Rosita Dellios

The PRC’s governance diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region

Rosita Dellios — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:52:38 PST

China’s multilateralist behavior – or governance diplomacy in the pursuit of cooperative regionalism - will contribute to greater stability and less exclusion in regional affairs. Flexibility and informality are the hallmark of these efforts, as regional cooperation has tended to start with informal dialogue and then progress to practical projects. There is also an emphasis on process rather than results, leading to mutually-constitutive relations. Correlative relationships are a feature of East Asian security thinking. Thus this paper also explores the possible theoretical underpinnings of China’s governance diplomacy and its regional context in terms of East Asian modalities of thought.

China and outer space

Rosita Dellios — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:49:53 PST

China’s space program began in the 1950s as part of its nuclear weapons program. Today it spans both civilian and military requirements, as well as bolstering national prestige: China is only the third country, after the United States and Russia, to operate an independent manned space program. The country’s ambition may see a Chinese astronaut landing on Mars. In the defensive realm, China is developing a counterspace capability to thwart a future adversary from using their space-based assets against China in time of conflict. While publicly opposed to an arms race developing in space–and China’s space white paper strongly backs the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs–it recognizes the risks of this occurring. By developing its own space-based capabilities while at the same time renouncing the weaponization of space, China can be: (a) militarily credible, in that it has a program in play to counter any emergent hegemonic practices in space; and (b) diplomatically persuasive insofar as it would like to join the international community in keeping space as a weapons-free zone. The continuity in China’s unified, comprehensive effort in space research and development strengthens China’s credentials as a global power with a distinctive space policy.

International relations theory and Chinese philosophy

Rosita Dellios — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:10:19 PST

Extract:

Insights drawn from a comparison between International Relations theory and Chinese philosophy provide a timely vantage point for ‘Chinese Engagements’ at this historical juncture of China’s emergence as a twenty-first century global power. In this chapter, after a brief historical background, three major International Relations theoretical perspectives are examined: neorealism, neoliberal institutionalism, and social constructivism. In addition, hegemonic stability theory and global governance are selected as concepts relevant to the globalised political world. The theory of correlativity is discussed as an introduction to Chinese philosophy and this is followed by Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism as the tripartite philosophical foundations of the Chinese tradition. Legalism and Mohism are two added perspectives that help elucidate the polarities of Chinese philosophy. Conclusions are drawn in terms of mutuality between the two, soft power and the correlative nature of the global governance phenomenon.

Harmony and humane governance - Contesting the social order in classical Chinese thought and 21st century global society

R. James Ferguson et al. — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:45:57 PDT

When China’s President Hu Jintao articulated his country’s ‘harmonious world’ (hexie shijie) foreign policy perspective at the United Nations’ 60th anniversary in 2005, he spoke of the need ‘to preserve the diversity of civilizations in the spirit of equality and openness, make international relations more democratic and jointly build a harmonious world where all civilizations coexist and accommodate each other.’ This message has retained its salience in subsequent years and represents a particular vision of world order that is viewed as the ‘preferred’ option within current Chinese foreign policy. Where does this vision come from? In investigating the ancestry of the current leadership’s policy posture of ‘harmonious world’, which has its domestic counterpart in ‘harmonious society’, it is necessary to delve into classical Chinese thought. But more than investigate the past to seek the origins and meaning of a key Chinese cultural concept, harmony, this paper also examines the implications of a stronger China articulating such a vision. Like the Contention of the Hundred Schools of Thought (770-221 BC) which flourished with the passing of the Zhou dynasty and its socio-political order, so too the sudden end of bipolar strategic competition at the close of the 20th century has left the field open to alternative modes of relating as nations and peoples, with globalization accelerating the transformative process. Is the world on the threshold of a new age of contestation of ideas for how global society advances? China’s focus on constructing a ‘harmonious world’ is indicative of an attempt to render this Confucian idea as more than merely Chinese, that ‘harmonious world’ is, in effect, harmonious with the UN’s vision and global governance cooperation in an era dominated by transnational security issues. This paper will investigate ‘harmony’ and the notion of humane governance in classical Chinese thought when the social order was being contested, as well as the prevailing world order when the crucial level of analysis is the global system, with China playing a more active role harmonizing dominant and weaker powers, Western and non-Western values.

