The Power Logic of the Rise of Minilateral Cooperations in Asia-Pacific:The Combination of Relational Power and Multinodal Structure
The proliferation of minilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region,spearheaded by the United States and its allies and partners,is intricately tied to shifts in power dynamics.The evolution of power logic and regional structures underpins this phe-nomenon.Power,as conceptualized,encompasses individual,structural,and relational dimensions,each operating with distinct logic applicable to different contexts.During the Cold War,the Asia-Pacific region experienced a bipolar structure where structural power prevailed.However,post-Cold War,it transitioned into a multinodal structure,elevating the significance of relational power.Within this framework,regional actors pursue a strategy of"integration"with major powers,aligning their interests with regional norms.The United States and its core allies and partners strategically employ their structural advantages to counterbalance China's power,aiming to reconstruct relational patterns and reshape the regional structure through relational resources.Minilateral cooperation emerges as a fitting mechanism due to its flexibility,autonomy,and cost-effectiveness.These collaborations facilitate the integration of alliance net-works,bolster institutional linkages,and foster comprehensive synergy,thereby driving the rise of minilateral cooperation as a manifes-tation of relational power dynamics.
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