ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the existing literature on alliance politics to answer two questions on the origin of alliances: what factors motivate states to seek alliances, and how do states choose alliance partners? It analysis the body literature on alliance decision-making theory. The chapter explores the nature of alliances, types of alliances and similar security relationships, why they form, and how they fit a state’s security strategy. In the case of the South China Sea, where potential clients must balance a need for US security guarantees with an economic imperative to maintain access to Chinese markets, formalizing an alliance with the United States could produce costs in the form of Chinese economic retribution. Alliance decision-making involves interpretations of other intentions, as shaped by the compatibility of strategic beliefs and perceptions from other states. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
