Constanza Jorquera: Navigating East Asian Geopolitics, Feminist Foreign Policy and China’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
Constanza Jorquera, an International Relations Specialist and Foreign Affairs Analyst, offers a nuanced perspective on East Asian geopolitics, Chinese and Korean foreign policy, and the evolving landscape of feminist foreign policy. Her work bridges academia and practical policy advising, currently serving as a professor at multiple Chilean universities and as a Counselor on the Council of Foreign Policy at the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This article explores her insights into China’s strategic approach to the Indo-Pacific, the role of soft power, and the future of feminist foreign policy.
Early Influences and Academic Journey
Jorquera’s interest in international relations was sparked at the University of Santiago, Chile (USACH), the first Chilean institution to offer an undergraduate program in the field. This initial exposure ignited a passion for understanding global power dynamics, leading her to focus on the geopolitical and cultural dimensions of East Asia, particularly China and Korea . Since 2016, she has dedicated herself to educating future foreign policy decision-makers, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to international affairs .
China’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Beyond Western Frameworks
Jorquera emphasizes the importance of avoiding the application of Western standards when analyzing China’s foreign policy. She argues that concepts like Tianxia, rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Chinese Legalism, offer a valuable lens for understanding Beijing’s approach to international relations . Tianxia, as a philosophical construct, suggests the potential for inclusive global networks that address power asymmetries.
China’s foreign policy, she notes, consistently reflects Confucian principles of mutual benefit, respect, and reciprocal relations, prioritizing harmony and the common quality – a contrast to the competitive nature often seen in Western policy . Achieving its modernization goals – economic prosperity, technological advancement, and international influence – requires China to foster a harmonious and secure regional ecosystem.
Reshaping the Indo-Pacific Order
Regarding China’s response to the “Indo-Pacific” framing – a concept often seen as a strategy to counter China’s influence – Jorquera points to the need to observe key indicators over the next 2-3 years. She highlights initiatives like AUKUS and the Quad as attempts to balance against China, led by the United States . Still, she suggests a potential shift in US strategic vision, noting a possible setback compared to previous administrations’ efforts to establish a strong presence in Asia .
Jorquera believes China’s pragmatic foreign policy will be tested in a polarized world. She advocates for strengthening and expanding initiatives like BRICS+, RCEP, and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), actively engaging India, and offering incentives for cooperation – including financial and military confidence-building measures – to countries seeking diversified relationships .
K-Diplomacy and Soft Power Strategies
Jorquera’s research on South Korea’s “K-Diplomacy” and the global reach of Hallyu (Korean pop culture) in Latin America offers lessons for broader Asia-Pacific soft power strategies . Whereas acknowledging Korea’s unique constraints due to the division of the peninsula, she highlights its success in attracting cultural interest. However, she cautions against conflating attractiveness with actual power, noting that cultural appreciation doesn’t automatically translate into geopolitical influence .
The Future of Feminist Foreign Policy
Jorquera expresses concern that the understanding of feminist foreign policy remains largely confined to institutional spheres, lacking strong connections to civil society and clear indicators for measuring progress . She emphasizes the need for a robust multilateral system, focusing on normative impact, operational commitment, and multilateral innovation, with transparent financing and accountability .
she stresses the importance of raising awareness about gender imbalances and addressing institutional sexism within decision-making processes, embedding a gender perspective into foreign policy for sustainable and inclusive development .
Current Research and Advice for Early-Career Scholars
Jorquera is currently revisiting her doctoral research on the international relations and foreign policy thinking of Korea and Chile, examining how both countries navigate autonomy in their relationships with major powers . She is also resuming research on Chinese thought in international relations, exploring its potential contributions to global leadership .
Her advice to early-career scholars is to embrace intellectual curiosity, question assumptions, and develop a unique voice. She encourages collaboration, networking, and experiential learning, while also prioritizing personal well-being and maintaining a broader perspective .