| ID | 178855 |
| Title Proper | Structural sources of Malaysia's South China Sea policy |
| Other Title Information | power uncertainties and small-state hedging |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Kuik, Cheng-Chwee ; Lai, Yew Meng |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This essay traces the structural sources of Malaysia's South China Sea policy. It argues that Malaysia's ‘light-hedging’ approach is primarily a smaller-state's response to growing systemic pressure arising from power asymmetry, rivalry, and uncertainties. The features of this approach are: an insistence on not taking sides, concurrent adoption of open deference and indirect defiance, and an active effort to cultivate a fallback position, all aimed at reducing multiple risks associated with the uncertainties of US commitment , China's long-term intentions, and their future relations. We have arrived at three main findings. First, structural impact matters: as geopolitical uncertainty increases, weaker states hedge more deeply. Second, smaller states do have agency, even if only in a low-profile manner. Because smaller states have been disadvantaged under an asymmetric power structure, they often use a combination of diplomatic, legal, developmental, and defence means to shape favourable external conditions. Third, while hedging is chiefly a result of structural factors, the forms and degree of a state's hedging activism are necessarily a function of its threat perceptions, elite interests and other unit-level variables. These factors explain Malaysia's light form of hedging: quiet action and limited defiance alongside open accommodation in managing the South China Sea disputes. |
| `In' analytical Note | Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol. 75, No.3; Jun 2021: p.277-304 |
| Journal Source | Australian Journal of International Affairs Vol: 75 No 3 |
| Key Words | South China Sea ; Malaysia ; Hedging ; Smaller States ; China-Southeast Asia Relations ; Malaysian Defence White Paper |