Sino-Japanese Relations and the Security Dilemma

Abstract

This thesis investigates Sino-Japanese security relations and evaluates the explanatory power of the security dilemma theory, which is often invoked in the argument concerning the bilateral relationship. Upon demonstrating that this theory is ill-fit to explain the recent downturn in Sino-Japanese security relations, the study rejects a number of alternative explanations within the constructivist vein of international relations thinking and argues that the deterioration of Sino-Japanese security relations can be better understood by employing the concept of "institutionalized greed."