Myanmar-China Asymmetrical Relations: The Case Study of Myitsone Hydropower Dam Project through the Lens of Small Power’s Strategies

The aim of the research is to find the strategies and tactics of small powers in relations with great power neighbour under the asymmetrical relationship. The research problem The research accommodates the two important research problems. (1) To investigate how a small power can manage its asymmetrical relations with a great power neighbor. (2) To observe how a small power cooperative with a big power without deteriorating its sovereignty, by protecting its national interest, and by avoiding confrontation with the big power, as well as by preserving the bilateral relations between them. The subject of analysis The research emphasizes on the Myanmar-China asymmetrical relations with a special focus on the Myitsone dam hydropower project as a case study which is a critical issue between the two countries. The impact of the dam issue not only effects on the Sino-Myanmar relations but also influences on other asymmetrical relations between China and small powers. It also The research question What tactics and strategies does Myanmar use to increase its room for maneuver in its asymmetric relationship with China? Hypotheses The research will investigate two hypotheses: (1) The behaviors of small powers can be identified between a tactical and strategical level in an asymmetric relationship. (2) Small powers are capable of changing the behavior of big powers in different ways besides by using balancing and bandwagoning strategies. Conclusion and the highlight of a new scientific result Regarding the big picture of Sino-Myanmar relations, it has been found that Myanmar practices the “bandwagoning” strategy with limits. In the Myitsone Dam suspension, the Myanmar government used the “balancing” strategy with limits. To answer the promised research question, the research can investigate that Myanmar has used both bandwagoning and balancing strategies in limit. The research has revealed the detailed analysis of Myanmar’s tactical and strategical moves toward China. As a new scientific result, the research insists that ...