The Many Faces of Asian Security

Political developments in the post-Cold War era, the intensification of globalization, and the rapid spread of technology are forcing a reevaluation of the meaning of security. Traditional security is no longer the singular concern of the world powers, and new forms of security have become relevant to a growing number of countries. The Many Faces of Asian Security provides a comprehensive assessment of these developments in the Asia-Pacific region. The book begins with an examination of traditional security concerns--military capabilities, balance of power, territorial and resource disputes, the effects of new technologies on military strategy, and the problems involved in maintaining sovereignty in the face of globalization. It then introduces the new security issues that have become important in Asia since the end of the Cold War--economic and financial stability in the wake of the financial crisis, the spillover effects of environmental degradation, human rights and political stability, and the impact of transnational crime. Eleven leading specialists on Asia evaluate the types of, and approaches to, Asian security that have been emerging over the past decade. Their wide-ranging and incisive discussions will be of interest to policymakers, scholars, and students alike.

About the Author :
Sheldon W. Simon is professor of political science at Arizona State University.

Review :
A superb survey, in both breadth and depth, of security in East Asia by outstanding specialists with disciplined perspectives.--Allen S. Whiting, University of Arizona This book provides a rich and provocative survey of security in East Asia by outstanding specialists.--Vijay Mehta, Vice-Chair, Action for UN Renewal, and Secretary, London Region CND A set of engaging essays on the comprehensive nature of security in Asia. Written by seasoned observers of the Asian scene, the book draws attention to the changing nature of traditional security as well as the growing salience of the nonconventional dimensions of Asian security. It should be of interest both to the specialist and the general reader with an interest in Asia.--Muthiah Alagappa, East-West Center in Hawaii This ambitious, up-to-date volume should be required reading for U.S. policymakers who must make sense of the complex and rapidly changing security environment in the Asia-Pacific. It takes a comprehensive approach to the concept of security to include such problems as environmental degradation, transnational crime, and regional income inequalities. Finally, the authors are to be commended for their attention to the changing nature of sovereignty in the Asia-Pacific region and for their efforts to explain the implications of this change for regional security.--Douglas T. Stuart, Dickinson College A rich and provocative collection of essays on traditional and non-traditional challengesto Asian security. Scholars and policymakers seeking a better understanding of the region at the dawn of the 21st century will find this book immensely useful.--Amitav Acharya, York University A wide-ranging and generally perceptive review of recent developments in East Asian security from a number of different angles. The impressive mix of academics, policy analysts, and practitioners furnish a carefully considered and often insightful set of essays which address many of the major security issues that have faced East Asia in the last few years.--Contemporary Southeast Asia