Institutional Multilateralism in Northeast Asia: A Path Emergence Theory Perspective.

Article Type: Research paper Purpose--The potential value of multilateralism has been widely advocated by international relations theorists as a desirable code of conduct in Northeast Asia. However, they do not adequately explain the causal path to multilateralism by overlooking emergent properties of multilateralism. This article explores the path to multilateralism by relying on the novel concept of path emergence. Design/methodology/approach--This theory presents a theoretical framework of path emergence that incorporates morphogenetic fields, self-organized criticality, social resonance and coevolution as key components of multilateralism. From this theoretical perspective, the Helsinki process in Europe and the Six-Party Talks in Northeast Asia are comparatively examined as examples of path emergence. Findings--As theoretically supported, the fundamental difference between the two processes is that the former is a historical showcase of path emergence while the latter is a potential, yet unrealized, possibility of path emergence. This analysis shows that the international dynamics in Northeast Asia are very complex and transient enough that when and how path emergence unfolds in the region is unpredictable. Practical implications--Path emergence theory is useful for analyzing institutional origin, change and transformation in long-term historical context. Originality/value--This research offers a new approach to the research of multilateralism and breaks a new ground for international relations theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]