検証　エコノミック・ステイトクラフト

抄録

Globalization connects the economic activities of the world even though the world is becoming more contested and confrontational. The rivalry between the US and China increases the political frictions while they are deeply connected through global supply chain. Both the US and China are weaponizing trade relations as if they are at war without shooting a single bullet. The concept of “Economic Statecraft” emerged in such circumstances.

A quick definition of the “Economic Statecraft (hereafter, ES)” is “achieving diplomatic and strategic goals of the state by using economic means”. Under this definition, the article examines the measures used in ES such as sanctions, export control, trade restrictions and aid. These measures have different effects on delivering political message to the target state, but they are taken in accordance with the aim and objective of the ES exercising state.

The aim and objectives of the states are threefold. First, the ES is used to change the behavior and action of target state. For example, ES can be used for improving human rights conditions or halting nuclear programs by adding economic pressure. Second, ES is effective for announcing the malign activities and setting up norms of behavior. It is a message to add not only economic pressure but social pressure as well. Third, ES may have an effect to improve international and national solidarity and claim its legitimacy for implementing market distorting measures. If a state exercise ES, it may have negative effect on the economy of its own by cutting trade and investment or not licensing the export from its territory.

The condition for the success of ES does not depend on the size of economy but the monopoly position in the global supply chain. If other countries have no option but to depend on the product from particular state, that state will have the power to use such a product as a leverage. Also the size of the market may create dependence. States in proximity of a large economy tend to fall into this category. Also state which controls the international currency can use such a position as a leverage.

The article also examines the difference between the concepts of “economic security” and ES. The difference is that “economic security” focuses on the defense from economic coercion by improving national autonomy, while ES is an offensive tool for imposing political will on other states.