Abstract 

Since the end of the Cold War, the nature of the East Asian security order has remained a topic of intense debate in IR. This article argues that the contemporary regional order resembles neither the European balance of power, marked by great-power wars or bloc confrontation, nor the traditional Asian order of regional hierarchies and tributary systems. Instead, the East Asian security order is characterized by a restrained balance of power, defined by acute security competition but notably lacking formal bloc confrontations or proxy wars. This unique order is rooted in China’s rise and East Asia’s partially hierarchical system, in which a US-led security hierarchy operates within a broader regional anarchical system. The article concludes that this order will likely persist so long as the US-led hierarchy and China’s upward trajectory are sustained.

About the Speaker 

Dr. Sun Xuefeng is Professor of IR at Department of International Relations, Executive Deputy Dean of Institute of International Relations, Tsinghua University and Editor-in-Chief of Chinese Journal of International Politics. He has also served as Chair of Department of International Relations, Tsinghua University (2015.11-2018.11). His current research focuses on International Relations Theory, China’s foreign policy and International Relations in East Asia. He is the author or co-author of dozens of academic papers and books, including Dilemma of China’s Rise (first edition in 2011; second edition in 2013), International Legitimacy and The Rise of Great Powers (2014) and East Asian Security Order and Transformation of China’s Neighbourhood Policy (2017). He has won Tsinghua University Distinguished Young Scholar Award (2012), Tsinghua University Outstanding Young Teacher Award (2010) and Tsinghua University Annual Teaching Excellence Award (2016/2018).

Please note this roundtable is held under Chatham House rules. It is strictly off-the-record.