ABSTRACT
The security architecture of the Asia-Pacific region is in the process of profound transformation owing to the end of the Cold War and the dynamic economic developments in East and Southeast Asia (Ball 1996a). Economic factors, particularly the extraordinary rates of economic growth and the high degree of economic interdependence, are changing both the structure of security relations and the systemic tendencies toward conflict or peace in the region. Economic factors have also generated new or at least more engaging security concerns. For many countries in the region, economic vitality depends upon relatively long and sometimes quite vulnerable sea lanes of communication (SLOCs). The extraordinary economic growth has provided increased resources for allocation to defense programs, raising the prospect of a regional arms race. And there are concerns that the high degree of interdependence may facilitate the spread of security problems through the region. More particularly, if growth falters, or if conflict is introduced into the system, friction and disputation may quickly permeate the region.
