The economic growth of East and South-East Asia in the context of the global financial crisis has strengthened the view that this region is emerging in the 21st century as the most economically vibrant region in the world. With some of the largest economies, and generally high economic growth rates compared to the rest of the world, it is unsurprising that East and South-East Asia has become the subject of global interest. East Asia's rise inevitably focuses attention on the issue of China's emergence as a regional and global power. Such a prospect challenges the current status quo, in which the region is dominated by the USA and its regional allies, and issues in Sino-US strategic relations have raised global awareness of the need to understand this pivotal region better. In addition, the Taiwan issue continues to evoke nationalist sentiments in China, and North Korea continues to threaten regional stability. Non-traditional (or alternative) security issues are also of major importance in the region, including natural disasters and epidemics, as well as challenges relating to human rights and governance, transnational crime, demographic issues, economics and trade and regionalism. This Handbook aims to offer an insight into these issues. The volume is divided into two main sections. The first, International Relations and Security Perspectives, will focus on the international relations of the region, paying special attention to the key state players. The chapter contributions will examine the security perspectives, and foreign and defence policies of these states, as well as key bilateral relationships. The second section will examine key Regional Non-traditional Security Issues, including globalization, transnational health challenges, population growth and the environment.

While global attention has been focused on other regional issues, such as China-US tensions and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, little attention has been paid to Taiwan. Yet the so-called Taiwan issue, namely the continued separation of the island from mainland China, remains a major regional security challenge that could potentially spark direct conflict involving the USA, China and Japan, the three largest economies in the world, two of which are nuclear powers. Although Taiwan has continued to find opportunities to maintain the current status quo despite a deteriorating geo-strategic environment as a result of the rise of China and the uncertainties of the Trump Administration, its room for manoeuvre continues to narrow. This volume examines the challenges and evaluates the prospects for preventing conflict on the Taiwan Strait, by focusing on the political conditions that Taiwan faces internally and externally.

The rise of the Islamic State since 2014 has led to the re-emergence of terrorism as a serious security threat in Asia. Coupled with the ongoing terrorism and insurgency challenges from both radical religious extremists and also ethno-nationalist insurgencies, it is clear that some parts of Asia remain mired in armed rebellion despite decades of nation-building. While the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan has obviously deteriorated, there is also a growing terrorist challenge, on top of armed insurgencies, in other parts of Asia. A common theme in armed rebellions in the region has been the lack of legitimacy of the state and the presence of fundamental causes stemming from political, economic or social grievances. Addressing rebellion in the region thus requires a comprehensive approach involving transnational co-operation, addressing fundamental grievances, and also the use of more innovative approaches, such as religious rehabilitation and reconciliation programmes.

This book is the first systematic examination of the emerging arms race in Asia. The global trade in arms is to a large degree underpinned by the strong demand for arms in Asia and the Middle East, the two largest arms export markets in the world. Of these two regions Asia has become particularly significant, led by the emergence of China and India as major powers. It is therefore not surprising that the rapid military modernisation in Asia, accompanied by significant increases in the size and sophistication of armed forces, has generated attention as to its trends, key characteristics, causes and implications. This phenomenon, which has become evident since the end of the Cold War, has also been widely described as an Asian 'arms race'. This book evaluates the key conceptual ideas which can shed light on this phenomenon, as well as examining the complex mix of internal, external and technological factors that have led to its emergence. The volume explores the way in which the arms race is leading ultimately to three distinctive blocs in the emerging geostrategic landscape: a loose bloc of US allies in the region; a counter-bloc of potential US adversaries; and a neutral bloc of states with industrial age armed forces whose allegiances will vary according to circumstances and geostrategic developments. The Arms Race in Asia concludes that if the emerging arms race is left unchecked, it is likely that Asia will increasingly become a region of instability, marked by conflicts and interstate wars. The book will be of great interest to students of Asian politics, strategic studies, defence studies, security studies and IR in general.

The Global Arms Trade is written by a team of security experts drawn from around the world, analysing a phenomenon which has continued to flourish despite the end of the Cold War and the preoccupation with global terrorism after 11 September 2001. It provides a clear description and analysis of the demand for, and supply of, modern weapons systems, and assesses key issues of concern. The comprehensive and in-depth treatment of the subject establishes this volume as a standard reference on the subject. It is divided sections which examine the demand for arms, the supply of arms and the key issues in the global arms trade. Part 1: Introduction. Develops the general conceptual framework by providing and overview of the global arms trade Part 2: Arms Modernization after the Cold War. Focuses on the demand for arms, in terms of defence spending, procurement and modernization Part 3: The Arms Industry after the Cold War. Examines the supply of arms, and the evolution, development of the arms industry, as well as its problems and prospects Part 4: Key Issues in the Global Arms Trade. Discusses the major issues arising from the arms trade phenomenon The global arms trade is a major area of academic and governmental enquiry. With chapters looking at World regions such as Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as individual countries, this book will be of particular use and interest to scholars of international relations and security studies, policy analysts and defence professionals.

