The End of the Eternal Return of “Econophoria” in Northeast Asia?: On the Use and Abuse of the Economic Concept of Peace

Abstract

This article evaluates the concept of “econophoria” in the context of the contemporary international relations of Northeast Asia. The article begins by discussing the idea’s general meaning, some of its theoretical and empirical subtleties (including problems), and how it occupies a special role in studies of Northeast Asian security. The middle section examines the geoeconomics and geo-politics of Northeast Asia through an “econophoric” lens, and then identifies the “Asian Paradox” as a situation that calls into question the region’s recent status quo. I conclude by arguing why the “econophoric” program requires transformation over coming decades. Notably I demonstrate that international institutions (especially regional institutions) will be a crucial mechanism for continued stability, development, and peace in Northeast Asia going forward.