Global governance: New organizational concepts in a culturally diverse system

Rosita Dellios — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:59:51 PDT

This paper argues that as the West re-balances with the East in 21st century global governance, new organizational concepts – with their associated forms and structures – will emerge. Of particular interest will be two organizational concepts. One is 'harmonious world' (hexie shijie), as articulated by PRC President Hu Jintao at the United Nations in 2005. It provides a nuanced Confucian form of global governance, adding to existing forms and norms of international organization. The other is 'mandalic regionalism'. Drawing from Indian strategic and spiritual tradition, it better explains the types of multilateral regional structures that are developing in Asia. Both Confucian form and mandalic structure are compatible. They can even be mutually enhancing where the state provides political will, as in the case of China with its expanding network of multilateral relations. Western concepts of global management will themselves adapt to the diversity of multiple worlds, including those of Chinese and Indian import. In doing so, the West will reinvigorate its own conceptual frontiers in advancing the still formative phenomenon known as 'global governance'.

A Confucian paradigm for global politics

Rosita Dellios — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:31:12 PDT

Extract:

With globalisation integrating the world as never before, the ideal of "all under Heaven are one" finds a vehicle through such modern-day realities as instantaneous communications, the global economy, and international travel. Facilitated by these technologically enhanced channels of communication, people are now organising themselves along global lines. Multinational companies ranging from fast foods like McDonald’s and KFC to computer giants like IBM have permeated the planet with their business outlets. So has international governance even if there is no world government as such. The United Nations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which has been likened to an "Economic United Nations," are at the forefront of global governance. They are joined by international courts, various regional organisations like the European Union (EU), plus companying system of "regimes," dealing with a range of issues from arms control to trade liberalisation. Alongside these international governmental organisations--that is, organisations whose members are nation-states--are international non-governmental organisations. Commonly called NGOs, they also deal with issues, but from a membership structure which is not representative of the "official" world. Rather, the non- "official" world balances and complements the structures of official governance, with the work of unaffiliated interest groups. Examples are the relief agencies (among them, World Vision and Community Aid Abroad) that come to the rescue of war-torn and famine-stricken countries, and the environmental bodies we often hear about through the global media. With so much economic, political, social and cultural activity being undertaken on an international basis, it is fair to say that the infrastructure for "all under Heaven" is largely in, place, even if the morality of peace-loving unity is still to be realised. To use a computing metaphor as befits the times, globalisation provides the "hardware," but we need to install the ethical "software." Confucianism, it is argued in this chapter, provides such "software".

Hong Kong: A blessing of contradictions

Rosita Dellios — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:31:09 PDT

The relationship between regional governance and global economic security: A focus on the Asia-Pacific region

Rosita Dellios — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 23:55:47 PDT

The global financial crisis of 2008 has highlighted the potentially crucial relationship between regional governance and global economic security. The nature of that governance may well decide how inclusive or exclusive, cooperative or competitive, the international system becomes. A key determining factor will be the way in which the quest for energy is handled. Related to this will be the role of China. Its economic weight is such that its mode of international interaction, particularly its energy diplomacy, will strongly influence the competition-cooperation calculus: whether hedging or harmonising strategies become dominant. If China succeeds in the pursuit of its post-2005 'harmonious world' (hexi shijie) policy prescription, then a nested or mandalic regionalism can be expected to grow. This paper therefore focuses its discussion on the Asia-Pacific region as a forerunner of a governance model compatible to global economic security.

Food safety and the role of the government: Implications for CSR policies in China

Rosita Dellios et al. — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:02:38 PST

This study investigates food scandals and the role of government in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the food industry and explores strategies for the Chinese government to tackle the food safety problems that abound in China. Based on the theoretical discussion of four types of CSR and the empirical evidence from four case studies, we argue that government influence on CSR in the food industry is determined by the intensity and salience of its own behavior and actions including regulations. We further believe that a balanced CSR strategy covering economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic considerations would work best for China. Our contributions include extending the CSR literature to the food industry and emerging economies like China and recognizing the distinctive role the government plays in the food industry. In addition, we provide a timely guide to establishing a food safety system in China.

Institutions and gender empowerment in Greece

Rosita Dellios — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:02:38 PST

Since women account for almost 50 percent of the world's population, the sustainability of development of the global economy can be greatly impaired if the state authorities in individual countries pay less attention to the improvement in the socio-economic status of women relative to men. Improvement in socio-economic status which facilitates empowerment of individuals is greatly dependent on conducive informal institutions and state institutions. This book is the first of its kind to critically examine the role of these institutions in women's empowerment in five continents in the world. The analysis of the role of institutions in individual countries is underpinned by a robust theoretical background presented in the first three chapters. The chapters on individual countries also include a section dealing with recommendations for changes in state policies affecting women's empowerment.

