GLOBALIZING IR THEORY: LESSONS FROM NORTHEAST ASIA

This thesis examines the role of Northeast Asian (NEA) IR within Global IR, assessing how NEA can foster a more inclusive IR dialogue. The thesis uses an inductive methodology to analyze discourse in a comprehensive review of 100 articles, balanced between Global IR and NEA IR theories. The research employs a novel "Dining Table Model" to categorize existing literature into five distinct types, each reflecting a unique approach to addressing core-periphery dynamics within IR. Additionally, a new "geocultural orientation avenue" is proposed, focusing on the historical and cultural dimensions of IR theories. The findings reveal NEA's potential to enrich global IR discourse by promoting diversity and inclusiveness. This research encourages ongoing regional and inter-regional dialogue, reflecting a shift towards a multiplex world order and aiming to motivate future scholars to keep on delving into the diverse landscapes of IR theory.