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Balancing with Jokowi’s Characteristics: A Neoclassical Realism Approach to Indonesia’s Foreign and Security Policies in the South China Sea

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Listed:
  • Muhamad Arif

Abstract

The objectives of this article are twofold. First, it seeks to posit Jokowi’s foreign and security policies in the broader historical context of Indonesian foreign and security policymaking. Throughout history, Indonesia’s responses to its external environment, as manifested in its foreign and security policies, have been significantly influenced by a range of domestic factors including leaders’ personality and his/her attitude to international politics. Building upon the historical observation, this article seeks to understand Jokowi’s foreign and security policies in the South China Sea using a neoclassical realism framework. It argues that there has been a shift in Indonesia’s approach to the South China Sea problem, characterised by a more active and pragmatic diplomacy and a more assertive approach to territorial integrity. Both components, however, are not deterministic products of external threats as predicted by neorealist theories. Instead, they are influenced by Jokowi’s personality, attitude towards foreign and security policy and preoccupation of his administration with the domestic agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhamad Arif, 2021. "Balancing with Jokowi’s Characteristics: A Neoclassical Realism Approach to Indonesia’s Foreign and Security Policies in the South China Sea," Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, , vol. 8(3), pages 370-390, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:asseca:v:8:y:2021:i:3:p:370-390
    DOI: 10.1177/23477970211041455
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Moravcsik, Andrew, 1997. "Taking Preferences Seriously: A Liberal Theory of International Politics," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 51(4), pages 513-553, October.
    2. Eve Warburton, 2016. "Jokowi and the New Developmentalism," Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(3), pages 297-320, September.
    3. Muhamad Arif & Yandry Kurniawan, 2018. "Strategic Culture and Indonesian Maritime Security," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 5(1), pages 77-89, January.
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