Rising China Reconsidered III: Consolidation, Escalation, Stagnation

Where is China heading to? I think that we can identify three relevant possible developments. Under the assumption of the continued rise of China, China may either contribute to an escalation or consolidation of international politics. A third view is offered by rejecting the assumption of the continued rise of China.

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Rising Tensions in East Asia

Tensions in East Asia are rising, and increasingly so. Unfortunately, the topic does not get enough attention in Europe.

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The South China Sea Dispute: A Glimpse into our Future?

This post unravels some of the main aspects of the South China Sea dispute, which has recently gained some spotlight in media and politics. Thereby, it offers a glimpse into one of the most important future conflicts.

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The Strategic Relevance of Japan I: Location, Potential, Culture

A country often overlooked in today’s discourse on international politics is Japan. Its neglect is mostly due to the growing importance of China. But exactly the rise of China is an important reason to think hard about the situation of Japan and the opportunities it offers to Western states.

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President Obama’s 2010 State of the Union Address

President Obama’s State of the Union Address 2010 is remarkable in its focus on domestic issues. This is symptomatic of the United States’ current position. It is loosing power and becomes much more restraint in foreign policy aspirations and activities.

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President Obama’s West Point Speech

President Obama spoke at West Point yesterday. I’d like to give omy opinion on some aspects of the speech and the elaborated strategy. Obama seems to have told us that the United States does not give much value to Afghanistan in security terms anymore and that it will act much more restraint in its foreign […]

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President Obama and the Nobel Peace Price

“We say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.” – Barack Obama

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Obama and Theories of International Relations

President Obama poses an important challenge to constructivism. According to the constructivist logic, Obama is altering the culture of the international system and we will soon witness a transformation of international politics towards more cooperation and less conflict. According to the realist logic, however, states will not endorse Obama’s intentions because of fear of the […]

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