The Dragon's Footprint: A Study of How Regional Institutions Respond to Chinese Influence
Abstract
This thesis examines how the African Union (AU) and the Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have responded to China's attempts to enhance its regional influence in Africa and Southeast Asia. I conclude that the AU is a weak institution because it lacks financial resources and management capacity to enforce desired regional norms. The thesis also finds that because of these shortcomings, China exercises a greater degree of influence in the AU. Additionally, China has set up the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to operate as a competing framework for the region. In contrast, I determined that ASEAN is a strong institution because it maintains centrality to regional issues and encourages Chinese adherence to regional norms and values. Overall, I find that China is most successful in gaining influence when its interests align with regional goals for economic prosperity and integration, such as free trade agreements. This study discovers that when China can amplify institutional disunity, it strengthens its position relative to the existing institutions positions. This thesis demonstrates that China is least successful in exerting influence over a regional institution when that institution has robust mechanisms to enforce regional norms. In addition, when institutional members view China as a regional threat, they are more willing to band together and speak out against unwanted Chinese aggression.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1150696
Entities
People
- Janine E. Miller
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School