Pacific Asia: Prospects for Security and Cooperation in East Asia

(Paperback)

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Many studies of Asia-Pacific security are marked by pessimism and continuing belief in the virtues of a balance of power. "Pacific Asia" goes against the grain by pointing to a number of positive developments - especially economic - in regional relationships, the absence of an arms race, the growth of multilateral groups and an emerging consensus on the importance of nonmilitary paths to national security. Above all, Mel Gurtov stresses a definition of security that focuses on basic human needs, social justice and environmental protection. The author disagrees with proponents of a China threat, criticizes US cold war notions of security through forward-based power, and argues for new efforts at regional dialogue based on multilateral co-operation, sensitivity to Asian nationalism, and a role for Japan as a "global civilian power".

Reviews

Within the context of a burgeoning literature on Asian security, this book is wise, welcome, and timely. It suggests a range of preventive policies that are workable, globally humanist, and culturally appropriate. * Journal of Asian Studies *

Author Bio

Mel Gurtov is professor of political science and international studies at Portland State University. He is editor-in-chief of Asian Perspective, an international affairs quarterly journal.