Dr. Joanna Siekiera discusses China's global integration from a legal perspective, highlighting the country's strategic tactics, including vessel deployment and international law misuse. The podcast also explores Europe's varied perceptions of China, contrasting economic partnerships with security concerns. Reflective closure encourages students to research actions' underlying reasons for a deeper understanding.
China utilizes non-military tactics like financial influence for global expansion.
China's strategic moves in the Pacific threaten stability and aim for dominance in key areas.
Deep dives
China's Strategic Integration Tactics Globally
China is strategically focusing on integration tactics like using financial influence, rather than military force, to expand its global presence. This is evident in instances like Chinese vessels dominating maritime routes despite being labeled as fishing vessels. Through tactics like bribing politicians, China aims to exert influence over regions like Oceania and Africa, showcasing a pattern of non-military methods to extend its reach and establish strategic footholds.
The Impact of China's Actions in the Pacific Region
China's actions in the Pacific region, such as establishing a military base in the Solomon Islands, pose significant threats that extend beyond immediate territorial concerns. These maneuvers not only jeopardize the stability of Taiwan but also have implications for overall influence in the Pacific. The strategic placement of military assets and alliances points towards a larger goal of exerting dominance in key geopolitical areas.
Implications of China's 2049 Initiative and Resource Control
China's 2049 initiative and focus on resource-rich areas like the Pacific Ocean's seabed indicate a long-term strategy to secure essential resources and potentially escalate conflicts over access. The global implications of China's goals raise concerns about future conflicts centered around resource control and the utilization of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in asserting dominance.
Legal Challenges and International Norms in the Face of Chinese Expansion
China's exploitation of international norms, such as UN participation and using artificial intelligence for human rights protection, presents challenges in enforcing legal standards. By manipulating legal frameworks to suit their agenda, China sets a dangerous precedent that undermines global legal systems. The lack of effective countermeasures highlights the struggle in addressing China's actions within legal boundaries and the need for international responses to safeguard established norms.
The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association.
During this episode, Dr. Joanna Siekiera discusses how China is integrating itself into global affairs from a lawfare perspective.
Research Question: Joanna Siekiera suggests an interested student ask: “Why”? Students should always start research from this question as it will help you understand who is benefiting from certain actions and omissions. In which domain are they benefiting? What are the true interests? And who is paying for all of that? We must stay pragmatic in order to see the true, not anticipatory research outcomes.
Guest Bio: Joanna Siekiera is an international lawyer, legal advisor, Doctor of Public Policy. She is a fellow at the Marine Corps University and NATO Maritime Security Center of Excellence in Türkiye. Her areas of expertise are law of armed conflict (lawfare, legal culture in armed conflict, NATO legal framework) and the Indo-Pacific region, and Pacific law.
About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain.
For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org.