Multilateral security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region : prospects and possibilities.

Abstract

This paper seeks to (i) describe the achievements with respect to the institutionalisation of multilateralism in the Asia-Pacific since 1992; (ii) provide a critical assessment of this progress; (iii) consider some of the principal problems affecting the process; (iv) provide some net assessment of the achievements to date and what this suggests for the future; and (v) outline and agenda for action. It acknowledges the extraordinary progress of the institutionalisation of multilateral security cooperation between 1992-97 but also sees this process and institutionalising a region-wide confidence-building process were fundamentally important achievements of the first five-year period, but they were relatively easy undertakings when compared to mroe substantive activites such as preventive diplomacy, conflict resolution or arms control.