China’s harmonious world (hexie shijie) policy perspective: How Confucian values are entering international society

Rosita Dellios — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:02:37 PST

Confucian values have been introduced into international society through China’s adoption of a harmonious world (hexie shijie) foreign policy perspective this century. The paper opens with the observation that discord during transitional times awakens a certain existential quest for renewal. This was the case in both Confucius’ time and the present era of globalization in which threats to survival are transnational. The flourishing of philosophical schools in ancient China is matched today by the development of different approaches to world governance. This paper considers four: (1) hegemonic governance; (2) the United Nations system; (3) the European Union model; and (4) cosmopolitan global governance – all of which cross-reference one another showing inclusive capacities. To these, Confucian governance may be added as the fifth and most recent, even if the least tested of the contemporary concepts of world governance. Working with cosmopolitan global governance, Confucian governance remains inclusive of a respect for the UN, the instructive value of the EU model and an acknowledgement of the continued utility of US leadership in the wider scheme of international life. Two processes that have been instrumental in the dissemination of Confucian values in international society are (1) the rise of China, and (2) the congruence of its harmonious world Confucian value system with the four world governance concepts examined. The paper concludes that a global governance with Confucian tutelage would recommend education and human development to be a fundamental right and responsibility.

Missing mandalas: Development and theoretical gaps

Rosita Dellios — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:02:36 PST

The mandala is a fitting metaphor to act as a model for a more balanced conception of development, one that recognizes culture as central to human resource development. A globalising world can be understood as a unity, in which cultural and material divisions - as well as connections – are more readily discerned. The mandala exhibits three key attributes necessary for a more balanced world. They are the integrating elements of the relational, the educational and orientational – whereby cultural and ethical direction serves to bestow meaning in people’s lives. In the opposite direction, a disintegrating world scenario would feature a loss of relationships and hence alienation, a reeducation process that serves prevailing ideologies, and the subsequent disorientation that comes from losing one’s sense of place, direction, and self. The mandala model of development in a globalising world is both missing and missed. It needs to be more fully theorized if it is to make a conceptual contribution to the pressing tasks of the day – not least of which is the desperation of terrorism, involuntary migration and a loss of cultural capital.

Sino-Indonesian relations: Lessons from the past

Rosita Dellios — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:02:05 PST

In terms of both population and territory, Indonesia and China are the largest nations in their respective regions of Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. They share a long history of relations, with a 'golden age' of understanding dating back to the 7th century. This was when learned Buddhists from China would travel via Borobodur in Java in their pilgrimages to India. Later, from the 14th century, diplomatic and trade interactions were fostered by 'cultural brokers' on both sides. Chronicles show Javanese envoys of Chinese origin, such as Chen Yen-xiang, conducting diplomacy with China. Muslim Chinese, such as the celebrated Ming Admiral Zheng He, enhanced China's diplomatic presence in the Archipelago in the 15th century. On occasion, relations became conflictual. China under the Mongols attacked Java in 1293, but ultimately lost to an ambitious and manipulative Javanese, Raden Vijaya. More recently, Marxist-inspired China found common anti-imperialist cause with independent Indonesia. Yet this axis of understanding also served the machinations of Javanese politics and the rise to power of a Javanese general, Suharto. Ironically, China - not Indonesia - is celebrated as a strategic culture of deception, a view popularised by the writings attributed to the classical military strategist, Sun Tzu or Master Sun. Yet in early Sino-Javanese relations China's Mongol phase of military aggression was countered by a Javanese master of deception. As to General Suharto eight centuries later, his anti-Communist (and hence anti-China) cause lent legitimacy to a regime of reward and punishment. It was one which mirrored both its authoritarian opponent in Peking, as well as China's legalists and militarists of an earlier age. While culturally different, Indonesia and China appear to have more in common than meets popular perception. They are large multi-ethnic nations attempting to maintain their unity in the face of centrifugal forces. Globalisation in the present era has also made regional relations even more imperative for maintaining national strength. Internal stability appears to be best served by regional integration on the basis of common cultural, commercial and national interests. It is also more ably expressed in an ethic of respect that prevailed in past periods, not only between nations but also between peoples. Thus the dharma of the present diplomatic age would require an internal respect for difference within the national entity. Sino-Indonesians are a case in point. Unless internal divisions are healed, or at least better managed, external relations are unlikely to escape the manipulative forces of domestic politics. In an age which has seen the rise of militant Islam, and along with it, an increasingly imperialistic USA, the two largest polities in eastern Asia would do well to heed their history.

Turkey’s FDI policy and Chinese direct foreign investment in Turkey: Some economic and management implications

Fang Lee Cooke et al. — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:44:17 PDT

The Republic of Turkey and the People’s Republic of China are two countries with emerging market economies on the eastern and western borders of Eurasia. Turkey, with its notable economic improvement after the 2001 banking crisis and China, with entrenched economic reforms that have promoted the opening of its market to the world, have become attractive for international investors. Both states’ economic liberalization processes led to considerable increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) although the amount of FDI is much higher for China. China, in turn, is likely to become a major investor in the coming years rather than just being an FDI magnet. This article analyses the FDI environment and recent developments in Turkey as well as indications of Chinese investments which are taking place in Turkey. The rapid expansion of the trade volume between Turkey and China, China’s increasing foreign exchange reserves and its desire to enter world markets including the European market are all signalling an increase of its investments in Turkey. The implications of Chinese investments for Turkey are also discussed.

