Journal of Asia Social Science Studies

China–Taiwan Tensions and the Transformation of Power Structure in East Asia

Suphanni Sikanchanachinnda — 2026-06-30

This article examines cross-strait tensions between China and Taiwan as a contemporary socio-political and geopolitical phenomenon. Rather than limiting the analysis to military or security dimensions, the article adopts an interdisciplinary social science perspective that emphasizes national identity, democracy, domestic politics, and the role of regional and global actors. It argues that the China–Taiwan conflict is not merely a dispute over sovereignty but a confrontation between two competing visions of world order: China’s state-centered authoritarian model and Taiwan’s democratic model, which has become symbolically significant in East Asia.

The first part of the article outlines the historical background and power structures shaping cross-strait relations, highlighting the strategic role of major powers—particularly the United States—in transforming the Taiwan Strait into a key geopolitical hotspot. The second part focuses on Taiwan’s domestic politics, analyzing how national identity formation, democratic consolidation, and survival strategies are deeply intertwined under persistent pressure from China.

Special attention is given to Taiwan’s use of informal diplomacy and soft power, including its strengths in semiconductor technology, cultural influence, and democratic values. These tools have enabled Taiwan to enhance its international presence despite limited formal diplomatic recognition. The article further conceptualizes Taiwan as a “middle power–like actor” that strategically employs flexibility, norms, and transnational networks to preserve its political space within an asymmetrical power structure. In conclusion, the article argues that China–Taiwan tensions reflect broader transformations in the global order and have far-reaching implications for stability in the Asia-Pacific region. For middle and small states such as Thailand, the situation underscores the need for balanced strategic thinking that integrates economic interests, security concerns, and international norms in an era of intensifying great power competition.

The Israel–Hamas War and the Violent Deadlock: A Review of Two-State Alternatives in Contemporary Geopolitical Contexts

Araya Suwanmekha — 2026-06-30

The Israel–Hamas war, particularly its most recent escalation, has underscored the structural failures of peace processes in the Middle East and raised profound questions about the viability of the Two-State Solution. This article examines the Israel–Hamas conflict as a manifestation of protracted social conflict rooted in structural power asymmetries, Palestinian statelessness, and Israel’s state-centric security paradigm, within the context of contemporary geopolitics. Drawing on theories of protracted social conflict, securitization, and conflict management, the article argues that recurrent violence is not merely the result of short-term strategic choices by political actors, but rather a product of entrenched structural conditions. By tracing the evolution of the Two-State Solution from the 1947 UN Partition Plan through the Oslo Accords to the current multipolar global order, the analysis demonstrates that while the two-state framework retains strong normative legitimacy, it lacks the structural foundations necessary for its realization.The findings suggest that under contemporary geopolitical conditions, the Two-State Solution has reached a state of “structural deadlock.” Rather than functioning as a genuine pathway to conflict resolution, it increasingly operates as a mechanism of conflict management that stabilizes an unjust status quo. Continued reliance on the two-state framework without addressing underlying power structures, security discourses, and the lack of international accountability risks normalizing violence and prolonging injustice. The article concludes by calling for a rethinking of peace strategies grounded in rights, equality, and structural justice as essential conditions for sustainable peace in Israel–Palestine.

The Dynamics of the Thai Government in 2025: The Constitutional Court, Party Alliances, and Political Power Consolidation.

Thana Chansrisuriya — 2026-06-30

This article analyzes the dynamics of the Thai government in 2025 under the 2017 Constitution, focusing on the roles of the Constitutional Court, independent agencies, and coalition politics among political parties. It finds that coalition governments operate under structural constraints defined by institutional checks and balances, requiring policy management to adapt to pressures from the judiciary, civil society, and coalition partners. Policy priorities are often guided by a logic of survival rather than institutional or policy-driven transformation. The article emphasizes that the Constitutional Court functions as a political actor, with governmental decision-making shaped by judicial risk and the balance of power within coalition arrangements. Policy implementation is largely characterized by negotiation and compromise to maintain short-term stability rather than pursuing substantive public benefits. Democratic impacts manifest in stagnation of democratic development, erosion of public trust, and democratic fatigue, as citizens perceive limited efficacy of political participation in producing meaningful policy outcomes. The key lesson is that while coalition governments can preserve short-term stability, they fail to generate structural legitimacy. Strengthening institutional checks and balances, promoting transparency, and enhancing citizen participation are essential for building a stable and sustainable democratic system in Thailand.

Aging Society and the Challenges of the Labor System in Thailand: An Analysis of the Impacts on the Economy and Social Policy

Nattawut Kanchanachaya — 2026-06-30

Thailand is rapidly transitioning into an aging society due to declining fertility rates and increasing life expectancy. This demographic shift has significant implications for the country’s labor market, economic development, and social policy. This article aims to (1) analyze demographic changes in Thailand in the context of population aging, (2) examine the impacts of an aging society on the labor market and national economy, and (3) propose policy recommendations to address the challenges of an aging society in the long term. The findings indicate that the increasing proportion of older persons is likely to reduce the size of the working-age population, potentially leading to labor shortages in certain sectors and affecting labor productivity and long-term economic growth. Population aging also has broader macroeconomic implications, including slower economic growth, changes in saving and consumption patterns, and rising fiscal pressures on government budgets, particularly in pension systems and healthcare expenditures. In addition, social inequality among older persons remains a concern, especially for those who are not covered by formal social security systems. The article suggests that Thailand should adopt proactive policy measures to cope with population aging. Key strategies include extending working life, promoting lifelong learning and skills development, and strengthening social protection systems, particularly long-term care services for the elderly. Such policy measures would help mitigate the adverse effects of demographic change while enhancing long-term economic and social stability.