TYLA: The process of cooperation in the East Sea in the first two decades of the 21st century from the perspective of Social Constructivism

Author name: NGUYEN TUAN KHANH

Thesis title: The process of cooperation in the East Sea in the first two decades of the 21st century from the perspective of Social Constructivism

Dissertation field: International Studies

Major: International Relations Code: 62 31 02 06

Name of the postgraduate training unit: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

1. Purpose and research objects of the thesis

-Building a system of approaches and theoretical basis for practical assessment of the international cooperation process in the East Sea. Reconstructing documents and the current status of the cooperation process in the East Sea in the first two decades of the 21st century. Pointing out the opportunities and challenges of the cooperation process that has been and is taking place in the East Sea region. At the same time, making recommendations for planning and implementing Vietnam's policies.

- The main research object of the topic is the process of Cooperation in International Relations in the East Sea in the first two decades of the 21st century.

2. Research methods used

The topic is approached mainly from the perspective of studying the theory of International Relations of Social Constructivism on the dialectical point of view between theory and practice. The interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach is the historical approach, the method of policy analysis, national interests and the method of case study.

3. Main results and conclusions

3.1. Main results

Identifying the possibilities for international cooperation in the context of a tense region

Clarifying the system of arguments of Social Constructivism that can be applied to explain the cooperation process in the East Sea region.

Reconstructing the overall process of cooperation in international relations in the East Sea in the first two decades of the 21st century.

Suggesting some recommendations for the policy making process to ensure national sovereignty, national interests, regional interests and to be consistent with the trend of increasing cooperation in modern international relations within and outside the region.

3.2. Conclusion

- The East Sea area always contains the risk of conflict, mainly due to territorial sovereignty.

- Ability to influence and change the perception of national interests of parties involved in the East Sea issue. This leads to policy adjustments to enhance cooperation.

- Ability to build a common identity factor through interaction at multilateral initiatives and forums in the East Sea region. International cooperation can take place in areas separate from sovereignty issues.

- Advantages and limitations of the Social Constructivist school in international research and international cooperation in the East Sea region.

- For Vietnam, constructivism is completely suitable as a basis for promoting cooperation to resolve issues in the East Sea.

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS

The author's name: NGUYEN TUAN KHANH

Thesis title: The cooperation process in South China Sea during the first two decades of the 21st^stcentury from Social Constructivism perspective

Scientific branch of the thesis: International Studies

Major: International Relations Studies Code: 62 31 02 06

The name of postgraduate training institution: The university of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University of Hanoi

1. Thesis purpose and objectives

-Building a systematic approach and theoretical basis applying to examine the reality of cooperation process in South China Sea. Restoring documents and practical situation of cooperation process in South China Sea during the first two decades of the 21st^stcentury. Releasing the opportunities and challenges of the cooperation activities have been occurring in South China Sea. Furthermore, the thesis aims to pull out some suggestions toward policy making and implementing process of Vietnam.

- The objective of the thesis is mainly focused on the Cooperation process in International relations in South China Sea during the first two decades of the 21st^stcentury.

2. Research methods

- The thesis' approach is mainly based on the theoretical basis of Social Constructivism for International relations studies dialectically between theories and practice of International relations in South China Sea.

- The interdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary approach will be applied with various methods qualitatively and quantitatively such as historical method, policy analysis, national interest analysis, and case study, etc.

3. Major results and conclusions

3.1. The major results

- Clarifying the ability of cooperation in a dispute area in International relations.

- Clarifying the theoretical points of Social Constructivism to which be able to apply for examining and explaining the cooperation process in South China Sea.

- Restore a comprehensive history of the cooperation process in South China Sea during the first two decades of the 21st^stcentury.

- Release some suggestions for policy making and implementing process warranting national interests, sovereignty in the cooperative enhancing context of international relations within as well as beyond the region.

3.2. Conclusions

- The region of South China Sea always embraces potential conflicts rooted mainly from territorial disputes.

- Abilities issues to influence the defining process of national interests of related parties to the South China Sea leading to the regulating and adjusting policies for cooperation enhancing.

- Abilities to build up regional common identities by mutual interactions within initiatives and multilateral channel in the region of South China Sea. Cooperative activities could be occurred in various fields excluding sovereign issues.

- The advantages and disadvantages of the Social Constructivism school of thought in doing research about international relations and cooperation in South China Sea.

- The Social Constructivism is worth as references for enhancing cooperative actions, policies toward the issues in South China Sea.