The Durability of US-led Minilateral Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region : Political Actor Dynamics Through the QUAD Case

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study examines the impact of domestic political leaders’ preference on the durability of US-led minilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Minilateralism is not a novel concept, but it has recently emerged as a key approach for the United States in the Indo-Pacific. However, there is limited research on the factors that determine its sustainability.
This study analyzes the case of QUAD 1.0 (2007-2008) and QUAD 2.0 (2017- present) to scrutinize how a leader’s preference matters to the durability of minilateral cooperation. Rudd prioritized economic relations with China deciding to withdraw from the QUAD 1.0 to avoid any diplomatic constraints and maintain strong economic ties. In contrast, QUAD 2.0 was revitalized in 2017 by Malcolm Turnbull to diversify Australia’s economic partnerships, especially with India.
By focusing on leaders’ preference for cooperation, this research reveals the critical role of domestic politics in international cooperation. This study contributes to international relations by addressing the theoretical gap regarding the endurance of minilateral cooperation. Furthermore, this study provides insights to build effective and resilient regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• I. Introduction 1
• II. Analytical Analysis 5
• III. Theoretical Argument 9
• IV. Methodology 11
• V. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Analysis 17
• 5.1 Background of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue 17
• 5.2 Collapse of QUAD 1.0 20
• 5.3 Resuscitation of QUAD 2.0 23
• VI. Political Actors’ Preference and Minilateral Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region 27
• 6.1 Kevin Rudd’s Cooperation Preference with China 27
• 6.2 Kevin Rudd’s Cooperation Preference with QUAD 1.0 Members 36
• 6.3 Malcolm Turnbull’s Cooperation Preference with China 40
• 6.4 Malcolm Turnbull’s Cooperation Preference with QUAD 2.0 Members 46
• VII. Conclusion 58
• VIII. Bibliography 60