ABSTRACT
With a population of 360,000 people and a territory about the size of the U.S. state of Delaware, Negara Brunei Darussalam is an emblematic example of a vulnerable "small state" in the international system that protects itself by curbing domestic security threats to the regime, by developing good relationships with its neighbors, and by forging ties with international organizations, especially the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Unlike other small states, Brunei fortunately has a rich resource base derived from oil and gas, which gives it funds to foster domestic legitimacy and forge strategic regional ties. This minuscule state's vulnerability stems from its geography. Located on the northern coast of Borneo, Brunei's territory is divided into two disconnected sections by the Malaysian district of Limbang and lies adjacent to Indonesia and the Philippines. In the post–-Cold War era, especially after the September 11 attacks, security concerns have expanded, moving from traditional security apprehension regarding territory to nontraditional issues of terrorism and other transnational threats. Brunei is one of three majority Muslim countries in Southeast Asia that has used religion to consolidate domestic support; however, since it borders states that have radical groups, Brunei has become linked with radical Islamic extremism in the region, thus increasing attention to the sultanate.
