Conceptualizing the United States China Security Dilemma
This chapter contextualizes the security dilemma concept to view contemporary United States China relations. It begins with a brief theoretical overview of the security dilemma theory that includes the concepts' shortcomings, misuses, and contemporary revisions. Next, it contextualizes the application of the security dilemma by scholars and policy makers to elucidate United States China security relations and, in particular, the emergences of a 'China rise' discourse. Finally, it proffers a conceptual framework of analysis for applying the dilemma concept to view United States China military and defense relations during the Obama era, and addresses several gaps in the existing literature.