This thesis assesses the applicability of liberalism as a theoretical framework to investigate Japan's international relations with South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic....Show moreThis thesis assesses the applicability of liberalism as a theoretical framework to investigate Japan's international relations with South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Liberalism foregrounds the significance of democracy and free markets and set that these values promote peace and cooperation in international relations. From my point, I will contribute to the ongoing discussion about Japan's role as Asia's liberal leader. By presenting my own argument, I will engage in the debate on whether Japan truly fulfils this role. The research conducted for this thesis draws on case studies and primary and secondary sources to observe that despite facing various obstacles, Japan was able to maintain a liberal approach to its international relations with these countries. This was achieved through the use of soft power, diplomatic efforts, and cooperation in addressing common challenges posed by the pandemic. The thesis argues that liberalism is indeed a useful framework for understanding Japan's relations with these countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.Show less
South Korea is seen globally as an example of efficient COVID-19 response. Yet, advocates of this “South Korean model” tend to focus on high technology with a short-termed securitisation...Show moreSouth Korea is seen globally as an example of efficient COVID-19 response. Yet, advocates of this “South Korean model” tend to focus on high technology with a short-termed securitisation perspective, and fail to appreciate the importance of the health reform process happening prior to the COVID-19 crisis. A significant number of health reforms took place between 2015 and 2020, aiming specifically at improving the Korean infectious disease response system. These reforms resulted from the failure of containing the Middle East respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus outbreak (MERS-CoV), which hit South Korea in 2015 and escalated dramatically due to poor crisis management and lack of an efficient infectious disease response system. This thesis will demonstrate that the health reform process between 2015 and 2020 was democratic and enabled South Korea to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.Show less
The year 2018 saw the ratification of both the Strategic Partnership Agreement, as well as the Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the EU. These agreements constitute a major...Show moreThe year 2018 saw the ratification of both the Strategic Partnership Agreement, as well as the Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the EU. These agreements constitute a major enhancement of the bilateral relationship between Japan and the EU. A relationship, as both parties stress, that is founded on shared universal values. The two parties are often seen as natural partners, for both underscore the importance of maintaining the international order which rests upon these values. The EU advocates universal values through the inclusion of conditionality clauses in FTAs, linking political interests such as universal values with commercial benefits. In the past decades, the Japanese government, too, has shifted towards increasingly emphasizing universal values in its diplomacy. However, this thesis challenges the value-orientated rhetoric that surrounds the EU-Japan relationship. In this thesis it is argued that instead of natural allies, Japan and the EU are in fact artificial allies, as both sides interpret and implement values in ways that suit their respective foreign policies. This is demonstrated by means of a case study based on the Rohingya crisis. By analysing how Japan and the EU have approached this situation, this thesis seeks to shed light on a gap between Japanese and European foreign policies, and by extension a gap in the interpretation of universal values.Show less
China and Europe have significantly expanded their economic relations in recent years. However, this cooperation has developed at a slower pace in the political realm. Both actors expressed their...Show moreChina and Europe have significantly expanded their economic relations in recent years. However, this cooperation has developed at a slower pace in the political realm. Both actors expressed their willingness to translate their economic ties into a “strategic partnership” which will allow China and Europe to represent more of a building blocks in the international system. The main narrative in the EU-China literature is that China and Europe are too ideologically distant and thus, they will never achieve a strong partnership that goes beyond economic cooperation. Moreover, the literature presents China as an assertive actor that is looking outward just to gain economic and political advantages and the sympathy of like-minded countries. It is not a surprise that when in March 2019 the Italian government decided to join China in the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), The US and other major European countries have highly criticized Italy’s naïveté. Contributing to critical scholarship, this thesis engages in constructivist theory to analyse the different identities and normative drivers underlying European and Chinese BRI discourse. This thesis argues that European and Chinese identities are not fixed concepts and since the establishment of the BRI, Europe and China have presented themselves with divergent identities. This thesis aimed to provide an answer to the question why, and to what extent, Italian participation in the BRI proves that, despite some important normative differences that underline EU-China relations, in reality, EU members can overcome this identity clash and engage in a constructive dialogue with China that is neither detrimental nor dangerous for the EU. This thesis offers a contribution to the realist dominated BRI literature by outlining the constructivist forces that shape EU-China relations. The finding of this research add a constructivist voice to the ongoing debate around the BRIShow less
