Offensive Realism and the Pacific Ocean: Understanding Geopolitical Rivalries through Mearsheimer's Lens

Abstract

The basic research question of this study will be to examine the nature of power dynamics in the Pacific Ocean Region, where power competitions and rivalry have been rising among international and non-international actors. The purposes are to analyze the relations of rivals, which depend on the change of power dominance, geographical issues, resources, and threats in the sea. The research question of the study to focus is: why have geopolitical tensions accentuated in the Pacific Ocean? In this context, the method of studying the South China Sea territorial disputes involve use of both qualitative and quantitative data from both officially published policies and documents, as well as other methods such as face to face interview with some of the policy experts and use of geospatial data. In this paper, the theory of choice is the Offensive realism using analysis of the famous strategist John Mearsheimer to analyze the behavior of states, security dilemma and the quest for hegemony in a certain region. This research is important because Pacific Ocean is vital, is security and economical interests to global markets. Further studies should focus on the effects of the new technologies in continuation of the power relations in the region. These include territorial disputes and resource competition, causing security competition; coupled with increase of China, states strive for maximum power and influence. Thus, it is for the main reason that the Pacific Ocean is a vital theatre for power contestations that define not only the regional political dynamics but the global ones as well that require constant observation and collective effort to be maintained.

Keywords: Maritime Security, Geopolitics, Realism, Pacific Ocean and Power Competition