In their relations with great powers, Southeast Asian states have long been characterized as using hedging strategies. These approaches have evolved within the region as an effective alternative to the more traditional balancing and bandwagoning policies. This thesis maintains that the hedging approach has only been possible due to the lack of power competition in the region. In particular, Chinas transformation from solely an economic great power to a considerable military power erodes these hedging strategies today. This thesis shows that Chinas formation of A2/AD zones have undermined the long-enjoyed regional primacy of the United States and have laid the basis for bipolar competition. As a result, Southeast Asian states have been forced to abandon their hedging policies and develop balancing or bandwagoning policies instead. Using a comparative case study, this thesis finds that during the past decade the Philippines and Vietnam initially shifted their respective hedging strategies to a balancing approach, but ultimately reversed their positions and are now bandwagoning with China, due to the lack of alternative external supporters. The thesis explores the realist school of thought that provides the conceptual framework to explain the likely rationale behind these evolving responses.
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