Accession Number:

ADA516797

Title:

The Enduring Value of Military-to-Military Cooperation in Southeast Asia

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIV WASHINGTON DC INST FOR NATIONAL STRATEGIC STUDIES

Personal Author(s):

• Wheeler, John D.
• Weinstock, Herschel

Report Date:

2007-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

5.0

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 Asias 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 regions continued economic expansion. Estimates vary, but most agree that emerging Asia will one day rival or surpass the developed Wests 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 worlds diplomatic and military arenas.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
• *SOUTH CHINA SEA
• *INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
• *MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN)
• *ECONOMICS
• NETWORKS
• MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
• POPULATION
• FUELS
• AGGREGATES(MATERIALS)
• TERRORISTS
• REMOTE AREAS
• GEOGRAPHY
• INDIAN OCEAN
• MARKETING
• APPETITE
• EXPANSION

Subject Categories:

• Economics and Cost Analysis
• Government and Political Science
• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE