New Approaches to Human Security in the Asia-Pacific offers a distinctly Asia-Pacific-oriented perspective to one of the most discussed components of international security policy, human security. This volume of regional experts assess countries that have either spearheaded this form of security politics (Japan and Australia) or have recently advanced to become a key player on various aspects of human security in both a domestic and global context (China). The authors provide an interesting investigation into the continued relevance and promise of the human security paradigm against more 'traditional' security approaches. Accordingly the book will appeal to readers across a wide band of the social sciences (international relations, security studies, development studies and public policy) and to practitioners and analysts working in applied settings.

New Approaches to Human Security in the Asia-Pacific offers a distinctly Asia-Pacific-oriented perspective to one of the most discussed components of international security policy, human security. This volume of regional experts assess countries that have either spearheaded this form of security politics (Japan and Australia) or have recently advanced to become a key player on various aspects of human security in both a domestic and global context (China). The authors provide an interesting investigation into the continued relevance and promise of the human security paradigm against more 'traditional' security approaches. Accordingly the book will appeal to readers across a wide band of the social sciences (international relations, security studies, development studies and public policy) and to practitioners and analysts working in applied settings.

This book is about peace and security in the Asia-Pacific: it critically reviews various perspectives on peace and security in the region and seeks to determine whether any of them has now emerged as the winner in the struggle for hegemony. If none has, it may be wise for us to aim at building innovative theories based on the strengths of existing theories. As shall be discussed in this introduction, the study of peace and security is not only about the actual use or threat of force and the prevention of war, but also about the causes, consequences, and control of insecurity said to be rooted in various sources of threat to humans, their values, their agencies, and their environment, as well as about possible cures. Security as a concept is essentially contested and has become increasingly contestable. This conceptual challenge has the advantage of opening space for debate, but this book will make the case that, in the end, theoretical eclecticism offers the most promising perspective for the emerging policy agenda of building a regional security community during the 21st century.

Journal of international development.

Regionalism in the Asia-Pacific is a complex and rapidly evolving phenomenon. This volume explores the relationship between globalization and regionalization, between states, markets and civil society, and between US hegemony and Asian aspirations.

Linda Briskman is the Dr Haruhisa Handa Chair in Human Rights Education at Curtin University of Technology. Her research interests include Indigenous policy and refugee and asylum seeker rights. Her most recent book is Social Work with Indigenous Communities (The Federation Press, 2007). Alperhan Babacan is a lecturer in law at the School of Accounting and Law, RMIT University. Alperhan holds degrees in law and political science and a PhD from RMIT University. He has previously worked in the public and private sectors as researcher or solicitor and has written widely in areas of human rights law, comparative asylum and refugee policy, international law, counter-terrorism, citizenship and human security.

Despite significant cultural exchange, mutual trust and understanding remains fragile between Asia-Pacific countries. The community faces complex and seemingly intractable problems: violent civil conflicts, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, proliferation of nuclear weapons and flashpoints that may lead to war. The authors of this book argue that common reflection and dialogue is imperative. Their achieved aim is to bring together distinguished scholars and experts on public policy, social ethics, defence, human security and sustainability to consider the future of the Asia-Pacific region and appropriate responses by both states and civil society.