ABSTRACT
The collective view of Association of Southeast Asian Nations members is that interference in the internal affairs of other countries will impede economic progress and political stability. On the contrary, the advancement of the high-growth Asian economies is a testament to the symbiosis of political and economic freedom. Wishful thinking, political opportunism, and superficial cooperation agreements generated by highly publicized summit meetings combine to create a false sense of optimism about continued peace and stability. Economic and political self-interest motivates various groups to downplay sources of regional geopolitical instability. Many East Asian regimes face challenges to the existing social contract, or uncertainty over the succession of long-serving rulers. With many of the East Asian countries well-advanced in their capability to produce sophisticated electronics components, they will inevitably attempt to leapfrog into high-tech weapons production. The swift and certain administration of justice is often touted by the Singapore government as a core Asian value.
