| ID | 144319 |
| Title Proper | Asymmetry of power and attention in alliance politics |
| Other Title Information | the US–Republic of Korea case |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Shin, Gi-Wook ; Izatt, Hilary ; Moon, Rennie J |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | While power asymmetry typically defines security relationships between allies, there exist other forms of asymmetry that influence alliance politics. In order to illustrate how they can shape policy outcomes that cannot be explained solely through the lens of power capabilities, the authors examine the role of relative attention that each side pays to the alliance. It is their central argument that since the client state has a greater vested interest in the alliance and given that attention depends on interest/need, the client state can leverage attention to get its way. By analysing two specific cases, the 2002 South Korean schoolgirls tragedy and the 2008 beef protests—instances where the South Koreans succeeded in compelling US concessions—the authors show that because the alliance was more central to the client state's agendas, there existed an asymmetry of attention that offered leveraging opportunities for the weaker ally. In this study, the authors emphasise the role of media attention as a key variable, and seek to contribute to debates on weaker party leverage in asymmetrical alliances. |
| `In' analytical Note | Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol. 70, No.3; Jun 2016: p.235-255 |
| Journal Source | Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol: 70 No 3 |
| Key Words | Anti-Americanism ; Alliance Politics ; Asymmetry Of Attention ; Asymmetry Of Power ; Media In International Relations ; US–Republic Of Korea Relations |