Survival Strategies For Weaker Powers When Facing Greater Powers: Constructing A General Theory
Date Issued
2016
Date
2016
Author(s)
Wu, Ling-Hsiang
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to construct a general theory regarding survival strategies for a lessor power when facing more than one greater power. In order to maintain generality, this thesis adopts “formal modeling” with only 3 premises: there exists an asymmetry of power between the greater powers and lessor power, greater powers claim interests over the lessor power, and the greater powers usually form alliances to compete with one another. Using deduction, permutation, and combination to exhaustively analyze all possible scenarios and sub-scenarios, and after verifying the most common international structure is 2- or 3-great-powers, this thesis induces the survival strategies for the lessor power. The conclusion of this thesis is that the lessor power should consciously pursue hedging; however, whenever practical, the lessor should bandwagon those greater powers who holds interests claim over her most of the time and, sometimes, balance the greater powers. When there is a good opportunity, the lessor power may carefully play the role of a pivot. The larger the power gap is between the greater powers and the lessor power, the more likely it is for the lessor power to take the bandwagoning strategy. The lessor power may bandwagon the greater power who protects her or, on the contrary, bandwagon the greater power who threats her. This thesis offers suggestions of what ought to be. The closer the situation faced by the lessor power is to the “ideal type” conditions described in this thesis, the more effective the recommended suggestion is. The 6 sub-situations under the situation outlined in this thesis that can happen when one lessor power faces two greater powers are more detailed than the “small strategic triangle theory”. This thesis argues that the strategy to play the role of a “pivot” in “Marriage Triangle” is not necessarily the best option.
Subjects
Greater Power
Lessor Power
Power Asymmetry
Interest Claim
Bandwagoning
Balancing
Hedging
Strategic Triangle
System Theory of IR
Type
thesis
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