Asia-Pacific Geopolitics: Hegemony vs. Human Security
Joseph A. (Edt) Camilleri
Synopsis "Asia-Pacific Geopolitics: Hegemony vs. Human Security "
`Geopolitical contestation in the Asia-Pacific will be one of the defining features of the wider international order in the twenty-first century. This well-conceived volume brings together a team of leading scholars from around the region to help us understand why and what it may mean. It could hardly be more timely or useful.'- Mark Beeson, University of York, UK`. . . a very timely and valuable set of essays by expert contributorsdealing with some of the most crucial issues of our time. The essays arebound to stimulate more informed debate on the complex dynamics of theAsia-Pacific region and the challenges and dilemmas of the first decade ofthe twenty-first century.'- Stephanie Lawson, University of East Anglia, UK`Are Japan and Australia part of Asia? Can middle powers and/or the United Nations play a constructive role independent of the dominance of a hegemonic power? The authors of this stimulating collection on the geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific astutely weigh the possibilities for the emergence of an Asian community as an alternative to dependence by middle powers and the UN on the United States in a period of hegemonic decline in the wake of 9/11.'- Mark Selden, Cornell University, USThis book is a probing reassessment of security prospects for the Asia-Pacific region centered 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? can states, multilateral organizations 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, defense, 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.
