Author: Ja Ian Chong, HKUST

Power transitions in international relations—real or perceived—are unsettling. This is especially so for non-leading states. Their interests depend on shifts in the international system that they cannot shape. Leading powers should, however, pay attention to how non-leading states react to expectations of change in the global political environment. Their reactions, especially when considered together, can exacerbate or moderate security dilemmas among the leading powers and has the potential to affect regional and even systemic stability.

Beijing and Washington should be particularly concerned that non-leading powers in the Asia-Pacific find much uncertainty in China’s rise as well as America’s future regional role. Read more…