Impact of the Asian Economic Crisis on Security in the Region of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

摘要

The current Asian economic crisis has caused a reversal in the expectations and projections for future security in the ASEAN region. Current economic projections indicate some countries have not been as badly affected as others, but that those who have been hard-hit can expect a protracted and painful recovery. Previous regional stability was based in large part on economic prosperity and growth. That foundation has now been shaken and the question arises, to what extent does this threaten regional security. Prior to the 1997 economic crisis there were a number of existing threats to security. These threats, while important, were manageable through existing regional security mechanisms. However, doubts are often expressed regarding the robustness of these mechanisms. Nevertheless, the region has shown an almost unique ability to successfully adapt to emerging situations, and there is some confidence that it will continue to do so.