This book is a probing reassessment of security prospects for the Asia-Pacific region centred on an analysis of three key notions: hegemonic power, human security and multilateralism. The post-September 11 world is steadily moving towards multipolarity as the hegemon's authority declines. The UN is at a pivotal moment in its history and middle powers like Japan and Australia will no doubt help to shape its future. Furthermore, China's star is rising and the region has to contend with all the ramifications of this complex reality. The book defines human security as a concept that offers the international community a broader philosophical and political purpose and gives substance to the emerging regional and global multilateralism. It poses perhaps the two most intriguing and critical questions of the moment: can civil society and epistemic communities, operating across cultural and civil boundaries, play a more influential role in defining the goals and processes of regional cooperation in Asia Pacific? and can states, multilateral organisations and civil society develop a more effective partnership in pursuit of these goals? This book brings together distinguished scholars and experts on public policy, social ethics, defence, human security and sustainability to consider the future of the Asia-Pacific region and appropriate responses by both states and civil society. It will appeal to scholars and researchers of international relations, politics and Asian studies as well as policymakers in the region.

The UN-led Cyprus peace process is in desperate need of radical transformation. This book makes a notable contribution towards changing the current discourse by empowering the main parties to better value their relationship. By altering goals and perceptions, the authors explore alternative visions for the future of Cyprus, suggesting both realistically feasible and politically challenging ideas. Using an exciting, innovative and multifocal approach, the authors discuss the practical application of resolutions and explore the radical disagreements of the conflict at both social and political levels. Reflecting on the idea of a ?'post-settlement?' situation and the prospect of such a reality, chapters illustrate the problems, challenges and political dynamics of Cyprus. The book explores the conceptual approaches to dialogue; a review of Greek, Turkish and Cypriot policies; the challenging roles of the UN and EU; Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot perspectives on the conflict, and finally dialogical reflections and debates on past and future problems. Allowing open and expressive dialogue, this book will interest those in academic and practitioner roles focused on international politics, conflict resolution and peace studies. It allows for further understanding of the complex perspectives presented in Cyprus that have great relevance in other international settings. Contributors include: C. Adamides, A.B. Akter, D. Christofias, G. Christou, B. Ekenoglu, D. Eroglu, A. Gunal, M. Hadjipavlou, A. Heraclides, E.Icener, M. Kontos, N. Loizides, M.S. Michael, N. Moudouros, Y. Omerou, I. OEzejder, S. Sonan, A. Soezen, M.A. Talat, G. Vassilou, Y. Vural