The Rise of Emerging Asia: Regional Peace and Global Security

Th e rapid economic rise of China, India, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could have several eff ects on regional peace and global security. Th e power transition perspective overstates the risk of confl ict that results from convergence between dominant and challenger states. Rapid changes in economic and military capabilities can, however, have negative consequences for regional peace. Th ree features of the international environment—democratization, economic interdependence, and international institutions—provide weak insurance, at best, against confl ict in Asia. Emerging Asian powers may also challenge existing global security regimes, a more indirect threat to global peace. Th e continuing contribution of Asia to global peace and security will require measures that will be diffi cult for newly empowered actors competing for status and infl uence. JEL Codes: F02, F51, F52, F53