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International relations between sovereign nations can be seen through the lens of political theory. Depending on the chosen ideology, motivations and goals behind certain actions may vary significantly. The constructivist perspective can be conductive towards understanding international relations between nations. Compared to realism or liberalism, the outlook focuses on the impact of social relations, interactions and norms established between countries (Ackerman, 2010). In the given scenario, China has to deal with the deaths of 6 fishermen at the hands of Vietnamese coast guards. As a response, the nation uses their marines to occupy previously unoccupied territory. This action can be seen as a understandable reaction from a constructivist perspective.
From this worldview, change in national structure or international relations is not purely external, rather stemming from shifting perceptions of the self. For this conflict, this can mean an understanding of Chinese government as being “under threat” or “mistreated”. A shift in the internal ideology prompts changes in the international action as well. Constructivism also poses that national agents act in response to changes caused by the perceived “other”. The separation of the self and the subjects outside of it is central to constructivism, where changes in the status quo are seen as a threat (Ackerman, 2010). In the case of China and other nations within the unoccupied waters, a tension-filled co-existence established itself as the norm. The presence of relative piece is supported by all participants and maintained through interactions between different countries (Ackerman, 2010). Subsequently, the killing of fishermen is both a distraction and an ideological problem. Therefore, China attempts to re-establish its internal and external power through active occupation. Much of the reasoning behind the occupation, according to the constructivist view, is motivated by the social need to appear strong within the global arena. After the commonly understood norms of interaction within the region have broken down, other nations also attempt various types of action in order to reach their own goals.
Vietnam responds to China’s fortification efforts, likely seeing an increased military presence as a threat to the wellbeing of its people. In addition, as noted by the text, the nations of Taiwan and the Philippines do not want to miss an opportunity for expansion. As stated previously, changes in the commonly agreed upon understanding of social relations prompts a shift in strategy from all participants. Constructivism poses that social interactions, norms and ideas form the basis for international relations. This is also relevant to the described tensions between Vietnam and China. In particular, suspicions that arise from the actions of both parties. With the interaction between two nations being unreliable from the start, having to navigate a territory outside of their usual scope of influence presents unique challenges. The historic misgivings between the two powers also drive a potential conflict forward, closing the opportunity for de-escalation.
In regards to the US, the nation most likely does not have significant national interest within the conflict. However, it is possible to view the change in the Spratly island grouping as a potential threat to US in the long term. In the recent years, the United States faced increasing tensions between itself and China. Originating from ideological differences, competing political interests and the policies of the American government, US increasingly sees China as a danger to its sovereignty and wellness. Therefore, it may be beneficial to the US to deny Chinese expansion into the unoccupied island territory. An antagonism, birthed from differing political movements and ideologies lends itself well into forming a response to the actions of another nation. While inserting itself into the conflict directly would most likely not be a viable option, the US is likely to use its military or financial power to help Vietnam.
Reference
Ackerman, J. (2010). Security Studies/International Relations Paradigms. Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) Distance Learning Program. Web.
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