be a crucial addition to the United States’ capabilities to maintain its preponderance of power over the potential challenger, the People’s Republic of China. Together with other like-minded middle powers, the Republic of Korea, as a key regional ally of the United States, can also play the constructive role of persuading China to be a responsible member of the status quo system, by engaging substantially with China.

Suggested Citation

  • Woosang Kim, 2015. "Rising China, pivotal middle power South Korea, and alliance transition theory," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 18(3), pages 251-265, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:intare:v:18:y:2015:i:3:p:251-265
    DOI: 10.1177/2233865915595531
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    Cited by:

    1. Bora Jeong & Hoon Lee, 2021. "US–China commercial rivalry, great war and middle powers," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 24(2), pages 135-148, June.
    2. Carsten Rauch, 2017. "A tale of two power transitions: Capabilities, satisfaction, and the will to power in the relations between the United Kingdom, the United States, and Imperial Germany," International Area Studies Review, Center for International Area Studies, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, vol. 20(3), pages 201-222, September.

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