Dynamics of China's relations with Vietnam

Samuel Zivot

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis attempts to evaluate the international relations dynamic that exists between Vietnam and China in order to establish whether future conflict between those countries should be expected. In order to provide a basis from which that outcome can be established this thesis will evaluate the case, including both the historical relations between the two countries and their contemporary activities, utilizing two different international relations theories; Neorealism, as described by Kenneth Waltz in his book Theory of International Politics, and Asymmetry Theory, as described by Brantly Womack in his book China and Vietnam: The Politics of Asymmetry. Consequently, a secondary goal of this thesis is the evaluation of those two theories in the context of their application as predictive theories of international relations as a byproduct of their utility in application to this case.

Abstract:

This thesis attempts to evaluate the international relations dynamic that exists between Vietnam and China in order to establish whether future conflict between those countries should be expected. In order to provide a basis from which that outcome can be established this thesis will evaluate the case, including both the historical relations between the two countries and their contemporary activities, utilizing two different international relations theories; Neorealism, as described by Kenneth Waltz in his book Theory of International Politics, and Asymmetry Theory, as described by Brantly Womack in his book China and Vietnam: The Politics of Asymmetry. Consequently, a secondary goal of this thesis is the evaluation of those two theories in the context of their application as predictive theories of international relations as a byproduct of their utility in application to this case.

Keywords

China, Asymmetry, Vietnam, Neorealism

Keywords

Vietnam, Asymmetry, China, Neorealism

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 19. 9. 2018

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 28. 5. 2019
• Supervisor: Jeremy Alan Garlick
• Reader: Radka Havlová

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Mezinárodní ekonomické vztahy / International and Diplomatic Studies