ABSTRACT
This chapter describes evolution of the security discourse since the mid-1980s. It argues that in mid-1994 there is emerging consensus on a number of issues, but dissent on many others. The chapter examines number of potential causes of insecurity in the region including the regional arms build-up and the associated risk of 'security dilemma' instabilities. It also argues that most appropriate strategy for dealing with 'security dilemma' risks is 'common security'. The chapter also examines the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Japanese concepts of 'comprehensive security', which emphasise non-military instruments for achieving and maintaining security. It shows that a combination of the military prescriptions of 'common security' and the non-military approaches of 'comprehensive security' will help lessen the risks of interstate conflict. During the second half of the 1980s, the dominant security discourse in the Asia-Pacific came under increasing challenge.
