Assessing the ASEAN Community Project: Constructivism and the Problem of Inflexible Norms
In analyzing Southeast Asian affairs, policy-makers and academics must take a critical, “value-neutral”, rather than a “faith-affirming,” approach.
Discourse Ethics and Third-Party Mediation
Using Habermasian theory as a guideline for mediation practice in the field of conflict resolution enriches the work of the peace builder and can dismantle the criticism that mediation is a tool of Western imperialism.
Is Competition in U.S. Elections Desirable?
The First-Past-The-Post electoral system and voter polarization in the US mean that competition in the congressional and presidential elections is generally undesirable.
How Have the Modernization and Secularization Theses Shaped the Study of IR?
The secularization thesis, which left religion behind in pre-modernity, is the main reason for the inadequacy of IR’s paradigmatic thinking to identify religion as a part of modern political life.
South Korea, Egypt and Wallerstein’s World System Analysis
Wallerstein’s focus is the modern capitalist world economy. He stresses that states can move up and down in such a system. Egypt and South Korea make interesting examples to apply his theory.
China and Japan’s Dispute over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands
Evoking international law to legitimate their claims of sovereignty, China and Japan view the Senaku/Diaoyu Islands as having strategic importance in security, economics, and politics.
Does Secularism Eliminate Extremism?
Secularism as an ideology can contain religion and allow the bifurcation of the state and the religious institution. However, it cannot battle religious extremism.
To What Extent Does History Determine the Foreign Policies Of the BRICS?
The BRICS today are undeniably concerned with creating multipolarity in a globalised world, but the extent to which historical conditions determine their foreign policies remains contested.
The U.S. Pre-Eminence in Post-Cold War Europe: 1990-1991
After the end of the Cold War, Washington envisioned American leadership in Europe as a means for stability, both for the future of Europe and for the international system.
Nuclear Proliferation Through Critical Security Studies
The apparent threat from continued proliferation both within and outside the NPT framework remains a widely shared concern among all actors—from states to non-state actors.
