East Asia: Economic interdependence and regional security

The post-Cold War political/security environment has fostered both economic growth and cooperation in the countries of East Asia. Nonetheless, potential serious security challenges and uncertainties continue to exist which could threaten the future of regional peace and stability, while economic cooperation provides an opportunity to generate greater trust and confidence. This article discusses the vehicles for creating better habits of cooperation such as the promotion of natural economic territories and participation in subregional growth triangles, while accepting that the lack of political and of economic transparency remain fundamental challenges in the search for an improved Asian security environment.