존재론적 안보(ontological security)의 동학: 미국의 대중 강경책과 미중경쟁

초록

Through the theoretical perspective of ontological security, this article examines the factors that trigger US-China conflict in terms of US "identity anxiety." To this end, it explains what ontological theory is and what theoretical implications it has. Based on this, it is revealed that the ontological security theory can supplement the limitations of realism in analyzing the US-China conflict and provide an insightful perspective. To elucidate this, this article discusses how the US identity, largely formed after the end of the Cold War, has experienced ruptures and crises going through the September 11 terror, the 2008 financial crisis, and the Trump election. This article finds that the US has dealt with its identity anxiety by externalizing it into a fear of “China threats,” resulting in strong bipartisan support for a tough stance on China. Ultimately, how the US copes with its identity anxiety contributes to US-China competitions and the instability of the contemporary international system.

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