ABSTRACT
This chapter revisits the objectives listed in this introduction. It summarizes the niche diplomatic output of the two middle powers, Japan and South Korea, in the peacebuilding, development, and human security fields, as evaluated in Chapters 4 and 5. It further recaps the extent to which these outputs make positive contributions to peacebuilding, development, and human security in the fragile locations and among the vulnerable populations of Southeast Asian partners identified in Chapter 3, while at the same time providing Seoul and Tokyo more bang for their diplomatic bucks. Chapter 6 also revisits and develops the concept of spillover as it applies not only to conflict transformation and peacebuilding within fragile locations in Southeast Asia, but also to confidence-building between the Northeast Asian actors. In particular, it develops further the analysis of the key concept of socialization. It assesses the progress made, obstacles to, and opportunities for the construction of a region of peace, security, and development. Policy recommendations include the need for yet more human-focused policy mainstreaming, and more investment in and commitment to multilateral, networked models of diplomacy.
