SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This article explores how two Southeast Asian middle powers, Indonesia and Vietnam, have responded to U.S. and China-led efforts to build coalitional hegemonies in the Indo-Pacific. Through the lens of network analysis, the article argues that while Indonesia and Vietnam have sought to enhance their positions in the coalitional networks that are being established by China and the United States, neither Jakarta nor Hanoi wants to be embedded exclusively in either network. The aim is to maximise their respective agency and level of autonomy in an era of China-U.S. rivalry, and avoid the worst-case scenario of being forced to choose between Washington and Beijing. Consequently, Indonesia and Vietnam have cautiously pursued greater social access in both networks while at the same time diversifying their alternative network options. Contrary to theoretical expectations, the two middle powers have been ambivalent in assuming brokerage roles in the China and U.S.-led networks. The analysis here contributes to the discussion on middle powers and networks—especially in the context of competing networks—as well as to the existing literature regarding Southeast Asian responses to China-U.S. rivalry.