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Strategic partnerships in alliance politics: Introducing the Global Strategic Partnership dataset

Author

Listed:
  • Nien-chung Chang-Liao

    (71577Institute of Political Science, Academia Sinica, Taiwan (ROC))

  • Ronan Tse-min Fu

    (71577Institute of Political Science, Academia Sinica, Taiwan (ROC))

  • Shane Hsuan-Yu Lin

    (71577Institute of Political Science, Academia Sinica, Taiwan (ROC))

Abstract

Since the 1990s, strategic partnerships have emerged as a new foreign policy tool that allows more flexibility in international cooperation. This paper distinguishes strategic partnerships from alliances and alignments by introducing the Global Strategic Partnership dataset. In addition to presenting the trends in their global proliferation, we examine the patterns of strategic partnerships in the top six countries with the most partnership agreements. We find that the United States significantly increases trade and arms transfers with its non-allied partners compared with its allied partners, suggesting that strategic partnerships can enhance economic and security cooperation in ways that complement traditional alliances.

Suggested Citation

  • Nien-chung Chang-Liao & Ronan Tse-min Fu & Shane Hsuan-Yu Lin, 2026. "Strategic partnerships in alliance politics: Introducing the Global Strategic Partnership dataset," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 43(4), pages 436-456, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:43:y:2026:i:4:p:436-456
    DOI: 10.1177/07388942251385542
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    References listed on IDEAS

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