ABSTRACT

As the economies of East Asia grow ever stronger, their need for energy resources increases, which in turn compels closer relations with the countries of the Middle East. This book examines the developing relations between the countries of East Asia, especially China and Japan, with the countries of the Middle East. It looks at various key bilateral relationships, including with Iran and Syria, discusses the impact on the United States’ hegemony in both regions, considers whether the new relations represent a contribution to, or a threat to, peace and stability, and assesses the implications of the changes for patterns of regional and global international relations systems.

chapter 1|7 pages

The MENA–EA nexus

Introduction and conceptual framework

chapter 2|24 pages

Middle East–East Asia relations

Between geopolitics and globalization

chapter 3|11 pages

Gulf–East Asian relations

From economic interdependence to strategic cooperation

chapter 4|21 pages

East Asia and the Middle East

Inter-regional dynamics and American hegemony

chapter 6|9 pages

Japan in the Gulf

Between intra-bureaucratic politics and inter-Asian rivalry

chapter 9|16 pages

China's policy towards Saudi Arabia

Searching for a reliable partner

chapter 10|24 pages

American hegemony (and hubris)

The Iranian nuclear issue, and the future of Sino–Iranian relations

chapter 12|6 pages

Conclusion

Asianization and systemic shift