This book is the first systematic examination of the emerging arms race in Asia. The global trade in arms is to a large degree underpinned by the strong demand for arms in Asia and the Middle East, the two largest arms export markets in the world. Of these two regions Asia has become particularly significant, led by the emergence of China and India as major powers. It is therefore not surprising that the rapid military modernisation in Asia, accompanied by significant increases in the size and sophistication of armed forces, has generated attention as to its trends, key characteristics, causes and implications. This phenomenon, which has become evident since the end of the Cold War, has also been widely described as an Asian 'arms race'. This book evaluates the key conceptual ideas which can shed light on this phenomenon, as well as examining the complex mix of internal, external and technological factors that have led to its emergence. The volume explores the way in which the arms race is leading ultimately to three distinctive blocs in the emerging geostrategic landscape: a loose bloc of US allies in the region; a counter-bloc of potential US adversaries; and a neutral bloc of states with industrial age armed forces whose allegiances will vary according to circumstances and geostrategic developments. The Arms Race in Asia concludes that if the emerging arms race is left unchecked, it is likely that Asia will increasingly become a region of instability, marked by conflicts and interstate wars. The book will be of great interest to students of Asian politics, strategic studies, defence studies, security studies and IR in general.

Terrorism is increasingly at the forefront of political agendas. Events world-wide have led to an increased awareness and response to this global phenomenon. The focus of this volume is on examining the fundamental causes of alienation and rebellion that underlie the use of terrorism as an instrument of violence.

This title includes:

• essays, each of around 8,000 words in length, providing in-depth analysis of topics of relevance in the subject
• an A-Z glossary of key terrorist groups and organizations, as well as major terrorist incidences and events
• detailed maps and statistics
• an extensive bibliography listing further relevant reading material.

This unique combination of analytically detailed essays with statistics and a glossary make this title a unique one-stop reference source as well as a training and education guide on the politics of terrorism world-wide.

Since the crucial maritime battles that were fought during the Second World War in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the post-war period, which saw a naval standoff between a vast US navy and a growing Soviet navy, the focus of international maritime power has changed. Major maritime powers have deployed warships, aircraft carriers and heavy land forces around the globe, for purposes of diplomacy, such as in maintaining far-flung alliances; for deterrent purposes, such as in the Taiwan Straits; for warfighting, such as in its crucial support roles in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and both Gulf Wars; and for complex emergencies, such as tsunami and earthquake rescue in Indonesia and Pakistan. Increasingly, maritime power is employed in counter-terrorism, such as in joint patrols, counter-terrorism exercises and in intercepting ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction. The Politics of Maritime Power is an exploration of the contemporary facets of maritime power, particularly as an instrument of the state, in the post-Second World War era. This reference volume is divided into four parts, with chapters exploring various aspects of modern maritime power written by maritime experts; a series of maps which show major maritime zones; a glossary which contains over 240 entries on various aspects of maritime power; and a detailed bibliography.

The Global Arms Trade is written by a team of security experts drawn from around the world, analysing a phenomenon which has continued to flourish despite the end of the Cold War and the preoccupation with global terrorism after 11 September 2001. It provides a clear description and analysis of the demand for, and supply of, modern weapons systems, and assesses key issues of concern. The comprehensive and in-depth treatment of the subject establishes this volume as a standard reference on the subject. It is divided sections which examine the demand for arms, the supply of arms and the key issues in the global arms trade. Part 1: Introduction. Develops the general conceptual framework by providing and overview of the global arms trade Part 2: Arms Modernization after the Cold War. Focuses on the demand for arms, in terms of defence spending, procurement and modernization Part 3: The Arms Industry after the Cold War. Examines the supply of arms, and the evolution, development of the arms industry, as well as its problems and prospects Part 4: Key Issues in the Global Arms Trade. Discusses the major issues arising from the arms trade phenomenon The global arms trade is a major area of academic and governmental enquiry. With chapters looking at World regions such as Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as individual countries, this book will be of particular use and interest to scholars of international relations and security studies, policy analysts and defence professionals.

Since the crucial maritime battles that were fought during the Second World War in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the post-war period, which saw a naval standoff between a vast US navy and a growing Soviet navy, the focus of international maritime power has changed.

