The Enduring Value of Military-to-Military Cooperation in Southeast Asia
Abstract
It is difficult to imagine a region blessed with more diversity and promise than Southeast Asia. Eleven nations with an aggregate population in excess of 550 million straddle the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. These nations possess an incredibly rich array of cultural traditions and an expansive religious heritage. Moreover, the market dynamics of the 21st century are empowering vibrant economies. Centuries-old sultanates work hand-in-hand with young secular governments to flourish in a globally connected world. Democracies continue to modernize and prosper, casting aside their colonial legacies and politically tumultuous histories. Diversity and positive economic trends are reasons for optimism, but Southeast Asia's geography and economic potential carry numerous intrinsic challenges as well. The sheer distance between several of the nations-capitals and their most distant islands has historically made it difficult to extend government presence to every quarter. Long associated with piracy and other criminal enterprises, these remote locations still invite terrorists and their support networks to exploit them as safe havens. Another driver of conflict is the growing competition for scarce resources and products, in particular oil and steel, both necessary to fuel the region's continued economic expansion. Estimates vary, but most agree that emerging Asia will one day rival or surpass the developed West's appetite for the building blocks of modern industry. If effective mechanisms to manage this demand are not established and entrenched, the competition for resources may transition from a purely economic matter into the world?s diplomatic and military arenas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA516797
Entities
People
- Herschel Weinstock
- John D. Wheeler
Organizations
- National Defense University