Mr Dongkeun Lee1
1The Australian National University, Australia
Biography:
Dongkeun Lee is a PhD candidate at the Strategic & Defence Studies Centre, at the Australian National University. His research interest lies in maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region focusing on the role of middle power navies. His recent publications are featured in journals such as Marine Policy.
Abstract:
The Indo-Pacific region encompasses a vast maritime geography, necessitating a differentiated political objective for strategic competition compared to regions with extensive continental geography, such as Europe and America. However, previous research in strategic studies has predominantly focused on case studies from Europe and America, limiting the applicability of these theories to the Indo-Pacific. This limitation arises not only from cultural and historical differences but, more importantly, from distinct geographical attributes.
In the Indo-Pacific, for instance, the strategic objective is less likely to involve occupying enemy territory, as might be the case in continental regions. Instead, it centres on controlling key maritime trade routes to influence other states' behaviour. Consequently, the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific should be analysed through the lens of sea power rather than traditional land-power considerations.
Then, what are the driving factors of sea power development? This paper examines these factors beyond simple geopolitical analysis by introducing 'maritime strategic culture' as a crucial variable, contrasting with earlier research that focused solely on structural variables. The analysis concentrates on the case studies of Japan, Australia, and South Korea—three significant U.S. allies in the region that are heavily reliant on maritime trade. Nevertheless, these countries display differing trajectories in sea power development, demonstrating that sea power development cannot be fully explained by geopolitical factors.
Using the process-tracing methodology and analysing sources collected in Tokyo, Canberra, and Seoul, this paper concludes that maritime strategic culture serves as a mediating variable, bridging the gap between geopolitics and sea power development.