Date of Publication :30th September 2023

Abstract: Over the last decade, defense activities have significantly shaped contemporary global politics, safeguarding national interests, fostering regional stability, and influencing international relations. Recent developments in the East Sea disputes and other regional conflicts underscore the pivotal significance of defense activities in shaping global political dynamics. As tensions escalate among neighboring nations over territorial claims, defense postures and military capabilities emerge as critical determinants in shaping regional power balances. Nevertheless, the integration of "cooperation" and "diplomacy" with "defense" and "military" introduces complexity and ambiguity, leading to diverse interpretations and practical challenges. This article aims to clarify and precisely define these terminologies to address these complexities, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of conducting defense activities, cooperation, and diplomacy, centering on a typical real-world example involving India. The author will draw upon Joseph Nye's Soft Power theory and the Cooperation as Self-help theory as theoretical foundations to achieve this. The article identifies that defense cooperation is indispensable in modern international relations, shaping nations' foreign policies amidst a complex global landscape.

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