This dissertation aimed to understand why countries who were initially against enhanced cooperation within PESCO, subsequently joined the initiative upon its establishment in 2017. In answering...Show moreThis dissertation aimed to understand why countries who were initially against enhanced cooperation within PESCO, subsequently joined the initiative upon its establishment in 2017. In answering this question, it was essential to understand what explains change over time in the security and defence policy of a state. To answer why countries change their perspectives on enhanced cooperation, this dissertation has applied the theory of neoclassical realism. Neoclassical realism understands that interaction between two actors influences international outcomes, while taking into account how domestic factors influence these outcomes. Neoclassical realism is based on a struggle for power and security between states and helps to understand foreign policy outcomes at different times. This theory was applied to the Netherlands, to analyse how changes in the external environment of the Netherlands affected its security and defence policy.Show less
This thesis analyzes the policies adopted by the PRC toward the GCC in the context of the decline of US hegemony in the 21st century through the prism of neoclassical realism. The PRC, in response...Show moreThis thesis analyzes the policies adopted by the PRC toward the GCC in the context of the decline of US hegemony in the 21st century through the prism of neoclassical realism. The PRC, in response to the evolving global distribution of power, has expanded relations with the GCC. Domestic political factors within the PRC itself, however, are weighed heavily against engaging in balancing behavior due to the immense costs it would impose. Therefore, the PRC has adopted the policy of strategic hedging in the GCC to maximize gains while minimizing the potential for confrontation with the US. By tracing the causal mechanism in neoclassical realism that translates changes in relative power to the formulation of foreign policy, this thesis proves there is a clear causal link in this case between power deconcentration and the adoption of strategic hedging behavior. This strategy has been remarkably successful, fulfilling the needs of the PRC while simultaneously working within a framework amenable to the US. In this manner, the PRC’s GCC policy complements, rather than competes with, US interests in the region.Show less
