EAI held an Expert Seminar as part of the EAI Fellows Program on June 9, 2016 with Professor David W. Kearn, Jr. from St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Professor Kearn presented on the future scenario of U.S.-China relations. He examines potential mechanisms or pathways to military conflict between the United States and People’s Republic of China (PRC) based on prevailing approaches from international relations theories, including structural realism — offensive and defensive — and power transition theory. He describes the worst story of the two powers in view of security dilemma and considering other domestic political factors. Understanding these pathways to conflict, it is possible to develop policies to address the most dangerous aspects of the security environment in the Western Pacific while maintaining stability, reassuring U.S. allies, and improving the prospects of cooperation.
Topic
“Understanding Pathways to Conflict in the Western Pacific”
Presenter
David W. Kearn, Jr., St. John’s University in Queens, New York
Moderator
Sang Yoon Ma, The Catholic University of Korea
Discussants
Jong Kun Choi, Yonsei University
Tae-Hyung Kim, Soongsil University
Dongmin Lee, Dankook University
Dong Sun Lee, Korea University
[Working Paper] Understanding Pathways to Conflict in the Western Pacific
* Fellows Program on Peace, Governance, and Development in East Asia” invites both established and next-generation East Asia specialists from all over the world, giving them the opportunity to conduct their research in East Asian countries and to promote scholarly exchanges among scholars and experts. The awardees give seminars and lectures based on their chosen research topic during their research travel to East Asian countries including South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and China.