Major maritime powers have deployed warships, aircraft carriers and heavy land forces around the globe, for purposes of diplomacy, such as in maintaining far-flung alliances; for deterrent purposes, such as in the Taiwan Straits; for warfighting, such as in its crucial support roles in recent conflicts in Afghanistan and both Gulf Wars; and for complex emergencies, such as tsunami and earthquake rescue in Indonesia and Pakistan. Increasingly, maritime power is employed in counter-terrorism, such as in joint patrols, counter-terrorism exercises and in intercepting ships suspected of carrying weapons of mass destruction.

The Politics of Maritime Power is an exploration of the contemporary facets of maritime power, particularly as an instrument of the state, in the post-World War Two era. This reference volume is divided into four parts, with chapters exploring various aspects of modern maritime power written by maritime experts; a series of maps which show major maritime zones, with their chokepoints, major sea-lanes of communications and territorial disputes; a dictionary which contains over 240 entries on various aspects of maritime power; and a detailed bibliography.

Terrorism is increasingly at the forefront of political agendas. Events world-wide have led to an increased awareness and response to this global phenomenon. The focus of this volume is on examining the fundamental causes of alienation and rebellion that underlie the use of terrorism as an instrument of violence.

This title includes:

• essays, each of around 8,000 words in length, providing in-depth analysis of topics of relevance in the subject
• an A-Z glossary of key terrorist groups and organizations, as well as major terrorist incidences and events
• detailed maps and statistics
• an extensive bibliography listing further relevant reading material.

This unique combination of analytically detailed essays with statistics and a glossary make this title a unique one-stop reference source as well as a training and education guide on the politics of terrorism world-wide.

While global attention has been focused on other regional issues, such as China-US tensions and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, little attention has been paid to Taiwan. Yet the so-called Taiwan issue, namely the continued separation of the island from mainland China, remains a major regional security challenge that could potentially spark direct conflict involving the USA, China and Japan, the three largest economies in the world, two of which are nuclear powers. Although Taiwan has continued to find opportunities to maintain the current status quo despite a deteriorating geo-strategic environment as a result of the rise of China and the uncertainties of the Trump Administration, its room for manoeuvre continues to narrow. This volume examines the challenges and evaluates the prospects for preventing conflict on the Taiwan Strait, by focusing on the political conditions that Taiwan faces internally and externally.

The rise of the Islamic State since 2014 has led to the re-emergence of terrorism as a serious security threat in Asia. Coupled with the ongoing terrorism and insurgency challenges from both radical religious extremists and also ethno-nationalist insurgencies, it is clear that some parts of Asia remain mired in armed rebellion despite decades of nation-building. While the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan has obviously deteriorated, there is also a growing terrorist challenge, on top of armed insurgencies, in other parts of Asia. A common theme in armed rebellions in the region has been the lack of legitimacy of the state and the presence of fundamental causes stemming from political, economic or social grievances. Addressing rebellion in the region thus requires a comprehensive approach involving transnational co-operation, addressing fundamental grievances, and also the use of more innovative approaches, such as religious rehabilitation and reconciliation programmes.

The economic growth of East and South-East Asia in the context of the global financial crisis has strengthened the view that this region is emerging in the 21st century as the most economically vibrant region in the world. With some of the largest economies, and generally high economic growth rates compared to the rest of the world, it is unsurprising that East and South-East Asia has become the subject of global interest. East Asia's rise inevitably focuses attention on the issue of China's emergence as a regional and global power. Such a prospect challenges the current status quo, in which the region is dominated by the USA and its regional allies, and issues in Sino-US strategic relations have raised global awareness of the need to understand this pivotal region better. In addition, the Taiwan issue continues to evoke nationalist sentiments in China, and North Korea continues to threaten regional stability. Non-traditional (or alternative) security issues are also of major importance in the region, including natural disasters and epidemics, as well as challenges relating to human rights and governance, transnational crime, demographic issues, economics and trade and regionalism. This Handbook aims to offer an insight into these issues. The volume is divided into two main sections. The first, International Relations and Security Perspectives, will focus on the international relations of the region, paying special attention to the key state players. The chapter contributions will examine the security perspectives, and foreign and defence policies of these states, as well as key bilateral relationships. The second section will examine key Regional Non-traditional Security Issues, including globalization, transnational health challenges, population growth and the environment.

This dictionary provides definitions and explanations of economic and political terms and references relating to South-East Asia. The book contains entries covering various areas and issues, such as the recent history and economy of each country in the region, ethnic groups, political parties and party leaders, politicians, conflicts, regions, border disputes, key businesses and stock markets. Each entry provides a clear and concise explanation or definition of the term or name to which it refers.
Key features:
* Provides an essential overview of a region for which information is often hard to locate
* Entries are cross-referenced for ease of use.
Countries included are:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Viet Nam.
Entries in this title include:
Aid, ASEAN, APEC, Commodities, Conflicts, Globalization, Islam, Migration and Multinationals.