The Northeast Asian crucible: Containing conflict escalation with alliance politics

Abstract

In this paper, I examine the extent to which events in Northeast Asia in recent times – and especially since the turbulence on the Korean peninsula and between China and Japan in 2010 – have raised the potential of animosities and rivalries in the region escalating into more serious conflicts. In doing so, I consider the crucial role played by the United States in addressing regional escalation through its “rebalancing” strategy and the varied responses of regional powers to changes in the strategic posture of the US. In particular, I focus on three cases for the region: South Korea, Japan, and Australia. I conclude by considering the degree to which it may be possible for the US to “reassure China without undercutting allies.” Show more