Demonstrating that none of the various perspectives under review has emerged as the clear winner in the struggle for theoretical hegemony in security studies, this book shows that eclectic perspectives, like democratic realist institutionalism, can better explain peace and security in the Asian Pacific. The Asian Pacific has emerged as one of the most important regions in the world, causing scholars to pay increased attention to the various challenges, old and new, to peace and security there. Peace and Security in the Asia-Pacific: Theory and Practice is a comprehensive, critical review of the established theoretical perspectives relevant to contemporary peace and security studies in the light of recent experiences. Illuminating ongoing debates in the field, the book covers some 20 theoretical perspectives on peace and security in the Asian Pacific, including realist, liberal, socialist, peace and human security, constructivist, feminist, and nontraditional security studies. The first section of the book discusses perspectives in realist security studies, the second part covers perspectives critical of realism. The author's goal is to assess whether any of the perspectives found in nonrealist security studies are capable of undermining realism. His conclusion is that each theoretical perspective has its strengths and weaknesses, leaving eclecticism as the best way to understand the region's dynamics.

This book is based on the proceedings of the National Security Seminar 2011 conducted at the USI from 17 to 18 Nov 2011. The views of eminent speakers from across the globe have been covered on the following themes:- • Strategic and Security Environment in the Asia Pacific Region • Existing Political and Economic Frameworks in the Asia Pacific: Have they fulfilled regional aspirations? • Bringing an Enduring Security Architecture for the Asia Pacific This book intends to examine the current state and possible future trajectory of efforts to create an Asia Pacific security architecture. The problems are challenging but not insurmountable. Efforts to build an appropriate security architecture would certainly be in the interest of the region.

Peace and Security in Indo-Pacific Asia is for the informed, the interested, and the engaged. Sorpong Peou brings together the skills of the pedagogue with the knowledge of the scholar. -Dr. David Dewitt, University Professor Emeritus, Senior Scholar, York University, Toronto, Canada. Peou’s excellent book provides both the lay reader and the specialist with six important theoretical frameworks which should provide the basis for better appreciation of what a security community in Indo-Pacific Asia means in our world today. There are very few scholars who understand the region like Peou. -Dr. W. Andy Knight, Professor of Political Science, the University of Alberta, Canada. Sorpong Peou’s extraordinary breadth of knowledge, of both International Relations theory and the key trends in Indo-Pacific Asia, shines through in this authoritative analysis. -Dr. Richard Stubbs, Professor of Political Science, McMaster University, Canada. A pedagogical approach of the textbook that is appreciated is how the author respectfully engages with the theories of IR and is not pushing an agenda of denouncing some theories and trying to persuade the reader of others. We live in such polarizing times that it is truly refreshing to read scholarly work that avoids sensationalistic attacks on theories that have been debated for decades. Each theory in this manuscript is explored on its own terms, and the reader is encouraged to figure out where they stand on these enduring debates in the context of Indo-Pacific security. The approach will lead to compelling classroom discussions of the theories and the politics of the region. This book is a must-read for any student or observer of security trends in the region. -Dr. Mark Williams, Chair and Professor of Political Studies, Vancouver Island University, B.C., Canada.

The momentous events of the past year have changed the political face of the globe: the ideological struggle that dominated the world for most of this century is over; erstwhile mortal enemies have become friends and partners. But old attitudes have survived and modern weapons are in abundance. New foci of conflict have emerged; military confrontations are taking place; the world is still in turmoil.The welcome deep cuts in nuclear weapons have still left thousands of warheads in the arsenals, and the spread of these weapons to new states would further increase the danger of a nuclear confrontation.The release of the pressure pent-up under oppressive regimes created a powerful drive for independence, often achieved only after bloody wars. Many of the new states are economically non-viable: poverty and famine are frequent adjuncts of independence.If military conflicts are to be avoided, a comprehensive strategy must be formulated to improve the standards of living in the developing countries and enhance their security. A strategy is also needed to protect the environment from the effects of further industrialization and greater use of energy. What is needed is a concept of a sustainable, equitable and liveable world for all its inhabitants.All these problems were analysed by scientists and scholars who met at a Pugwash Conference. The arguments used by them and the proposed solutions are presented in this book under six themes: World Peace; Nuclear Disarmament Issues; Arms Control; Security in the Asia-Pacific Region; Development Strategies and World Economic Order; Energy and the Environment.

From the war on terror to the rise of China, this book unlocks the major strategic themes and security challenges of the early twenty-first century. Strategy and Security in the Asia-Pacific provides the analytical frameworks needed to make sense of this complex but exciting strategic universe. Offering a unique mix of global strategic thinking and Asia-Pacific security analysis, this book is for readers from Sydney to Seoul who want to put their own local security challenges in a wider regional and global context. It is also for North American and European readers requiring an understanding of the dynamic security developments in the Asia-Pacific region around which so much of global strategy is increasingly based. The really vital questions facing the international community are dealt with here: Why do governments and groups still use armed force? Has warfare really changed in the information age? Why should we be concerned about non-traditional security challenges such as water shortages and the spread of infectious disease? Is a great clash imminent between the United States and China? What are the prospects for peace on the Korean peninsula and between India and Pakistan? Can Southeast Asia survive the challenges of transnational terrorism? What does security mean for the Pacific island countries and for Australia and New Zealand? With contributions from leading commentators and analysts, Strategy and Security in the Asia-Pacific offers a comprehensive and authoritative introduction to the field.

Details North Korea's technology, infrastructure, and institutions and discusses difficulties the country faces in creating alternatives to a nuclear weapons program within the context of maintaining environmentally sound, ecologically sustainable energy development in the region. Contains sections on nuclear reactors and technology transfer, economic sanctions and incentives, strategy and confidence building, and Korea and the major powers. Includes appendices of documents. Paper edition (unseen), $24.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR