Domestic Leanings and Middle-Power Alliances: Japan and India

• In Event: Diplomacy

Abstract

What drives middle-power corporation? This study critically examines how the domestic political orientation of governments influences the strategic alliances of middle powers, particularly focusing on India and Japan within the Indo-Pacific region.

We propose a comprehensive analytical framework linking domestic partisan shifts, defense and security policy changes, and middle power behavior. We argue that right-leaning governments, characterized by their national security emphasis and often nationalist undertones, are likely to seek more robust and diverse partnerships. Most importantly, and contrary to the traditional understanding of superpower influence, we emphasize the critical role of domestic political transformations in shaping cooperation among middle powers over security concerns, thereby advancing a nuanced approach that considers internal and regional dynamics.

Our empirical analysis employs two datasets—the Database of Political Institutions and the Defense Cooperation Agreement Dataset—focusing on the period from 2000 to 2020. Preliminary findings suggest a strong correlation between right-leaning governments in middle powers and increased cooperation, particularly in the defense domain, indicating the salience of domestic politics in shaping international cooperation. However, we propose that these outcomes may be context-dependent, with the influence of domestic partisan orientation varying across different strategic landscapes and institutional settings.

Authors

• Jiwoon Kim, Yonsei University

• Jisu Jeong, Yonsei University

• Jihun Park, Yonsei University