MJIR | Malaysian Journal of International Relations

STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES IN DIGITAL DIPLOMACY: A CASE STUDY OF U.S., UK, AND CHINA DIPLOMATS IN KENYA

2023-06-26T20:54:28+08:00

This article investigates the strategies and challenges adopted by diplomats in the conduct of digital diplomacy. Digital diplomacy is the use of various new technologies in diplomacy communication and performance to win the hearts and minds of foreign nationals. This study interviewed diplomats and experts from the three embassies and thematically analysed the data. The findings suggest that diplomats find the influence of technology to be important in digital diplomacy, but they do not have time to engage with the digital audience, raising the question of trust in digital platforms. In addition, conventional diplomacy is not dead but is integrated into the "new" public diplomacy. Furthermore, the study revealed that digital platforms facilitate the spread of hate speech, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation campaigns, restraining the diplomats from effectively implementing digital diplomacy, and due to the large amount of information from vast projects and agencies that are implemented in Kenya, it is difficult to disseminate this information with one voice, posing a challenge and a need for new skill sets to deal with emerging issues.

BOURDIEUAN PERSPECTIVES ON SOCIAL POWER PRODUCTION: UNDERSTANDING THE EU AND MEMBER STATES’ HARMONISED RESPONSES TO RUSSIA’S 2022 INCURSION INTO UKRAINE

2023-10-12T20:05:27+08:00

This paper contributes to the debate on science and practices as basic features in foreign affairs. It investigates the potential of the framework that builds on Bourdieu’s social interpretations of the ‘international’ as a field characterised by ‘power struggles’ and of ‘practices’ as ‘cultural strategies’ in the international arena; it also draws on the conceptualisation of ‘agency’ as a 'social power production’. It argues that science and practice hang together and act as players in external affairs. It applies this framework to the illustrative example of the European Union (EU) and member states’ response to Russia’s 2022 incursion into Ukraine, demonstrating harmonised positions. It explores how combined social science and politics help connect to the ‘symbolic power struggles’ that lead to 'social power production’ as an agency motivating the EU and member states to adopt a common front. The empirical analysis employs the notions of Ethos, Foreign Policy Identity, Power, Trust and Uncertainty, and the Symbolic Struggle to uncover the crucial trend of social science and practice playing a role in foreign policy. The conclusion concedes criticism from other models; however, despite this framework's lack of extensive use, it hints at its potential usage within diverse case studies. The analysis is based on the author’s reflections on data drawn from primary and secondary sources and observations of foreign affairs practices. By capturing the symbolic power struggles that the research of the rationalist (neo-realism), soft-constructivist, and radical constructivist camps omitted to represent, this article helps to highlight the importance of the scientific agents revealing influences on foreign policy.

CHINA AND INDIA IN THE ROHINGYA CRISIS: EXPLORING A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS IN THE GEOPOLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

2023-10-12T19:42:22+08:00

In 2017, the Rohingya people experienced a brutal crackdown at the hands of the Myanmar military, called Tatmadaw. In the face of the crackdown, Rohingya people took shelter in Bangladesh. Despite nearly seven years passing of this crisis, a sustainable solution remains elusive. Presently, more than 1.1 million Rohingya individuals are living in camps located in Bangladesh, where they endure a lack of essential rights and services. The Rohingya camps have also become a source of internal and external security threats, intensifying the critical nature of this refugee crisis and raising geopolitical concerns. The neighbouring states, China and India, holding significant interest and influence over Bangladesh and Myanmar, have critical responses to the crisis. Considering the complex geopolitical landscape and legal grounds, this article explores potential resolutions to the Rohingya crisis.

LOOKING BACK ON THE AUSTRALIA - VIETNAM RELATIONSHIP IN THE CONTEXT OF ASIAN CENTURY

2024-03-07T13:45:28+08:00

Vietnam and Australia are both middle powers actively contributing to the strategy of adapting to China's rise in Southeast Asia. In particular, Australia has continuously taken advantage of and created opportunities, including the first aid packages right after the end of the Vietnam War—initiatives to contribute to solving the Cambodian problem in Vietnam-ASEAN relations. After the prosperity in economic ties between Australia and Vietnam after the Cold War, the historical method and the systematic method are the popular international relations research methods used in previous studies in Vietnam and Australia; the article shows that the convergence of values, needs and interests between Australia and Vietnam in the 21st Century is the driving force to promote bilateral cooperation based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefits. Finally, the paper may become a valuable source of interpretation for the nature of the similarity in strategy to adapt to China's rise.

CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION IN THE ISLAND OF CYPRUS: FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS

2024-06-26T10:48:13+08:00

This study examines cross-border cooperation (CBC) in the Island of Cyprus, which is marked by a protracted geopolitical dispute. It analyses the facilitators and barriers to CBC between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities and their respective States within a qualitative research framework, utilising primary and secondary sources to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between historical legacies, political dynamics, and societal interactions. Facilitators such as technical committees and third-party initiatives underscore the potential for constructive engagement. At the same time, persistent barriers like mutual distrust and Greek Cypriots’ concerns over the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) reveal the underlying challenges. The findings highlight the significance of grassroots cooperation and international support in overcoming border-related obstacles, offering insights into how CBC can contribute to good neighbourly relations between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots. However, the findings also underscore that while CBC holds promise as a mechanism for fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation in the island of Cyprus, the barriers often overshadow the facilitators.

EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES: BANGLADESH’S FOREIGN POLICY AMID GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES

2024-06-18T09:41:27+08:00

Bangladesh is critically shaping its foreign policy to address contemporary global dynamics, particularly in South Asia. This paper examines the key factors that influence future geopolitical shifts and analyses their implications for Bangladesh. It employs a qualitative approach, allowing for in-depth analysis and interpretation of the complex dynamics surrounding Bangladesh's foreign policy in anticipation of geopolitical shifts. By exploring emerging trends in international relations, regional dynamics, and technological advancements, this study identifies potential challenges such as increased competition for resources, shifts in alliances, and the rise of non-traditional security threats. Additionally, it highlights opportunities for Bangladesh to leverage its strategic location, economic potential and diplomatic initiatives to enhance its position on the global stage. Through a comprehensive assessment of these factors, this paper aims to provide insights for policymakers to navigate the complexities of the evolving geopolitical landscape and effectively advance Bangladesh's national interests in the coming years.

THE CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR AND ITS IMPLICATION TOWARDS BEIJING AND ISLAMABAD RELATIONS

2024-02-16T07:38:56+08:00

This paper uses qualitative methods and idealistic theory to analyse the implications of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for Beijing and Islamabad relations. CPEC is a multidimensional development plan under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that connects the southwestern Gwadar Port of Pakistan to China’s region. China’s multibillion-dollar investment in Pakistan is Beijing's strategic move to lead the world’s economy in return for assisting Islamabad in dealing with its foreign debt crisis through three primary areas: energy, infrastructure, and security. Islamabad sees this project as an opportunity to revive its economy while China seizes more space to strengthen its power globally. CPEC was formed to address regional issues and transform strategic rivalries into strategic alternatives and regional integration. Beijing’s massive ambition and investment through CPEC will not only impact the China-Pakistan bilateral relations alone but will also enlarge transport capacity between western China and the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, China's efforts will affect its foreign policy, which aims to dominate the world economy. This paper suggests that China and Pakistan must maintain peace and stability for an extended period for CPEC to be implemented successfully.

SECURITY AND SUPREMACY: AN EXAMINATION OF THE US-CHINA TECHNOLOGICAL RIVALRY IN THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY

2024-07-10T10:16:10+08:00

The US-China competition in the semiconductor industry represents a strategic rivalry that stops short of direct conflict. This competition is particularly intense because semiconductors are a critical strategic commodity, underpinning advanced commercial and military technologies that enhance national power. Due to the oligopolistic nature of the semiconductor supply chain, both the US and China aspire to dominate this sector while diminishing the other’s influence, leading to heightened competition within the industry. Drawing on data from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) spanning 2010 to 2022, this article examines the US-China semiconductor rivalry through the lenses of innovation leadership and supply chain security. In terms of innovation, the US holds a clear advantage over China, although China is making gradual progress. While the semiconductor export market shares of the US and China were comparable until 2013, China overtook the US in 2014, with the gap continuing to widen. However, this growth has been accompanied by a significant trade deficit in semiconductors, underscoring China’s heavy dependence on foreign sources to sustain its manufacturing sector. China’s pursuit of global technological leadership and its alleged unfair trade practices pose a challenge to US national interests, further intensifying the competition. In response, both countries have implemented various industrial and foreign policies aimed at strengthening their respective positions in the semiconductor supply chain while undermining each other’s advantages.

GLOBAL INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 WASTE ON HUMAN SECURITY

2024-09-01T01:19:59+08:00

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased medical equipment consumption and global waste. Several countries, such as China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, the USA, Italy, Turkey, Romania, and other countries, have faced the increase of global COVID-19 waste. This issue does not only increase global waste but also the threat to individuals. This research uses qualitative and human security theories as method and theoretical frameworks to understand and analyse the influence of global COVID-19 waste on human security. It aims to know how human security is affected by non-traditional security issues and advances the knowledge of the existence of threats to human security. As a result, this research finds that global COVID-19 waste influences human security by limiting the freedom of want. The consequences of this waste demonstrate a restriction on people's freedoms, particularly concerning the environment and health.

BOOK REVIEW P.S. Suryanarayana. (2021). The Elusive Tipping Point: China-India Ties for a New Order. World Scientific, 276 pp.

2024-06-25T19:36:34+08:00

This is a book review.