Sino-Turkish relations in a globalising Asia-Pacific

Rosita Dellios et al. — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:48:43 PDT

Relations between China and Turkey are quiescent. In a globalizing Asia-Pacific, however, they are unlikely to remain so. High economic interdependence in the presence of the rise of Asian and Eurasian powers suggest that China and Turkey as multiregional states have a common interest in regional cooperation. It is within this context that bilateral relations are likely to develop. China’s rapid rise means that its impact will not be confined to Pacific Asia. Increasingly, with the quest for energy security, China is setting its diplomatic compass westward to Eurasia and the Middle East. With Russia - another multiregional state - proving itself a keen player in the energy sphere and its own geopolitical neighborhood, an intersection of interests will become more clearly discernible. Coming from different though not necessarily oppositional strategic camps, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), China and Turkey are well positioned at the eastern and western gates of Eurasia to frame a cooperative regionalism with global properties. The alternative would be a collision of interests with global repercussions. Thus the regional setting for bilateral relations provides the key to the future of Sino-Turkish relations. The theoretical perspective that best explains the development of Eurasia as a region of mutually constitutive relationships is social constructivism. This theoretical perspective accords with both Chinese and Turkish thought systems and the impact of global norm-building.

International relations and geopolitics.

Rosita Dellios — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:04:23 PDT

The production of knowledge has become central to economic life. Competitiveness in the 21st century market place is now characterised by the ability to translate scientific and technological knowledge into innovation. But does this render cultural and social knowledge unimportant? This unique book advocates a broader epistemological base for the term ‘knowledge’ and develops policy implications from this perspective. By examining long-term challenges, the volume argues that fresh policy thinking is needed not only in the obviously knowledge-intensive portfolios but across all areas of knowledge production and questions how the different dynamics of the knowledge era affect defence, employment, environment, indigenous and international relations, multiculturalism and urban policy.

International Confucian conference in commemoration of the 2550th anniversary of Confucius' birthday: Toward a global community

R. James Ferguson et al. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:30:56 PST

Selected essays presented at the International Confucian conference in commemoration of the 2550th anniversary of Confucius' birthday. Beijing and Qufu, 7-13 October 1999.

Mandalas of Security

Rosita Dellios — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:30:55 PST

Extract:
In employing the constructional metaphor of architectures for the constructive purpose of security enhancement in the eastern Asian region, it is but a small step to indigenise the process by slipping into the mentality of mandala-building. In doing so, it is that Asian security architectures will prove more acceptable and to be hoped accessible to participants - and thus efficacious in their purpose. The mandala adds nothing new to the experience of Asian communities but redirects effort towards existing cultural orientations. In effect, it is a conceptual device for refining Western technostructures in ways more meaningful to the needs and expectations of Asian societies. There is nothing to prevent the security mandala from being applied to other regions with differing cosmoiogies. After all, despite its Asian - particularly Indian and Tibetan - associations, the symbolism of the mandala is a cross-cultural phenomenon. The focus in this paper, however, will be on the Asian region.

Mandalic regionalism in Asia: exploring the relationship between regional governance and economic security

Rosita Dellios — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:30:54 PST

The 2008 global financial crisis highlighted the potentially crucial relationship between regional governance and global economic security. The nature of that governance may well decide how inclusive or exclusive, cooperative or competitive, the international system becomes. A key determining factor will be the way in which the quest for energy is handled. Related to this will be the role of China. Its economic weight is such that its mode of international interaction, particularly its energy diplomacy, will strongly influence the competition-cooperation calculus: whether hedging or harmonising strategies become dominant. If China succeeds in the pursuit of its post-2005 ‘harmonious world’ (hexie shijie) policy prescription, then a nested or mandalic regionalism can be expected to grow. This paper therefore focuses its discussion on the Asia-Pacific region as a forerunner of a governance model compatible to global economic security.

Turkey and China: a study in symmetry

Rosita Dellios et al. — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:29:10 PST

How symmetrical are Turkey and China despite the obvious differences in size and resources? And how are these reflected in their relations? The interface between symmetries and mutual relations is investigated through (1) economy and trade and (2) international relations. The best arena for developing closer relations is Eurasia, specifically through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The possibility of a Sino-Turkish axis of diplomacy would complement their wider security memberships and even bridge them. This represents a cooperative regional dynamic in which Turkey and China might participate more closely.