Unraveling the Northeast Asian Regional Security Complex: Old Patterns and New Insights

Abstract The concept of the regional security complex has recently been introduced in order to elucidate a region's security dynamics, independent of the international system. We apply the security complex concept to the Northeast Asian region, and draw several interesting observations. First, the Northeast Asian security complex is still governed by the logic of the traditional Westphalian sovereignty. Old actors such as nation-states are still dominant, whereas new non-state transnational actors are limited in power and influence. Second, profound structural reconfiguration among units has not yet taken place in the region. Uni-polycentrism, in which the United States still enjoys the hegemonic position, while other actors, China, Japan, and Russia, compete in the second-tier. Third, despite the advent of the post-Cold War era and the globalization drive, military issues still top the hierarchy of national security concerns. Countries in the region appear to be preoccupied with traditional military security issues. Fourth, realist, liberal, and constructivist visions can cohabit in the ideational terrain of security discourse. The continuing co-existence of blind power-seekers, optimistic liberal pacifists, and fervent identity protectors deepens the security dilemma of the region. Finally, the best way to manage the security dilemma and to ensure a stable peace in the region is to cultivate a community of security by going beyond the logic of deterrence, fostering liberal transition, and healing past scars and resisting the temptation of parochial nationalism.