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.

Sheldon W. Simon is professor of political science at Arizona State University.