ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses what types of confidence and a security building measure (CSBM) seem most appropriate and offers recommendations as to the best methods of cooperatively pursuing them. It begins with a look at current and potential Asia Pacific security concerns in order to better understand the security environment in which Asia Pacific CSBMs may be applied. Given the varying types of potential threats and the region’s geographical, political, and cultural diversity, the question remains as to what types of CSBMs, if any, would be appropriate to the Asia Pacific in the post-cold war era. Definitions of CSBMs vary, ranging from the very narrow to much broader interpretations encompassing almost anything that builds confidence. The prospective CSBMs that follow are presented for ease of discussion under four general headings—expand transparency measures, support global treaty regimes, build on existing cooperation, and develop new multilateral approaches—with the recognition that overlap exists among the groupings.
