Ties that bind? Assessing the impact of economic interdependence on East Asian alliances

Abstract

This article investigates how commercial ties affect the cohesiveness of USalliances with East Asian nations. While the conventional wisdom views their effects as positive, we argue that economic interdependence does not markedly reinforce East Asian alliances because the alliances have an asymmetrical structure. To evaluate these competing arguments, we examine the impact of bilateral trade on the USalliances with Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and South Korea, over the past quarter-century. Our empirical analysis provides little evidence for the conventional view, while supporting our argument. Based on this finding, the article offers some practical implications for the free trade agreement and the security alliance between South Korea and the USA. © 2011 Center for International Studies, Inha University.