Abstract
This chapter introduces both the academic debate about multilateralism and the reality of multilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, distinguishing between different types of multilateral cooperation, including the idea of a security community. The chapter first investigates how different theories of international relations explain multilateralism, and it then looks at four key examples of multilateralism: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the ASEAN+3 process, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the East Asia Summit (EAS). These examples of multilateralism are characterised by similar shortcomings: a lack of substantive output, the unresolved question of the right size, a lack of leadership, and the role of sovereignty. The chapter closes by considering how increasing US attention to Asia- Pacific multilateralism will lead to both a greater demand for multilateral cooperation and a greater tension about the size, shape and purpose of this cooperation.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Asia-Pacific Security: An Introduction |
Editors | Joanne Wallis and Andrew Carr |
Place of Publication | Washington, DC, USA |
Publisher | Georgetown University Press |
Pages | 223-239 |
Volume | 1 |
Edition | 1st |
ISBN (Print) | 9781626163447 |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |