Dr. Robert E. Bedeski

Dr. Bedeski is Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Professor, Department of Political Science.

Education:.

• Political Science and Asian Studies at the University of California at Berkeley (BA 1964, MA 1965, PhD 1969).

Current positions.

• Honorary Professor, University of British Columbia.
• Affiliate Professor, Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington.
• Member, National Committee on US-China Relations.
• Research Scholar, Institute for Security and Development Policy, Stockholm, and.
• Honorary Kentucky Colonel.

Past positions:

• Assistant Professor, Ohio State University (1969-1973),.
• Associate Professor and Professor, Carleton University (1973-1989),.
• Professor, University of Victoria (1989-2003).
• Professor, Semester at Sea (Autumn 2005).
• Visiting Aung San Suu Kyi Endowed Chair in Asian Democracy at the University of Louisville, Kentucky (2008-09).
• Editorial Advisor to the Mongolian Journal of International Affairs.
• Member, Board of Directors, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
• Co-Chair, with Professor Yoshinobu Yamamoto, North Pacific Working Group, Council for Security Cooperation in Asia Pacific (CSCAP).
• Chairman, Canadian Consortium on Asia-Pacific Security (CANCAPS).
• Chairman, Japan Studies Association of Canada. .
• Chair, Maritime Security Working Group (MSWG).

In 2008 he received an Honorary Doctorate from the Mongolia Academy of Sciences, and Friendship (Naraimdal) Medal by decree of the President of Mongolia, Nambaryn Enkhbayar.

Current research

During his academic career, Professor Bedeski has focused on the structure and formation of the Asian state in China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. The transition of Mongolia from communist to multi-party democracy stimulated research into the first Mongolian state. formed in 1206. State formation has been characterized by centralized sovereignty and enhanced national security. With globalization, military security has been partly displaced by human security.  The pre-modern Mongolian experience, described in the Secret History of the Mongols, exhibited core features of creating a viable state out of scattered tribes. 

Combining results from several visits to Mongolia, two presentations and publications at the Institute of Security and Development Policy (Stockholm), and numerous presentations at the University of Washington, Professor Bedeski is currently writing a book entitled Sustaining Existence: On the Meaning of Genghis Khan, A Theory of Life Security, and Roots of the Asiatic State. A draft of the manuscript is available online at: https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/handle/1773/38457

In this book, he lays out a Theory of Anthrocentric Security and applies it to the Secret History. Three levels of existence (Strata-of-Being) are distinguished – state of nature, organic society and State. At each level, humans have discovered or constructed "Security Action Platforms" from which they "launch" Security Actions which are intended to protect human life and enhance human life security (defined as "prolonging life, postponing death"). The theory results from application of philosophical anthropology concepts to the notion of human security.

Publications

• Robert Bedeski, "Roots of the Mongolian State: Genghis Khan's Survival and Pragmatism as related in the Secret History of the Mongols" in Монгол Улсын ШУА-ийн Түүх, АРХЕОЛОГИЙН хүрээлэн  (Ulaanbaatar, 2017), 38-52. Reinventing Human Security: Lessons from Chinggis Khan's Biography. Stockholm Paper, August 2013, pp. 42. (http://www.isdp.eu/images/stories/isdp-main-pdf/2013-bedeski-reinventing-human- security.pdf).
• "Human Security and the South Korean 'Miracle': An Anthrocentric Approach," Presentation at Glendon College, York University Korea Symposium, April 6, 2013.
• Bedeski, R. E. and N. Swanström, Eds. (2012). Eurasia's Ascent in Energy and Geopolitics. Rivalry or partnership for China, Russia and Central Asia? London, Routledge.
• Mongolian Futures: Scenarios for a Landlocked State, (Stockholm: Institute for Security and Development Policy, 2008).
• "Independence for Taiwan?" International Affairs Forum (April 2008).
• "Genghis Khan, Mongolia, and the Theory of Human Security," China and Eurasia Forum Quarterly, Vol. 6, No. 4 (2008).
• Human Security and the Chinese State: Historical Transformations and the Modern Quest for Sovereignty. (London: Routledge, 2007).
• "What the 2007 Summit Can Offer," Korean Herald, October 1, 2007, 13.
• "North Korea: State Failure and Dangers to International Peace," Presentation, School of Law, University of Victoria, 2007.
• "Survival And Diplomacy: Mongolia’s Place in Asia Today." Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, No. 12, 2005. 28-39.
• "A Human Security Approach to Japan’s Modern State Formation: A Comparative Reading through the Lens of E.H. Norman’s Origins of the Modern Japanese State." Sungkyun Journal of East Asian Studies. Vol. 5, No. 1, 2005. 97—116.
• "Western China: Human Security and National Security". Western China: Human Security and National Security: China's West Region Development: Domestic Strategies and Global Implications. Edited by Ding Lu and William Neilson. (Singapore, World Scientific, 2004) 41- 52.
• Monograph, co-edited: Information Technology, New Dimensions of Government and Citizen Interaction, and Human Security in Mainland China , and the Taiwan Experience (Victoria, BC: Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives, University of Victoria, 2002) International Colloquium Proceedings, edited by Robert Bedeski and Helen Lansdowne.
• Co-edited Book: Bedeski, R. and J. A. Schofield, Eds. (2002). Demography, Democracy, and Development: Pacific Rim Experiences. Canadian Western Geographical Series 38. Victoria, Western Geographical Press.
• Chapter: "Information Technology and the New Economy in China," in Information Technology, New Dimensions of Government and Citizen Interaction, and Human Security in Mainland China, and the Taiwan Experience (Victoria, BC: Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives, University of Victoria, 2002) International Colloquium Proceedings, edited by Robert Bedeski and Helen Lansdowne.
• "Chinese Migrations and Implications for Canada: A Human Security Perspective". Demography, Democracy, and Development: Pacific Rim Experiences. R. E. Bedeski and J. A. Schofield. (2002). Victoria, Western Geographical Press. 38: 45-58.
• "East Asia As Conservative Civilization: Restoration and Preservation as Political Processes," Korea Observer, v. 32: 1 (Spring 2001), 83-110.
• "Peace and Neutrality on the Korean Peninsula: A Role for Canada?," Pacific Affairs Vol. 73, No. 4 (Winter 2000-2001), pp. 555-570.
• Prospects for Development in the Asia Pacific Area. Edited by Robert E. Bedeski & John A. Schofield. Canadian Western Geographical Series 37 (2000).
• "Integration of Non-Traditional Security Issues: A Preliminary Application To South Korea," in Environment And Security: Discourses and Practices. Edited by Miriam R. Lowi and Brian R. Shaw (Macmillan, 2000), pp. 103-122.
• "Arms Control and Disarmament in East Asia: the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Straits," in Prospects for Development in the Asia Pacific Area. Edited by Robert E. Bedeski & John A. Schofield. Canadian Western Geographical Series 37 (2000).
• The Transformation of South Korea: Reform and Reconstitution in the Sixth Republic under Roh Tae Woo, 1987-1992. (London: Routledge, 1994).
• The Fragile Entente: The 1978 Japan-China Peace Treaty in a Global Context. (Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press, 1983).
• Articles have also appeared in China Quarterly, Orbis, World Politics, Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, Asian Survey, The Review of Politics, Studies in Comparative Communism, Pacific Affairs, International Journal, The American Asian Review, Etudes Internationales, Asian Perspective, Asian Thought & Society, Koreana, Sungkyun Journal of East Asian Studies, Strategy 21, Electoral Studies, Crossroads, Journal of Asian and African Studies, The Journal of East Asian Affairs, Interdisciplinary Peace Research, The Korean Journal of Defense Analysis (with James Bayer), Journal of Military and Strategic Studies, Korea Observer, The Japan Times, Sekai Shuhô and Taiwan Journal.
• "Survival And Diplomacy: Mongolia’s Place in Asia Today." Mongolian Journal of International Affairs, No. 12, 2005. 28-39.
• "Western China: Human Security and National Security". Western China: Human Security and National Security: China's West Region Development: Domestic Strategies and Global Implications. Edited by Ding Lu and William Neilson. (Singapore, World Scientific, 2004) 41-52.
• "Peace and Neutrality on the Korean Peninsula: A Role for Canada?," Pacific Affairs Vol. 73, No. 4 (Winter 2000-2001), pp. 555-570.
• "East Asia As Conservative Civilization: Restoration and Preservation as Political Processes," Korea Observer, v. 32: 1 (Spring 2001), 83-110.
• "The Chinese Diaspora, Mongolia and the Sino-Russian Frontier," Japan Pacific Research Institute (JPRI) Working Paper No. 62.
• Prospects For Development in the Asia Pacific Area. Edited by Robert E. Bedeski & John A. Schofield. Canadian Western Geographical Series 37 (2000).
• "Arms Control and Disarmament in East Asia: the Korean Peninsula and the Taiwan Straits," in Prospects For Development in the Asia Pacific Area. Edited by Robert E. Bedeski & John A. Schofield. Canadian Western Geographical Series 37 (2000).

Scholarly and Public Presentations:

• "Roots of the Mongol State: Genghis Khan's Survival and Pragmatism as related in the Secret History of the Mongols." Public Lecture, Institute of East Asia Studies, University of California Berkeley, April 13, 2017.
• "Mongol Foundations of the Russian State: Space, Life Security, Sovereignty and War from the Golden Horde to the Civil War." REECAS conference, Reed College, Portland OR, April 1, 2017.
• "Motivational Theory: Genghis Khan as Natural Man, Social Animal and Sovereign Ruler." REECAS conference, University of Puget Sound, April 30, 2016.
• "The Secret History of the Mongols: Genghis Khan, the Mongol State and Primary Existential Angst," presented at Ellison Center, University of Washington, February 4, 2016.
• "The 'Big Bang' of Pax Mongolica: The Political Legacy of Chinggis Khan–Empire, State or Mega-Tribe?" REECAS conference, University of Washington, May 2, 2015.
• "The Genealogy of Modern Asian Dictatorship: From Chinggis Khan to Kim Jong Il," Presentation, Kentucky Political Science Association, March 6, 2009, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
• "Mongolian scenarios and the theory of human security," Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Stockholm, July 28, 2008.
• "Mongolian democratic development since the Cold War," Stockholm, Institute for Security and Development Policy, May 28, 2008.
• "North Korea: State Failure and Dangers to International Peace," University of Victoria, 2007.
• "Mongolia’s Transition to Modern Sovereign Nation State," University of Washington, Seattle, Central Eurasian Studies Society, October 20, 2007.
• "Mongolia’s Emergence as a Modern Sovereign Nation State: Three Stages of Development," Ulaan Baatar Forum, August 21, 2007.
• "State making and the search for sovereignty: Taiwan and mainland China," conference on Implications of Taiwan’s Democracy for the Modern Chinese State, Victoria, BC, University of Victoria, October 24, 2006.
• "Security Challenges in Northeast Asia: A Regional Evaluation," Presentation Political Studies Students' Conference 2002: "Globalism and Regionalism: The Evolving International System," University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, January 31-Feb 2, 2002.
• "New Developments in the Political-Military Situation: China and the Revolution in Military Affairs," Presented to 48th Asian Pacific League for Freedom and Democracy Conference October 26-29, 2002, Renaissance Vancouver Hotel, Vancouver.
• "Development and Human Security," Canada-Taiwan Experts Workshop on "Human security in a Changing Global Context," UBC Institute of Asian Research and Liu Institute for Global Issues, November 24-26, 2002.
• "A Human Security Approach to Japan: Reading through the Lens of E.H. Norman’s Origins of the Modern Japanese State," Canada-Japan Conference 2002: Carleton University, Ottawa, September 20-22, 2002. 
• "North Korea in the regional/global context and future scenarios: The DPRK in the North- East Pacific region," North-South Institute Workshop on the DPRK, April 9-10,2001 Ottawa, Lord Elgin Hotel.
• "IT in East Asia and Implications for Democracy." Presentation at the University of Victoria Workshop, "Information Technology, New Dimensions of Government and Citizen Interaction, and Human Security in Mainland China, and the Taiwan Experience" October 19, 2001.
• "Information Technology and the New Economy in China," presentation at the UNDP & China Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Symposium on New Economy and Development, November 1-2, 2001, Beijing, China.
