ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book argues that a straight transfer of European mechanisms to Asia would be inappropriate and that Asia should design its own mechanisms. It discusses the many difficulties in regional security cooperation and the new dynamics coming into play in the region as a result of economic and political change. The book also argues that one criterion for evaluating the achievements of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the extent of cognitive learning among the participants and the development of shared values. It suggests that APEC's achievement is limited to tactical, rather, than cognitive, learning. The book shows that in analysing economic cooperation, the claim that relative gains matter more than absolute gains is being regarded with increasing scepticism. Most of the contributions are concerned with how theories of international cooperation may apply in the Asia-Pacific region.
