The forces of internationalism, nationalism, and communalism are vastly shaping the global stage upon which states must formulate actions necessary to sustain stability and promote economic growth. In this regard, the case of Asia represents a consolidation of both prominent progress but also persistent challenge. Despite the relatively low inter-state tensions encompassing Northeast Asia, there still remain the critical issues of Taiwan and its disputed identity, coupled with North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Here, the United States, while not a part of the region geographically, is an important variable in influencing domestic and regional policies of states. In Southeast Asia, a slightly different pattern prevails, wherein significant domestic challenges are juxtaposed with a favorable trend with respect to international relations. As such, the relative tranquility enjoyed by Southeast Asian states is to an extent offset by detrimental domestic economic policies and political divisions within borders. The internal conditions within states such as Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines are mired by separatist and ethnic strife that are not conducive to stability. Similarly, much of South Asia remains domestically troubled in both economic and political terms, while inter-state relations within and outside the region are basically stable. The case of Sri Lanka and its fight against the Tamil rebels delineates the regional implications resonating from deep domestic cleavages centering upon border sectors. Despite the perceivable fragility and uncertainty emanating from such challenges, inter-state relations among Asian nations are stronger and more positive at present than at any other time in the past. How the Asian nations go about managing their respective domestic frontiers will be a vital test of the prospects for peace and stability in the region.
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