• "IT in East Asia and Implications for Democracy,” Presentation at the UVic Workshop, "Information Technology, New Dimensions of Government and Citizen Interaction, and Human Security in Mainland China, and the Taiwan Experience" October 19, 2001.
• "North Korea in the regional/global context and future scenarios: The DPRK in the North-East Pacific region," North-South Institute Workshop on the DPRK April 9, 2001, Ottawa, Lord Elgin Hotel.
• "Human security challenges and Canada’s Asia Pacific maritime frontier: What is the role of the navy?," Conference: The Canadian Navy in the post-Cold War Era: New Roles, New Requirements and New Thinking March 2-4, 2001, University of Calgary.
• "The Chinese Diaspora: Humanitarianism vs. Security," Asia-Pacific Regional Maritime Security Workshop, Dalhousie University December 2, 1999.
• "North Korea's Missiles - Catalyst for an Asian Cold War; Kim Jong Il’s Survival Strategy; or Test Case for the US-Japan Security Treaty?," Presentation to Canadian Consortium on Asia Pacific Security (CANCAPS), Dalhousie University, December 3, 1999.
• "From Revolution to Human Security: The Transformation of Asia Since 1949," Address to CAPI Student Symposium University of Victoria, "Issues of Human Security in Asia," February 2, 2000.
• "Background and Current Situation on the Korean Peninsula," Briefing to Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) Command & Staff, March 3, 2000.
• Paper Presentation: "State-Building In Twentieth Century China: Tradition, Revolution, and Incomplete Sovereignty,” China Symposium, SFU, March 4, 2000.
• "India and Asia,” Special University Seminar/Lecture, with Canada’s Ambassador to India, November 22, 1999.
• "Human Security and the development of the Modern Asian State,” Association for Asian Studies, San Diego, March 8, 2000 (To be published in Special Festschrift for Chalmers A. Johnson.).
• "The Chinese Diaspora: North Asia and Canadian Implications,” 2nd University of Victoria/National Sun Yat-Sen University Symposium, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, April 24, 2000.
• "Integration of Non-Traditional Security Issues: A Preliminary Application To South Korea,” in Environment And Security: Discourses and Practices. Edited by Miriam R. Lowi and Brian R. Shaw (Macmillan, 2000), pp. 103-122.
• "The Yellow Sea And Its Role In Regional Human Security,” James Dickson And Robert E. Bedeski, Strategy 21 (The Journal of Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy).
• "Prospects for disarmament on the Korean Peninsula: From KEDO to the two Kims’ Summit and beyond,” ISODARCO, Xi’an, China, October 8-13, 2000.
• "Sun Tzu - Human Security, Comprehensive Security, Cooperative Security, and National Security,” International Symposium on Sun Tzu’s Art of War, Suzhou, China, October 17-19, 2000.
• "Politics in Northeast Asia – China at the center,” Canada-China Friendship Association, October 22, 2000.
• "Information Technology and Human Security in China: Formation of a New Class and Opportunities in Economic Development." UNDP Workshop on Human Security: Development toward Human Economic, Social and Environmental Security, November 1, 2000 Beijing. Also delivered to the Center for Arms Control and Disarmament, Beijing University, October 31, 2000.
• "Information Technology and the New Economy in China." International Symposium on New Economy and Development, November 1-2, 2001, Beijing, China. Sponsored the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China, and the United Nations Development Programme.