A Study of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of China and its African Allies: From Small State Theory and Social Exchange Theory
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Krause, Rachel
Abstract
The theoretical framework of this thesis is a composite of two theories: the social exchange theory and small state theory. Both are employed to analyze the steady decline of the Republic of China’s diplomatic standing in Africa from 1998-2009. The diplomatic downturn in this period largely contributed to the R.O.C.’s decision to eventually adopt the policy of a ‘diplomatic truce’ with the People’s Republic of China. In the past, scholars have often adopted a more generalized approach to evaluating the foreign relations of the R.O.C., overlooking the various nuances of country or region-specific analyses. This paper focuses on Taiwanese-African relations after the loss of South Africa, its last large ally on the continent, up until Ma Ying-jeou’s first year in office. If we assume that subsequent to 1998, the R.O.C. and all of its African allies can be categorized as ‘small states,’ then the author can delineate the following assumptions:
1.The R.O.C. relied upon its economic advantage to secure the diplomatic recognition of its African allies.
2.The R.O.C.’s African allies were willing to exchange diplomatic recognition for economic aid.
3.The two aforementioned assumptions establish that this relationship is based upon the principle of social exchange.
4.After South Africa severed formal diplomatic relations, the R.O.C., and the latter’s remaining African allies were all ‘small states.’ Therefore, this shift initiated a social exchange diplomatic relationship between solely small states.
5.The nature of this exchange relationship allows it to be easily manipulated by a third party. A rising economic and political powerhouse like the P.R.C. could influence this vulnerable relationship to cause the R.O.C. to lose diplomatic footing.
Chapter two through four analyzes the foreign policies and fluctuations in the number of diplomatic allies in each of the R.O.C.’s presidential administrations. These chapters seek to expound on the R.O.C.’s policy of pragmatic diplomacy, which is narrowly defined as exchanging economic assistance for diplomatic recognition. Chapter two focuses on Lee Teng-hui’s diplomatic policy in Africa subsequent to the loss of South Africa, the third chapter proceeds to examine Chen Shui-bian’s policy during his two terms as R.O.C. president, and finally the fourth chapter dissects the African policies of the current president, Ma Ying-jeou.
Even though the relationship between the R.O.C. and its African allies can be viewed as an exchange relationship, the parties involved inevitability will be influenced by outside market forces. Once a third party emerges with a better offer, the original relationship is predictability destabilized. This thesis asserts that the P.R.C. has acted as a third party in the R.O.C.’s diplomatic affairs, especially after 1979, when it increasingly emerged as an influential global player. Thus, this paper presumes that the P.R.C.’s continual use of its political and economic advantage to intervene in Taiwanese-African diplomatic relations is the primary cause of the R.O.C.’s declining stance in the region.
After President Ma Ying-jeou assumed office, he announced that a ‘diplomatic truce’ with the P.R.C would be a key tenet of his foreign policy. If we assess this policy shift from the perspective of social exchange theory, it will have an ameliorating effect on the P.R.C.’s detrimental influence on Taiwanese-African relations. Thereby, the R.O.C. will finally be able to stabilize its number of African allies.
This paper also asserts that although the diplomatic truce policy restricts the R.O.C.’s sovereignty, conversely it eliminates the central cause of contention in the Cross-Strait diplomatic battle for international recognition. Subsequently, the R.O.C. will be able to realize its diplomatic objectives of resuming normal diplomatic activities, fostering greater economic and trade development, and participating in international organizations. Henceforth, this policy can contribute to an increasingly stable and mutually beneficial Cross-Strait relationship.
Subjects
Social Exchange Theory
Small State Theory
Republic of China, Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic Truce
Type
thesis
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